Needs Improvement
#3662 of 3,778 schools in FL
Denison Middle School
Middle School · POLK
400 AVENUE A SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Enrollment
729
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
3.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
729
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
3.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#3,662 of 3,778
In Winter Haven
#18 of 19
public schools
In district
#143 of 155
POLK
Shortlisting around Denison Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Denison Middle School
Middle School in Winter Haven · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Grace Lutheran School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Future Scholars Christian Academy
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Denison Middle School
Denison Middle School is a public middle school in Winter Haven, FL, part of POLK. Denison Middle School serves approximately 729 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 21.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Denison Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10 and ranks #3,662 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Denison Middle School show 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.3 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.9
- FL avg 5.9
What Parents Should Know
Denison Middle School runs 21.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
52% of students at Denison Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Denison Middle School — Students at Denison Middle School score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
77%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 33 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.7/10.
How Denison Middle School Compares
See how Denison Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
400 AVENUE A SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Denison Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. FRANK E. BRIGHAM ACADEMY (rated 8.5/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is FUTURE SCHOLARS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 7.9/10, 0.2 miles away, in nearby Winterhaven), which scores notably higher. Additionally, WINTER HAVEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.8/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Winter Haven, see our Winter Haven schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33880 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,803
Median Home Value
$200,900
Median Rent
$1,128/mo
Population
42,336
College Educated
17.3%
Homeownership
65.8%
Avg Commute
26.8 min
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Median Age
36.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CRYSTAL LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Pompano Beach, FL | 3.3 |
| CRYSTAL LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Lakeland, FL | 3.3 |
| MCLANE MIDDLE SCHOOL Brandon, FL | 3.3 |
| SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL Lakeland, FL | 3.3 |
| BELLVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Pensacola, FL | 3.2 |
| TWIN LAKES ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 3.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Denison Middle School
What grades does Denison Middle School serve?
Denison Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Denison Middle School?
Denison Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 729 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Denison Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Denison Middle School is 21.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Denison Middle School rank in FL?
Denison Middle School ranks #3,662 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Denison Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Denison Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Denison Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Denison Middle School has 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Denison Middle School a charter school?
No, Denison Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Denison Middle School a Title I school?
No, Denison Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Denison Middle School?
77.0% of students at Denison Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 729
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 77.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 52.0%
- Phone
- (863) 291-5353
Resources & Links
District
POLK- District Enrollment
- 111,041
- Schools in District
- 167
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,242
- District Rank
- #143 of 155
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in Florida 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in Jacksonville, Miami & Tampa for Families Exploring School Choicebest schools
- Best Schools in Jacksonville, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Miami, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Orlando, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.