Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred

Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred serves 911 middle school students in grades 6-8 as a charter school in Polk County, Florida. With 48 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 19:1 student-teacher ratio, providing reasonable class sizes for this grade level. Academically, the school shows room for growth, with 49% of students performing proficiently or above in English Language Arts and 48% in mathematics.

Discovery Academy ranks in the 42nd percentile among Florida's middle schools, placing it at #2223 out of 3816 schools statewide. As a charter school, Discovery Academy operates with increased autonomy while serving the public school mission. The school draws from a working-class community where the median household income is $49,801 and the poverty rate stands at 11.7%.

About one in five residents holds a bachelor's degree or higher, and median home values average $188,800, reflecting an affordable housing market that attracts families seeking educational options for their middle schoolers. Located on Buena Vista Drive North, Discovery Academy sits in a rural setting near the town of Lake Alfred, offering students a quieter educational environment away from urban distractions while still providing access to community resources and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Located in a rural area, Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.