Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

West Lakes Preparatory Academy

Q: Is West Lakes Preparatory Academy a good school?

West Lakes Preparatory Academy ranks 1054 th of 2240 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-8

1054^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 2,240 Florida Elementary Schools

Better than 53% of Florida elementary schools

Summary

West Lakes Preparatory Academy is a public PK-8 school in Hialeah, FL, serving 594 students as part of the Miami-Dade district, and it stands out for its exceptional performance in advanced subjects and low chronic absenteeism, though it faces a notable challenge in middle school math.

This school truly shines in its advanced coursework. For four consecutive years, 100% of students taking the Biology 1 End-of-Course (EOC) exam have scored proficient, a perfect record that far exceeds district and state averages. Similarly, Geometry and Algebra 1 EOC proficiency rates are very high (92% and 89%, respectively), and Civics proficiency is strong at 85%. This performance is a clear differentiator from nearby schools like Ernest R. Graham K-8 Academy, where Biology data is not available, and West Lakes ties or exceeds it in Algebra 1. Additionally, the school boasts a low chronic absenteeism rate of 14.9%—nearly half the district average—and a relatively low percentage of students eligible for free/reduced lunch (34%), indicating high family engagement and a more affluent student body compared to peers like Ben Sheppard Elementary (63%) and Mater Gardens Academy (58%).

However, there is a significant "middle school math cliff." While the top students excel in advanced math, general 7th and 8th grade math proficiency is alarmingly low—only 40% and 37%, respectively, in 2025-2026, well below district averages. This is a consistent trend, and it contrasts sharply with Ernest R. Graham K-8 Academy, where 8th grade math proficiency is 77%. Despite high per-student spending ($12,227) and a favorable 16:1 student-teacher ratio, this weakness suggests a need for targeted instructional changes. For parents, West Lakes offers a stellar environment for advanced learners and strong elementary grades, but families should investigate how the school supports middle school math for all students.

594

Students ?

16.0

Student/teacher ratio ?

$12,227

Per pupil spending ?

34%

Free/discounted lunch ?

8435 W 36th Ave
Hialeah, FL 33018

(305) 827-3025

District: Miami-Dade

Students who attend West Lakes Preparatory Academy usually attend:

Middle:	Lawton Chiles Middle School
High:	Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

88.2%

African American:

5.7%

Asian:

3.2%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare West Lakes Preparatory Academy to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Recently slipping — 75th percentile in 2021 → 53rd in 2026

Strengths

✓Above the Florida median (53rd percentile)

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped from its 75th-percentile peak (2021) to 53rd (2026)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school66%

District avg66%

Florida avg62%

Elementary school

1,054^th of 2,240

Florida public elementary schools ?

Top 47%▲ up 5 pts since 2019

From bottom 48% (2019) to top 47% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Florida Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

Middle school

450^th of 1,216

Florida public middle schools ?

Top 37%▲ up 22 pts since 2021

From bottom 41% (2021) to top 37% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Florida Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

152^nd of 279Elementary Schools in the Miami-Dade

20^th of 70Miami-Dade among Florida districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Elementary school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	53.7	1054 of 2240	52.9%	★★★☆☆
2025	59.3	897 of 2258	60.3%	★★★☆☆
2024	71.9	597 of 2256	73.5%	★★★★☆
2023	65.0	737 of 2240	67.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	60.2	827 of 2219	62.7%	★★★☆☆
2021	73.5	566 of 2247	74.8%	★★★★☆
2019	47.3	1143 of 2182	47.6%	★★☆☆☆

Middle school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	61.3	450 of 1216	63.0%	★★★☆☆
2025	60.2	458 of 1205	62.0%	★★★☆☆
2024	68.8	342 of 1196	71.4%	★★★★☆
2023	55.1	494 of 1177	58.0%	★★★☆☆
2022	59.6	426 of 1148	62.9%	★★★☆☆
2021	41.7	670 of 1136	41.0%	★★☆☆☆

By subject vs Florida (2025-2026) ?

Biology 1100%+26 vs state

Geometry92%+36 vs state

Algebra 189%+26 vs state

Civics85%+8 vs state

Math65%+3 vs state

English Language Arts64%+3 vs state

Science50%-6 vs state

5.0

1 rating · 1 written review

5★1

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

Rate West Lakes Preparatory Academy

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

What people are saying

by a parent
Friday, January 24, 2020

This school is amazing, my kid has learned tons and the teachers treat my kid with like ve and respect. Totally recommend this school to the community. Close Quote

