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Average

#1957 of 3,778 schools in FL

Lakeland Highlands Middle School

Middle School · POLK

740 LAKE MIRIAM DR, Lakeland, FL 33813

Enrollment

1,260

Student-Teacher

19.4:1

Score

6.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Florida schools

#1,957 of 3,778

In Lakeland

#24 of 58

public schools

In district

#56 of 155

POLK

Academic growth

7.1 / 10

Very Good

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Lakeland Highlands Middle School

6.2/10

Middle School in Lakeland · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Resurrection Catholic School

7.3/10

1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Carlton Palmore Elementary School

6.1/10

1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Lakeland Highlands Middle School

Lakeland Highlands Middle School is a public middle school in Lakeland, FL, part of POLK. Lakeland Highlands Middle School serves approximately 1,260 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 19.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Lakeland Highlands Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,957 of 3,778 schools in FL.

Structured state assessment records for Lakeland Highlands Middle School show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.3 pts above district
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • District avg 4.9
  • FL avg 5.9

What Parents Should Know

36% of students at Lakeland Highlands 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 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.64 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.2Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency46% (2024 FAST)
Reading/ELA Proficiency53% (2024 FAST)
Math vs. State Avg-9.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-1.4 pts
Overall Proficiency50% (2024 FAST, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)51% (model expectation from 2024 FAST)
vs. Expected-1.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,242
Chronic Absenteeism35.7%

Lakeland Highlands Middle School — Students at Lakeland Highlands Middle School score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

49.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 55.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
52.5% (2024 FAST)
ELA Proficiency 55.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.8% (2024 FAST)

Based on 33 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
65%
ELA
69%
2010
Math
64%
ELA
69%
2011
Math
50%
ELA
55%
2012
Math
50%
ELA
56%
2013
ELA
61%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
54%
2015
Math
58%
ELA
51%
2016
Math
58%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
58%
ELA
53%
2018
Math
60%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
60%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
56%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
56%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
59.8%
ELA
49%
2024
Math
46%
ELA
53%

* 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: 7.1/10.

How Lakeland Highlands Middle School Compares

See how Lakeland Highlands Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
48th percentile in FL
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
7.1/10
Very Good
Environment
4.8/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
49%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
65 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.7%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

740 LAKE MIRIAM DR, Lakeland, FL 33813

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Lakeland Highlands Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. WONDERHERE ACADEMY (rated 7.0/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 3.3/10, 2.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lakeland, see our Lakeland schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
RESURRECTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Lakeland 1.3 mi 7.3
CARLTON PALMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 1.4 mi 6.1
MEDULLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 1.3 mi 5.8
SCOTT LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 1.5 mi 7.0
ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Lakeland 1.5 mi 5.6
HIGHLANDS GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 1.9 mi 8.1
PARKWAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lakeland 2.0 mi 7.7
WONDERHERE ACADEMY Lakeland 2.5 mi 7.0
CLEVELAND COURT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 2.5 mi 9.1
GEORGE W. JENKINS SENIOR HIGH Lakeland 2.3 mi 5.6
THE CYGNET SCHOOL Lakeland 2.6 mi 4.5
SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL Lakeland 2.6 mi 3.3
SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 2.7 mi 6.5
VALLEYVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 2.9 mi 8.8
GENEVA CLASSICAL ACADEMY Lakeland 3.3 mi 7.0
MI ESCUELA MONTESSORI Lakeland 3.3 mi 8.5
DIXIELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 3.5 mi 4.1
SOUTH MCKEEL ACADEMY Lakeland 3.3 mi 8.5
LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lakeland 3.6 mi 7.2
THE CAPE ACADEMY Cape Coral 3.5 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33813 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$96,723

Median Home Value

$330,100

Median Rent

$1,637/mo

Population

38,112

College Educated

39.2%

Homeownership

77.3%

Avg Commute

24.9 min

Poverty Rate

8.1%

Median Age

39.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BEAR LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOL West Palm Beach, FL 6.2
JACKSON HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL Oviedo, FL 6.2
OSCEOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL Ocala, FL 6.2
PALM HARBOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Palm Harbor, FL 6.2
SHENANDOAH MIDDLE SCHOOL Miami, FL 6.2
SHOAL RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL Crestview, FL 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Lakeland Highlands Middle School

What grades does Lakeland Highlands Middle School serve?

Lakeland Highlands Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Lakeland Highlands Middle School?

Lakeland Highlands Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,260 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Lakeland Highlands Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Lakeland Highlands Middle School is 19.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Lakeland Highlands Middle School rank in FL?

Lakeland Highlands Middle School ranks #1,957 of 3,778 schools in FL.

What is Lakeland Highlands Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Lakeland Highlands Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 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 Lakeland Highlands Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Lakeland Highlands Middle School has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Lakeland Highlands Middle School a charter school?

No, Lakeland Highlands Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Lakeland Highlands Middle School a Title I school?

No, Lakeland Highlands Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lakeland Highlands Middle School?

49.1% of students at Lakeland Highlands 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
44 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,260
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
65
Free/Reduced Lunch
49.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Polk County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.7%

District

POLK
District Enrollment
111,041
Schools in District
167
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,242
District Rank
#56 of 155

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