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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

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 metrics
Student Progress7.5Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.45 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.2Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency42%
Reading/ELA Proficiency42%
Math vs. State Avg-13.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12.4 pts
Overall Proficiency42%
Expected (poverty-adj.)39%
vs. Expected+2.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
College Readiness6.5Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.1Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,936

Hardee Junior High School — Students at Hardee Junior High School score 42% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

69.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 48.6%
School
State
52.5%
ELA Proficiency 45.6%
School
State
51.8%

Based on 10 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
56%
ELA
45%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2024
Math
48.3%
ELA
47%

* 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.

Overall Score
6.8/10
59th percentile in FL
Academic
6.2/10
6.2/10
Growth
7.5/10
Above average
Environment
7.1/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
69%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
66 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
32 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (1,150/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Wauchula). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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