Schools Near West Lakes Preparatory Academy

Load more schools when map is moved

Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				FAST English Language Arts (2026)						FAST Math (2026)						Statewide Science Science (2026)		EOC Algebra 1 (2026)	EOC Geometry (2026)	EOC Biology 1 (2026)	EOC Civics (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
West Lakes Preparatory Academy	Public	PK, KG-8	8435 W 36th Ave	Hialeah	33018	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	No	(305) 827-3025	594	37	16.0	34.0%	17 (2.9%)	34 (5.7%)	524 (88.2%)	19 (3.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	53.7	1054^th of 2240 public elementary schools	52.9%		59.3	897^th of 2258 public elementary schools	60.3%	157	57.0	57.0	55.0	74.0	76.0	69.0	65.0	84.0	60.0	70.0	40.0	37.0	50.0	50.0	89.0	92.0	100.0	85.0	$12,227	$982	$11,245
Hialeah Gardens Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	9702 NW 130th St	Hialeah Gardens	33018	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 827-8830	995	77	12.9	50.9%	21 (2.1%)	10 (1.0%)	949 (95.4%)	15 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	66	727^th of 2240 public elementary schools	67.5%		66.3	727^th of 2258 public elementary schools	67.8%		73.0	64.0	66.0				81.0	85.0	64.0				46.0						$17,784	$2,109	$15,675
Ernest R. Graham K-8 Academy	Public	PK, KG-8	7330 W 32nd Ave	Hialeah	33018	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 825-2122	947	48	19.7	57.7%	4 (0.4%)	10 (1.1%)	929 (98.1%)	4 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	61.2	846^th of 2240 public elementary schools	62.2%		46.8	1186^th of 2258 public elementary schools	47.5%	340	62.0	62.0	62.0	64.0	58.0	74.0	64.0	69.0	74.0	82.0	51.0	77.0	61.0	60.0	89.0			72.0	$12,082	$1,358	$10,724
West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	11990 NW 92nd Ave	Hialeah Gardens	33018	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 818-4000	1,128	77	14.6	51.4%	13 (1.2%)	9 (0.8%)	1,103 (97.8%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	65.5	739^th of 2240 public elementary schools	67.0%		63.7	790^th of 2258 public elementary schools	65.0%	51	66.0	72.0	61.0				72.0	81.0	68.0				56.0						$15,176	$2,357	$12,819
Youth County-Op Charter School	Public, Charter	K-8	7700 W 20th Ave	Hialeah	33016	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	No	No	Yes	(305) 819-8855	761	43	17.6	77.4%	7 (0.9%)	10 (1.3%)	738 (97.0%)	5 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	53.5	1060^th of 2240 public elementary schools	52.7%		62.5	813^th of 2258 public elementary schools	64.0%	247	60.0	51.0	68.0	65.0	71.0	63.0	73.0	68.0	58.0	60.0	64.0	36.0	59.0	31.0	93.0		100.0	82.0	$9,381	$733	$8,647
Bob Graham Education Center	Public	PK, KG-8	15901 NW 79th Ave	Miami Lakes	33016	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	No	(305) 557-3303	1,404	82	17.1	40.5%	59 (4.2%)	42 (3.0%)	1,283 (91.4%)	18 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	71.3	593^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	73.5%		72.8	561^st of 2258 public elementary schools	75.2%	32	71.0	79.0	72.0	70.0	83.0	75.0	72.0	81.0	74.0	53.0	53.0	88.0	63.0	69.0	97.0	100.0	100.0	85.0	$12,859	$1,360	$11,499
Ben Sheppard Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	5700 W 24th Ave	Hialeah	33016	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	Yes	No	Yes	(305) 556-2204	927	58	15.9	63.2%	6 (0.6%)	13 (1.4%)	905 (97.6%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	52.1	1091^st of 2240 public elementary schools	51.3%		53	1042^nd of 2258 public elementary schools	53.9%	49	64.0	57.0	55.0				83.0	71.0	60.0				43.0						$13,125	$1,513	$11,613
Palm Lakes Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	7450 W 16th Ave	Hialeah	33014	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 823-6970	574	39	14.7	50.5%	7 (1.2%)	5 (0.9%)	554 (96.5%)	7 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	39.7	1409^th of 2240 public elementary schools	37.1%		46.6	1190^th of 2258 public elementary schools	47.3%	219	58.0	48.0	57.0				62.0	58.0	58.0				49.0						$14,557	$1,511	$13,046
Mater Gardens Academy	Public, Charter	K-8	9010 NW 178th Ln	Hialeah	33018	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	No	No	No	(305) 512-9775	803	4	200.7	57.8%	17 (2.1%)	4 (0.5%)	770 (95.9%)	11 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	84.5	273^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	87.8%		87.3	240^th of 2258 public elementary schools	89.4%	33	81.0	80.0	77.0				87.0	86.0	78.0				65.0						$10,276	$114	$10,162
Palm Springs North Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	17615 NW 82nd Ave	Hialeah	33015	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	No	(305) 821-4631	1,422	80	17.7	45.3%	28 (2.0%)	28 (2.0%)	1,355 (95.3%)	11 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	63	813^th of 2240 public elementary schools	63.7%		69.2	660^th of 2258 public elementary schools	70.8%	153	69.0	52.0	63.0	75.0	64.0		75.0	69.0	63.0	84.0	71.0		62.0		100.0			82.0	$10,684	$999	$9,685

Frequently Asked Questions about West Lakes Preparatory Academy

What is the racial makeup of West Lakes Preparatory Academy?

Students at West Lakes Preparatory Academy are 88% Hispanic, 6% African American, 3% Asian, 3% White.

Is West Lakes Preparatory Academy a good school?

West Lakes Preparatory Academy ranks 1054^th of 2240 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What schools do graduates of West Lakes Preparatory Academy attend?

Students who attend West Lakes Preparatory Academy usually go on to attend:

Middle : Lawton Chiles Middle School
High : Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High

How many students attend West Lakes Preparatory Academy?

In the 2024-25 school year, 594 students attended West Lakes Preparatory Academy.

What district is West Lakes Preparatory Academy in?

Miami-Dade

Rate West Lakes Preparatory Academy!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

FLFlorida Elementary School Rankings

FLFlorida District Rankings

Schools in Hialeah, FL

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for West Lakes Preparatory Academy!

Latest Florida data All new data »

2025–26 EOC, FAST & Statewide Science test scoresJun 26, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataMar 20, 2026

2024–25 graduation ratesJan 13, 2026

2024–25 EOC, FAST & Statewide Science test scoresJun 26, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.