Best Public Schools in Labelle, FL

The six schools serving Labelle, Florida, which include four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, are split between two vastly different school districts, creating a tale of two educational experiences within the same city.

The most significant finding is the stark performance gap between the Glades and Hendry districts. West Glades School, the only school in the Glades district, is a clear standout, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with proficiency rates often 20-40 points above the state average and a chronic absenteeism rate (23.5%) well below the state average. In contrast, all Hendry County schools struggle with chronic absenteeism rates between 32.2% and 42.4%, with Labelle High School having the highest rate at 42.4%, despite a graduation rate of 88.5%. Labelle Middle School presents a fascinating contradiction: while its general math scores are below state averages, 95% of its students taking the Geometry EOC are proficient, indicating a strong advanced track but a challenge for the general student body.

The most encouraging story is Labelle Elementary School, which rocketed from the 8th percentile to the 58th percentile in just two years, with 2025-2026 math scores well above state averages. This remarkable turnaround occurred despite a high chronic absenteeism rate of 37.4%. The data also reveals that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes; Edward A. Upthegrove Elementary spends over $12,000 per student but has the lowest state ranking among elementary schools, while Country Oaks Elementary School spends less ($9,932) but ranks higher. All schools serve a high-poverty population, with free/reduced lunch eligibility ranging from 46.54% at West Glades to 65.22% at Upthegrove.