Needs Improvement
#3706 of 3,777 schools in FL
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho
High School · POLK
3425 WINTER LAKE RD, Lakeland, FL 33803
Enrollment
254
Student-Teacher
36.3:1
Score
3.3
Grades
11th – 12th
Enrollment
254
Student-Teacher
36.3:1
Score
3.3
Grades
11th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lakeland
#57 of 58
public schools
Florida high schools
#691 of 748
In district
#151 of 155
POLK
About Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School is a charter high school located in a rural area near the town of Lakeland, Florida. Serving students in grades 11 through 12, this small but focused campus enrolls just 254 students with seven full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 36.3:1. The school's MySchoolScout rating is 1.3 out of 10, placing it at the bottom percentile among Florida schools, with only 20% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards in math.
Despite these challenges, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School offers a unique pathway for its students by integrating them into college-level courses early on. This approach aims to provide high school seniors with the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, potentially easing their transition to higher education. The rural setting provides a serene environment conducive to focused study.
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School is situated in an area that offers students access to the resources of nearby Lakeland while maintaining a more secluded atmosphere for learning.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho is 36.3:1, 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.
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Located in a rural area, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho 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 metricsView breakdown
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Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho — Students at Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 75%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 2 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: 2.1/10.
How Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho Compares
See how Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 25% (2019) to 15% (2021).
Location
3425 WINTER LAKE RD, Lakeland, FL 33803
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BILL DUNCAN OPPORTUNITY CENTER (rated 6.5/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is FRESH START COMMUNITY SCHOOL (rated 5.1/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, POLK STATE COLLEGE COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL (rated 4.9/10), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lakeland, see our Lakeland schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33803 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,180
Median Home Value
$236,200
Median Rent
$1,337/mo
Population
29,058
College Educated
33.8%
Homeownership
62.2%
Avg Commute
21.8 min
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Median Age
42.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho has a median household income of $63,180. It is an area where 34% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $236,200, with a median rent of $1,337/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.7%. The average commute for residents is 22 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 |
|---|---|
| CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL Ft. Myers, FL | 3.3 |
| NORTH NICHOLAS HIGH SCHOOL Cape Coral, FL | 3.3 |
| SUNED HIGH OF SOUTH BROWARD Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 3.3 |
| VERNON HIGH SCHOOL Vernon, FL | 3.3 |
| PINELLAS GULF COAST ACADEMY Clearwater, FL | 3.2 |
| BEACON HIGH SCHOOL Naples, FL | 3.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho
What grades does Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho serve?
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho serves students in grades 11th through 12th.
How many students attend Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho?
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho has an enrollment of approximately 254 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho?
The student-teacher ratio at Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho is 36.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho rank in FL?
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho is ranked #3706 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho's MySchoolScout rating?
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho has a composite rating of 3.3 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 Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho has 20.0% math proficiency.
Is Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho a charter school?
Yes, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho a Title I school?
No, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High Scho is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Average (575/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 11th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 254
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 36.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 7
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Polk County
- Phone
- (863) 669-2322
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
POLK- District Enrollment
- 111,041
- Schools in District
- 167
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,242
- District Rank
- #151 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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