Below Average
#3375 of 3,777 schools in FL
Mulberry Middle School
Middle School · POLK
500 DR MLK JR AVE SE, Mulberry, FL 33860
Enrollment
1,176
Student-Teacher
21.8:1
Score
4.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,176
Student-Teacher
21.8:1
Score
4.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Mulberry
#3 of 4
public schools
Florida middle schools
#525 of 573
In district
#133 of 155
POLK
About Mulberry Middle School
Mulberry Middle School serves 1,176 students in grades 6-8 in the suburban community of Mulberry, Florida. With 54 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.8:1, providing a structured learning environment for its sizeable student body. Academically, Mulberry Middle School has room for growth, with 35% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and reading, and 37% showing proficiency in mathematics.
The school ranks in the 15th percentile among Florida's middle schools, indicating opportunities for continued focus on student development and academic improvement. The school draws from a diverse suburban community where the median household income is $62,429 and median home values average $189,400. About 15% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 15.5%, reflecting the mixed socioeconomic landscape that characterizes many growing Florida communities.
Located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast, Mulberry Middle School sits within Polk County's expansive suburban setting.
The surrounding ZIP code area is home to over 26,000 residents, creating a substantial community base that supports the school's mission of educating middle school students in this established Florida town.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Mulberry Middle School is 21.8:1, 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
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Mulberry Middle School — Students at Mulberry Middle School score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
72.5%
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
↓ 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: 4.2/10.
How Mulberry Middle School Compares
See how Mulberry Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 35% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 46% (2019) to 39% (2021).
Location
500 DR MLK JR AVE SE, Mulberry, FL 33860
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mulberry Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. SCOTT LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Lakeland), which scores notably higher. Another option is R. BRUCE WAGNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 5.9 miles away, in nearby Lakeland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HARVEST ACADEMY LLC (rated 7.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Mulberry, see our Mulberry schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| PURCELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mulberry | 0.6 mi | 7.2 |
| MULBERRY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Mulberry | 0.7 mi | 3.4 |
| MULBERRY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Mulberry | 0.7 mi | 7.8 |
| HARVEST ACADEMY LLC Mulberry | 1.2 mi | 7.9 |
| BRILLIANT MINDS EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY Mulberry | 3.7 mi | 6.5 |
| JAMES W. SIKES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland | 4.0 mi | 7.9 |
| WILLOW OAK SCHOOL Mulberry | 4.0 mi | 7.6 |
| SCOTT LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland | 4.5 mi | 8.3 |
| LIMITLESS LEARNING EDU Lakeland | 4.7 mi | — |
| MEDULLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland | 5.3 mi | 5.5 |
| GEORGE W. JENKINS SENIOR HIGH Lakeland | 5.4 mi | 4.6 |
| VALLEYVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland | 5.5 mi | 7.4 |
| LAKELAND HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL Lakeland | 5.9 mi | 5.8 |
| R. BRUCE WAGNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland | 5.9 mi | 8.0 |
| ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Lakeland | 6.5 mi | 5.6 |
| HIGHLANDS GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland | 6.9 mi | 7.8 |
| RESURRECTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Lakeland | 7.1 mi | 7.3 |
| WORD OF LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bartow | 6.4 mi | 7.6 |
| CARLTON PALMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland | 7.3 mi | 5.1 |
| PARKWAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lakeland | 7.3 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33860 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,779
Median Home Value
$221,400
Median Rent
$1,150/mo
Population
25,617
College Educated
14.8%
Homeownership
70%
Avg Commute
29 min
Poverty Rate
16.7%
Median Age
34.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Mulberry Middle School has a median household income of $62,779. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $221,400, with a median rent of $1,150/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.7%. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| DENISON MIDDLE SCHOOL Winter Haven, FL | 4.6 |
| GRAY MIDDLE SCHOOL Groveland, FL | 4.6 |
| JERE L. STAMBAUGH MIDDLE Auburndale, FL | 4.6 |
| LEXINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Fort Myers, FL | 4.6 |
| SOUTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 4.6 |
| TOMLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Plant City, FL | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mulberry Middle School
What grades does Mulberry Middle School serve?
Mulberry Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Mulberry Middle School?
Mulberry Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,176 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mulberry Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Mulberry Middle School is 21.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mulberry Middle School rank in FL?
Mulberry Middle School is ranked #3375 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Mulberry Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Mulberry Middle School has a composite rating of 4.6 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 Mulberry Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mulberry Middle School has 39.8% math proficiency and 38.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Mulberry Middle School a charter school?
No, Mulberry Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mulberry Middle School a Title I school?
No, Mulberry Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mulberry Middle School?
72.5% of students at Mulberry 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,176
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 54
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 72.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Polk County
- Phone
- (863) 701-1066
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
POLK- District Enrollment
- 111,041
- Schools in District
- 167
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,242
- District Rank
- #133 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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