Best Public Schools in Mulberry, FL

The five public schools in Mulberry, Florida, part of the Polk school district, serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade in a community facing significant economic challenges, with nearly three-quarters of students eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Mulberry Middle School stands out for its exceptional performance in advanced coursework, with students scoring well above state averages on End-of-Course exams in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Civics. However, its core FAST assessment scores in English Language Arts and Math lag behind state averages, suggesting the school excels at accelerating top students while many others struggle with grade-level fundamentals. Willow Oak School is the only school showing clear improvement, rising from the 24th to 32nd percentile in state rankings, with strong 3rd-grade math proficiency (66%) and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (25.6%) among elementary schools. In contrast, Purcell Elementary School faces the most challenges, ranking in the 5th percentile statewide with a 0-star rating, the highest poverty rate (81.74%), and the highest chronic absenteeism (39.6%). Mulberry Senior High School presents a paradox: a strong 93.7% graduation rate masks alarmingly low proficiency in Algebra 1 (20%) and Geometry (26%), alongside a 49.7% chronic absenteeism rate. The smallest school, RCMA Mulberry Community Academy, spends the most per student ($14,643) but achieves the lowest 3rd-grade reading scores (23%).

A key takeaway is the "bright spot" in early elementary math, where Willow Oak and RCMA matched or nearly matched the state average in 3rd-grade math proficiency, despite high poverty levels. However, chronic absenteeism is a city-wide crisis averaging 36%, significantly above the state average of 31.4%. The stark spending disparity—from $9,500 per student at the high school to $14,643 at RCMA—raises questions about resource allocation efficiency, especially since higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes. Overall, while Mulberry Middle School shows pockets of excellence in advanced subjects, the district's systemic struggles, reflected in its 13th percentile ranking, mean most schools face an uphill battle in core academic achievement.