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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

Charter

Enrollment

254

Student-Teacher

36.3:1

Score

3.3

Grades

11th – 12th

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 metrics
Student Progress2.1Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-5 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics1.7Significantly Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency15%
Overall Proficiency15%
Expected (poverty-adj.)75%
vs. Expected-60.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile3th
College Readiness6.5Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.8Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio36.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,952

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%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 20.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency N/A
School
State
N/A

Based on 2 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
25%
2021*
Math
15%

* 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.

Overall Score
3.3/10
2th percentile in FL
Academic
1.7/10
1.7/10
Growth
2.1/10
Below average
Environment
1.8/10
Below average

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 mi
School Distance Rating
POLK STATE COLLEGE COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL Lakeland 0.0 mi 4.9
BILL DUNCAN OPPORTUNITY CENTER Lakeland 0.3 mi 6.5
MAYNARD A TRAVISS TECHNICAL ACADEMY Lakeland 0.5 mi 4.8
THE CAPE ACADEMY Cape Coral 1.6 mi 7.0
HIGHLAND CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Highland City 1.7 mi 7.9
OSCAR J. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 1.8 mi 7.9
HIGHLANDS GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 2.0 mi 7.8
PARKWAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lakeland 2.0 mi 7.6
SOUTH MCKEEL ACADEMY Lakeland 2.1 mi 7.7
LAKELAND INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING, ORG., CORP Lakeland 2.4 mi 7.5
MI ESCUELA MONTESSORI Lakeland 2.4 mi 7.4
VALLEYVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 2.8 mi 7.4
GEORGE W. JENKINS SENIOR HIGH Lakeland 2.9 mi 4.6
CRYSTAL LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Lakeland 3.0 mi 4.7
REAL ACADEMY (REACHING EVERY ADOLESCENT LEARNER) Lakeland 3.1 mi 6.5
SPESSARD L HOLLAND ELEMENTARY Bartow 3.2 mi 6.9
FRESH START COMMUNITY SCHOOL Lakeland 3.2 mi 5.1
POLK GRAD ACADEMY Lakeland 3.2 mi
CRYSTAL LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lakeland 3.3 mi 6.3
PATHWAYS SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Lakeland 3.4 mi 4.9

Neighborhood 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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.

Read our full methodology

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