Sun 'n Lake Elementary School

Sun 'n Lake Elementary School in Sebring, FL, is a mid-sized school serving 588 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, and it stands out in the Highlands district for its consistent academic strength, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA), where it outperforms both district and state averages across all tested grades.

One of the school's biggest strengths is its strong performance in early math and reading. In 3rd grade, 77% of students were proficient in math, and 65% were proficient in ELA, both well above state averages. This academic success is paired with the lowest chronic absenteeism rate among all elementary schools in the district—just 24.9% compared to the district average of 36.0%. While Park Elementary, located just 5 miles away, posts even higher test scores, it does so with a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students and higher spending per student. Sun 'n Lake achieves above-average results with relatively efficient resource allocation, especially when compared to nearby schools like Fred Wild Elementary, which spends more per student but ranks much lower.

There are a few areas to watch. While the school's state ranking has improved over the last four years, its chronic absenteeism rate remains stubbornly high—nearly 8 points above pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, math proficiency tends to decline as students move from 3rd to 5th grade, a pattern seen in other local schools like Cracker Trail Elementary and Woodlawn Elementary. On a positive note, the school saw a dramatic drop in its free/reduced lunch population, suggesting a potential shift in the community's economic profile. Overall, Sun 'n Lake offers a solid, well-rounded education with a focus on literacy and early math, making it a reliable choice for families in the area.