Average
#2403 of 3,777 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
5.9
Grades
6th – 10th
Enrollment
666
Student-Teacher
20.2:1
Score
5.9
Grades
6th – 10th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lake Wales
#6 of 10
public schools
Florida middle schools
#302 of 573
In district
#83 of 155
POLK
Academic growth
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence is a middle school located in the large suburban area of Lake Wales, Florida. The school serves students from sixth to tenth grade and has an enrollment of 666 students with a student-teacher ratio of 20.2:1. With 33 full-time equivalent teachers, Mclaughlin Academy offers a supportive environment for its diverse student body.
Academically, the school’s MySchoolScout rating is 4.3 out of 10 and ranks at #2635 among 3816 schools in Florida. On standardized tests, 26% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 24% meet proficiency standards in Math. These scores suggest there's room for improvement and a focus on student development.
Mclaughlin Academy is situated in a suburban area that offers a variety of amenities to its community. Whether you're looking for local parks, shops, or restaurants, Lake Wales provides a vibrant setting for families and students alike.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence is 20.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence — Students at Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
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 12 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 Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence Compares
See how Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 25% (2019) to 34% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 24% (2019) to 32% (2021).
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 6.5/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Dundee), which scores slightly higher. Another option is BOK ACADEMY (rated 4.9/10, 4.4 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, EDWARD W BOK ACADEMY NORTH (rated 4.6/10, 1.3 miles away), a more accessible option. 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence has a median household income of $40,938. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $198,100, with a median rent of $965/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 25 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 |
|---|---|
| ANDOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL Miami, FL | 5.9 |
| BROWN BARGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Pensacola, FL | 5.9 |
| CYPRESS LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Fort Myers, FL | 5.9 |
| JOSEPH STILWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 5.9 |
| LAWTON CHILES MIDDLE ACADEMY Lakeland, FL | 5.9 |
| LOCKHART MIDDLE Orlando, FL | 5.9 |
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 is ranked #2403 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence's MySchoolScout rating?
Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence has a composite rating of 5.9 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 Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mclaughlin Academy of Excellence has 24.0% math proficiency and 26.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
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
- City Safety
- High (1,772/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lake Wales). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (863) 678-4233
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
POLK- District Enrollment
- 111,041
- Schools in District
- 167
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,242
- District Rank
- #83 of 155
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.
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