Average
#1538 of 3,777 schools in FL
Top 41% in state
Hardee Junior High School
High School · HARDEE
2401 US HIGHWAY 17 N, Wauchula, FL 33873
Enrollment
1,089
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
1,089
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Wauchula
#2 of 7
public schools
Florida high schools
#83 of 748
In district
#3 of 9
HARDEE
Academic growth
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Hardee Junior High School
Hardee Junior High School serves 1,089 students in grades 6-12 in Wauchula, Florida, operating as a comprehensive public school with 66 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining a 16.5:1 student-teacher ratio. The school ranks in the 45th percentile statewide, placing #2109 out of 3,816 Florida schools, with academic performance showing room for growth as students work toward proficiency goals. Currently, 47% of students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and Reading, while 48% achieve proficiency in Mathematics across grade levels.
The school serves a diverse student body with varying academic needs and provides educational opportunities for both middle and high school students under one roof. The school community reflects the broader area's demographics, where families have a median household income of $40,625 and the poverty rate reaches 29.7%. With only 10% of local residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, Hardee Junior High plays a crucial role in providing educational pathways for students in this working-class community.
Located on US Highway 17 North, the school sits in a rural setting near the town of Wauchula in Hardee County, serving families throughout this agricultural region of central Florida where the median home value is $120,200.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Hardee Junior High School 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Hardee Junior High School — Students at Hardee Junior High School score 42% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
69.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 10 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 7.5/10.
How Hardee Junior High School Compares
See how Hardee Junior High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 56% (2019) to 42% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 45% (2019) to 42% (2021).
Location
2401 US HIGHWAY 17 N, Wauchula, FL 33873
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Hardee Junior High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. FORT MEADE MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Fort Meade), with a comparable rating. Another option is PIONEER CAREER ACADEMY (rated 5.1/10, 2.8 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S CENTRAL CENTER (rated 3.9/10, 20.4 miles away, in nearby Bartow), a more accessible option. For more schools in Wauchula, see our Wauchula schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 20.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HILLTOP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wauchula | 0.0 mi | 5.4 |
| NORTH WAUCHULA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wauchula | 1.8 mi | 6.0 |
| HARDEE VIRTUAL FRANCHISE Wauchula | 2.0 mi | 3.6 |
| ALANE ACADEMY Wauchula | 2.5 mi | 5.0 |
| PIONEER CAREER ACADEMY Wauchula | 2.8 mi | 5.1 |
| WAUCHULA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wauchula | 3.0 mi | 7.2 |
| BOWLING GREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bowling Green | 3.5 mi | 7.6 |
| HARDEE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Wauchula | 4.0 mi | 3.1 |
| ZOLFO SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Zolfo Springs | 6.7 mi | 6.1 |
| LAKESIDE NEUROLOGIC Wauchula | 6.8 mi | — |
| LEWIS ANNA WOODBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Meade | 11.0 mi | 6.8 |
| FORT MEADE MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Fort Meade | 12.3 mi | 5.8 |
| HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND Bartow | 20.1 mi | 3.5 |
| POLK HALFWAY HOUSE Bartow | 20.3 mi | — |
| BARTOW MIDDLE SCHOOL Bartow | 20.3 mi | 5.1 |
| COMPASS MIDDLE CHARTER SCHOOL Bartow | 20.3 mi | 5.2 |
| POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S CENTRAL CENTER Bartow | 20.4 mi | 3.9 |
| POLK COUNTY SHERIFFS REGIONAL DETENTION CENTER Bartow | 20.4 mi | 3.8 |
| FLORAL AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bartow | 20.5 mi | 6.4 |
| JEAN O'DELL LEARNING CENTER Bartow | 20.6 mi | 8.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33873 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$51,311
Median Home Value
$128,500
Median Rent
$944/mo
Population
14,162
College Educated
14.2%
Homeownership
70.1%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
27.3%
Median Age
36.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Hardee Junior High School has a median household income of $51,311. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $128,500, with a median rent of $944/month. The area has a poverty rate of 27.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 27 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| COCOA BEACH JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Cocoa Beach, FL | 6.8 |
| PAXON SCHOOL/ADVANCED STUDIES Jacksonville, FL | 6.8 |
| PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL Palmetto Bay, FL | 6.7 |
| SOUTH WALTON HIGH SCHOOL Santa Rosa Beach, FL | 6.7 |
| FERNANDINA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL Fernandina Beach, FL | 6.9 |
| CRESCENT CITY JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL Crescent City, FL | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hardee Junior High School
What grades does Hardee Junior High School serve?
Hardee Junior High School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Hardee Junior High School?
Hardee Junior High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,089 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Hardee Junior High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Hardee Junior High School is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Hardee Junior High School rank in FL?
Hardee Junior High School is ranked #1538 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Hardee Junior High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Hardee Junior High School has a composite rating of 6.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Hardee Junior High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Hardee Junior High School has 48.6% math proficiency and 45.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Hardee Junior High School a charter school?
No, Hardee Junior High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Hardee Junior High School a Title I school?
No, Hardee Junior High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hardee Junior High School?
69.1% of students at Hardee Junior High 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,089
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 66
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 69.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Hardee County
- Phone
- (863) 773-3147
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
HARDEE- District Enrollment
- 4,725
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,932
- District Rank
- #3 of 9
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated 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.