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Very Good

#1103 of 3,777 schools in FL

Top 29% in state

Walter Caldwell Elementary School

Elementary School · POLK

141 DAIRY RD, Auburndale, FL 33823

Enrollment

895

Student-Teacher

16.3:1

Score

7.3

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Auburndale

#4 of 8

public schools

Florida elementary schools

#964 of 2,196

In district

#41 of 155

POLK

Academic growth

9.3 / 10

Exceptional

About Walter Caldwell Elementary School

Walter Caldwell Elementary School serves 895 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade in Auburndale, a community in Polk County, Florida. With 55 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.3 to 1, providing reasonable class sizes for elementary learners. Academically, Walter Caldwell Elementary has room for growth, with 47% of students performing at proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and reading, while 51% meet proficiency standards in mathematics.

The school ranks in the 48th percentile statewide, placing it at #1994 among Florida's 3,816 elementary schools. These results reflect opportunities for continued academic development and support for students. The school draws families from a diverse suburban community where the median household income is $61,190 and median home values average $207,600.

About 17% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the local poverty rate stands at 14.3%. This mix creates a varied student population with different backgrounds and experiences. Walter Caldwell Elementary operates as a regular public school in Auburndale's large suburban setting, serving families throughout the 33823 ZIP code area.

The school's location provides access to suburban amenities while maintaining a community-focused environment for its nearly 900 elementary students.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Walter Caldwell Elementary School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.3Exceptional50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+1.32 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendImproving
Academics4.1Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27%
Reading/ELA Proficiency32%
Math vs. State Avg-33.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-23.2 pts
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)38%
vs. Expected-8.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment7.3Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,952

Walter Caldwell Elementary School — Students at Walter Caldwell Elementary School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

71.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 45.2%
School
State
58.1%
ELA Proficiency 42.6%
School
State
54.2%

Based on 10 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
46%
ELA
41%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2024
Math
51%
ELA
46.7%

* 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: 9.3/10.

How Walter Caldwell Elementary School Compares

See how Walter Caldwell Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.3/10
71th percentile in FL
Academic
4.1/10
4.1/10
Growth
9.3/10
Above average
Environment
7.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
72%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
55 teachers

Location

141 DAIRY RD, Auburndale, FL 33823

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Walter Caldwell Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. FRED G. GARNER ACADEMY (rated 7.8/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Winter Haven), which scores slightly higher. Another option is AUBURNDALE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 1.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 3.7 miles away, in nearby Winter Haven), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Auburndale, see our Auburndale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.9 mi
School Distance Rating
AUBURNDALE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Auburndale 0.6 mi 3.0
JERE L. STAMBAUGH MIDDLE Auburndale 0.8 mi 4.6
ALL HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Auburndale 1.0 mi 6.3
AUBURNDALE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Auburndale 1.1 mi 7.3
HARTRIDGE ACADEMY Winter Haven 1.8 mi 5.3
FRED G. GARNER ACADEMY Winter Haven 2.1 mi 7.8
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN Winter Haven 2.2 mi
WESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Winter Haven 2.7 mi 4.8
LENA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Auburndale 2.6 mi 6.5
NEW BEGINNINGS HIGH SCHOOL Winter Haven 2.7 mi 5.0
TREASURES OF LIFE ACADEMY Winter Haven 2.9 mi
INWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Winter Haven 3.1 mi 5.0
OUR CAREER CENTERED ACADEMY INC. Lake Alfred 3.5 mi 7.5
LAKE ALFRED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lake Alfred 3.5 mi 7.1
ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Winter Haven 3.7 mi 7.3
LAKE ALFRED POLYTECH ACADEMY Lake Alfred 3.7 mi 5.8
BEYMER UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Winter Haven 3.8 mi
DISCOVERY ACADEMY OF LAKE ALFRED Lake Alfred 3.8 mi 6.7
OASIS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Winter Haven 4.1 mi 5.3
KAREN M. SIEGEL ACADEMY Lake Alfred 3.9 mi 8.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33823 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,248

Median Home Value

$234,300

Median Rent

$1,068/mo

Population

39,146

College Educated

17.2%

Homeownership

71.2%

Avg Commute

29 min

Poverty Rate

15%

Median Age

40.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Walter Caldwell Elementary School has a median household income of $64,248. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $234,300, with a median rent of $1,068/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.0%. 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
ALTA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Haines City, FL 7.3
BARBARA A HARVEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Parrish, FL 7.3
BAYSHORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bradenton, FL 7.3
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN K-8 CENTER North Miami, FL 7.3
BEVERLY SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Leesburg, FL 7.3
BINKS FOREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wellington, FL 7.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Walter Caldwell Elementary School

What grades does Walter Caldwell Elementary School serve?

Walter Caldwell Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Walter Caldwell Elementary School?

Walter Caldwell Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 895 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Walter Caldwell Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Walter Caldwell Elementary School is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Walter Caldwell Elementary School rank in FL?

Walter Caldwell Elementary School is ranked #1103 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Walter Caldwell Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Walter Caldwell Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.3 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 Walter Caldwell Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Walter Caldwell Elementary School has 45.2% math proficiency and 42.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Walter Caldwell Elementary School a charter school?

No, Walter Caldwell Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Walter Caldwell Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Walter Caldwell Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Walter Caldwell Elementary School?

71.7% of students at Walter Caldwell Elementary 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
27 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (2,334/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Auburndale). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
895
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
55
Free/Reduced Lunch
71.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Polk County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

POLK
District Enrollment
111,041
Schools in District
167
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,242
District Rank
#41 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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