Below Average
#2998 of 3,778 schools in FL
Wendell Watson Elementary School
Elementary School · POLK
6800 WALT WILLIAMS RD, Lakeland, FL 33809
Enrollment
835
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
835
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#2,998 of 3,778
In Lakeland
#42 of 58
public schools
In district
#105 of 155
POLK
Shortlisting around Wendell Watson Elementary School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Wendell Watson Elementary School
Elementary School in Lakeland · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Avengers Christian Academy
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Lake Gibson Middle School
1.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Wendell Watson Elementary School
Wendell Watson Elementary School is a public elementary school in Lakeland, FL, part of POLK. Wendell Watson Elementary School serves approximately 835 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Wendell Watson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,998 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Wendell Watson Elementary School show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.8 · Below Average
- District avg 6.2
- FL avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
41% of students at Wendell Watson Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Wendell Watson Elementary School — Students at Wendell Watson Elementary School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
53.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 33 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: 3.2/10.
How Wendell Watson Elementary School Compares
See how Wendell Watson Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
6800 WALT WILLIAMS RD, Lakeland, FL 33809
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Wendell Watson Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. COMBEE ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING (rated 8.3/10, 4.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is LAKELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL HOUSE (rated 8.1/10, 5.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ROCHELLE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS (rated 8.0/10, 5.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lakeland, see our Lakeland schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33809 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,112
Median Home Value
$248,700
Median Rent
$1,492/mo
Population
30,498
College Educated
26.9%
Homeownership
63.8%
Avg Commute
27.3 min
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Median Age
42.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BEAR LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Apopka, FL | 4.8 |
| CHESTNUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Kissimmee, FL | 4.8 |
| CORR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Gibsonton, FL | 4.8 |
| COTEE RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL New Port Richey, FL | 4.8 |
| GEORGE W. MUNROE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Quincy, FL | 4.8 |
| GREENFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 4.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wendell Watson Elementary School
What grades does Wendell Watson Elementary School serve?
Wendell Watson Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Wendell Watson Elementary School?
Wendell Watson Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 835 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Wendell Watson Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Wendell Watson Elementary School is 15.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Wendell Watson Elementary School rank in FL?
Wendell Watson Elementary School ranks #2,998 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Wendell Watson Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Wendell Watson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Wendell Watson Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Wendell Watson Elementary School has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Wendell Watson Elementary School a charter school?
No, Wendell Watson Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Wendell Watson Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Wendell Watson Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Wendell Watson Elementary School?
53.2% of students at Wendell Watson 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 835
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 53
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 53.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 41.2%
- Phone
- (863) 853-6060
Resources & Links
District
POLK- District Enrollment
- 111,041
- Schools in District
- 167
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,242
- District Rank
- #105 of 155
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in Florida 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in Jacksonville, Miami & Tampa for Families Exploring School Choicebest schools
- Best Schools in Jacksonville, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Miami, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Orlando, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.