Below Average
#3339 of 3,778 schools in FL
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence
Middle School · POLK
800 4TH ST S, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Enrollment
666
Student-Teacher
20.2:1
Score
4.2
Grades
6th – 10th
Enrollment
666
Student-Teacher
20.2:1
Score
4.2
Grades
6th – 10th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#3,339 of 3,778
In Lake Wales
#8 of 10
public schools
In district
#122 of 155
POLK
Shortlisting around Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence?
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.
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence
Middle School in Lake Wales · grades 6th – 10th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Polk Avenue Elementary School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Endtime Christian School of Excellence
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence is a public middle school in Lake Wales, FL, part of POLK. Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence serves approximately 666 students, and covers grades 6th-10th, and has a 20.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #3,339 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.2 · Below Average
- District avg 4.9
- FL avg 5.9
What Parents Should Know
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence runs 20.2:1 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.
46% of students at Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence 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
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence — Students at Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence score 23% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 35 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: 5.8/10.
How Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence Compares
See how Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence 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
800 4TH ST S, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. DUNDEE RIDGE MIDDLE ACADEMY (rated 7.8/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Dundee), which scores notably higher. Another option is BOK ACADEMY (rated 5.1/10, 4.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, EDWARD W BOK ACADEMY NORTH (rated 4.0/10, 1.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Lake Wales, see our Lake Wales schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33853 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$40,938
Median Home Value
$198,100
Median Rent
$965/mo
Population
12,385
College Educated
18.7%
Homeownership
55.8%
Avg Commute
24.8 min
Poverty Rate
23.8%
Median Age
37.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| DENN JOHN MIDDLE SCHOOL Kissimmee, FL | 4.2 |
| FOREST GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL Fort Pierce, FL | 4.2 |
| HUDSON ACADEMY Hudson, FL | 4.2 |
| JUDSON B WALKER MIDDLE Orlando, FL | 4.2 |
| LAUDERDALE LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOL Lauderdale Lakes, FL | 4.2 |
| STONE MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL Melbourne, FL | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence
What grades does Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence serve?
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence serves students in grades 6th through 10th.
How many students attend Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence?
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence has an enrollment of approximately 666 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence?
The student-teacher ratio at Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence is 20.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence rank in FL?
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence ranks #3,339 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence's MySchoolScout rating?
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence a charter school?
No, Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence a Title I school?
No, Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence?
76.1% of students at Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence 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 – 10th
- Enrollment
- 666
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 33
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 45.6%
- Phone
- (863) 678-4233
Resources & Links
District
POLK- District Enrollment
- 111,041
- Schools in District
- 167
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,242
- District Rank
- #122 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.