For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 6,547 students in Lake Wales, FL (there are 5 private schools, serving 472 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Lake Wales, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in Lake Wales, FL are Hillcrest Elementary School, Bok Academy and Edward W Bok Academy North. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Wales, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Lake Wales have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lake Wales, FL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillcrest Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1051 State Road 60 E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Gr: PK-5 | 667 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Bok Academy
Charter School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
13895 Hwy 27
Lake Wales, FL 33859
(863) 638-1010
Lake Wales, FL 33859
(863) 638-1010
Gr: 6-8 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Edward W Bok Academy North
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 N 4th St
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 638-1010
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 638-1010
Gr: 6-8 | 726 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
Lake Wales Senior High School
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1 Highlander Way
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4222
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4222
Gr: 9-12 | 1,597 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Janie Howard Wilson School
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
306 Florida Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4211
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4211
Gr: PK-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #66.
Spook Hill Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
321 Dr Ja Wiltshire Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4262
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4262
Gr: PK-5 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #77.
Polk Avenue Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
110 Polk Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4244
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4244
Gr: PK-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #88.
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence
(Math: 23% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
800 4th St S
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4233
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4233
Gr: 6-11 | 758 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #99.
Victory Ridge Academy
Special Education School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 Burns Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-3338
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-3338
Gr: PK-12 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #1010.
Roosevelt Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
115 E St
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4252
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4252
Gr: 6-12 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lake Wales, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Lake Wales, FL include Hillcrest Elementary School, Bok Academy and Edward W Bok Academy North.
How many public schools are located in Lake Wales?
10 public schools are located in Lake Wales.
What percentage of students in Lake Wales go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Lake Wales are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Wales?
Lake Wales public schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Lake Wales are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lake Wales include: Polk Avenue Elementary School vs. Hillcrest Elementary School, Janie Howard Wilson School vs. Hillcrest Elementary School, Roosevelt Academy vs. Bok Academy
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