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
Enrollment
829
Student-Teacher
19.7:1
Score
4.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Westwood Middle School — Students at Westwood Middle School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
77.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 10 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: 6.4/10.
How Westwood Middle School Compares
See how Westwood Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 31% (2019) to 19% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 29% (2019) to 26% (2021).
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 miNeighborhood 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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (863) 965-5484
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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.
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