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Below Average

#3286 of 3,777 schools in FL

Westwood Middle School

Middle School · POLK

3520 AVENUE J NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Enrollment

829

Student-Teacher

19.7:1

Score

4.8

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Winter Haven

#15 of 19

public schools

Florida middle schools

#504 of 573

In district

#124 of 155

POLK

About Westwood Middle School

Westwood Middle School serves grades six through eight in Winter Haven, welcoming 829 students in a large suburban setting. As a regular public school in Polk County, it provides a traditional middle school experience with a student-teacher ratio of 19.7 to 1 and 42 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Academically, Westwood is working through a period of significant development.

Reading proficiency stands at 26 percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, while math proficiency is at 24 percent. These figures indicate the school is focused on strengthening foundational skills across both subject areas. With a MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 out of 10 and a state ranking in the eighth percentile, Westwood is among Florida schools with considerable room for academic growth.

For families considering this school, it's worth understanding that the student body faces academic challenges that the school is working to address. Parents may want to explore what support systems and interventions are in place to help students progress. The location at 3520 Avenue J NW in Winter Haven puts the school in an established suburban community with convenient access for area families.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Westwood Middle 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 Progress6.4Above Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.08 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.1Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19%
Reading/ELA Proficiency26%
Math vs. State Avg-36.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-28.4 pts
Overall Proficiency23%
Expected (poverty-adj.)35%
vs. Expected-12.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile12th
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,952

Westwood Middle School — Students at Westwood Middle School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

77.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 23.8%
School
State
52.5%
ELA Proficiency 26.2%
School
State
51.8%

Based on 10 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
31%
ELA
29%
2021*
Math
19%
ELA
26%
2024
Math
23%
ELA
25.3%

* 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: 6.4/10.

How Westwood Middle School Compares

See how Westwood Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
13th percentile in FL
Academic
3.1/10
3.1/10
Growth
6.4/10
Above average
Environment
4.8/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
78%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers

Location

3520 AVENUE J NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Westwood Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. FUTURE SCHOLARS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 7.9/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Winterhaven), which scores notably higher. Another option is FRED G. GARNER ACADEMY (rated 7.8/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CYPRESS JUNCTION MONTESSORI (rated 7.6/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Winter Haven, see our Winter Haven schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.9 mi
School Distance Rating
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN Winter Haven 0.5 mi
INWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Winter Haven 1.0 mi 5.0
FRED G. GARNER ACADEMY Winter Haven 1.1 mi 7.8
OASIS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Winter Haven 1.5 mi 5.3
ALL HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Auburndale 1.9 mi 6.3
TREASURES OF LIFE ACADEMY Winter Haven 2.0 mi
AUBURNDALE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Auburndale 2.2 mi 7.3
ALL SAINTS ACADEMY Winter Haven 2.2 mi 7.2
BEYMER UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Winter Haven 2.1 mi
ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Winter Haven 2.4 mi 7.3
WALTER CALDWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Auburndale 2.7 mi 7.3
LAKE SHIPP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Winter Haven 2.7 mi 5.0
CYPRESS JUNCTION MONTESSORI Winter Haven 2.5 mi 7.6
JERE L. STAMBAUGH MIDDLE Auburndale 2.9 mi 4.6
AUBURNDALE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Auburndale 2.9 mi 3.0
NEW BEGINNINGS HIGH SCHOOL Winter Haven 2.8 mi 5.0
HARTRIDGE ACADEMY Winter Haven 3.0 mi 5.3
OVELL'S CHRISITIAN ACADEMY Winter Haven 2.9 mi
FUTURE SCHOLARS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Winterhaven 2.9 mi 7.9
FUTURE SCHOLARS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Winter Haven 2.9 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33881 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$53,867

Median Home Value

$177,400

Median Rent

$1,153/mo

Population

39,189

College Educated

18%

Homeownership

69.6%

Avg Commute

33.4 min

Poverty Rate

17.2%

Median Age

43.6

Community Profile

The community surrounding Westwood Middle School has a median household income of $53,867. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $177,400, with a median rent of $1,153/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.2%. The average commute for residents is 33 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
ELECTA LEE MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL Bradenton, FL 4.8
JAMES A. SHANKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Quincy, FL 4.8
JENNINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL Seffner, FL 4.8
MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL Tampa, FL 4.8
MERRITT BROWN MIDDLE SCHOOL Panama City, FL 4.8
ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL Tampa, FL 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Westwood Middle School

What grades does Westwood Middle School serve?

Westwood Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Westwood Middle School?

Westwood Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 829 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Westwood Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Westwood Middle School is 19.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Westwood Middle School rank in FL?

Westwood Middle School is ranked #3286 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Westwood Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Westwood Middle School has a composite rating of 4.8 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 Westwood Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Westwood Middle School has 23.8% math proficiency and 26.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Westwood Middle School a charter school?

No, Westwood Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Westwood Middle School a Title I school?

No, Westwood Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Westwood Middle School?

77.8% of students at Westwood 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (1,786/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
829
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
77.8%
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
#124 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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