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Griffin Elementary School

Q: Is Griffin Elementary School a good school?

Griffin Elementary School ranks 1560 th of 2240 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

1560^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 2,240 Florida Elementary Schools

Better than 30% of Florida elementary schools

Summary

Griffin Elementary School in Lakeland, FL, is a public school serving 431 students in grades PK-5 within the Polk district, and it has historically faced significant challenges but is now showing promising signs of a turnaround. The school has consistently ranked in the bottom 30% of Florida elementary schools, but recent data from the 2025-2026 school year shows a notable improvement, with the school earning 2 stars and rising to the 30th percentile for the first time in several years. This upward trend is particularly evident in test scores, with proficiency rates jumping dramatically across nearly all subjects and grades—for example, 3rd Grade ELA went from 37% to 53% and 4th Grade Math from 40% to 53%—a positive momentum not seen in nearby schools like Sleepy Hill Elementary or Dr. NE Roberts Elementary.

However, Griffin faces a critical crisis with chronic absenteeism, which is the most significant differentiator from its higher-performing peers. Nearly half of all students (46.6%) are chronically absent, a rate dramatically higher than schools like McKeel Academy Central (0.3%) or Lincoln Avenue Academy (16.5%), and even higher than other struggling schools like Sleepy Hill (41.5%). This issue directly impacts learning and must be addressed for academic gains to be sustained. Additionally, Griffin’s student-teacher ratio of 22.6:1 is the highest among nearby schools, which is a likely contributor to its struggles, especially when compared to the lower ratios at schools like Winston Academy of Engineering.

Despite these challenges, Griffin has some notable bright spots. The school consistently outperforms the district average in 5th Grade Science, a trend that has held for four consecutive years, with proficiency rates often 13 points higher than the district. Students also perform better in Math than in English Language Arts across all grade levels, suggesting a relative strength that could be leveraged. The school’s high spending per student ($10,784) and the stark contrast with magnet/choice schools like Lincoln Avenue Academy (5 stars, 95th percentile) highlight the deep systemic challenges of serving a student body where over 80% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Griffin’s recent improvement is a fascinating case study in what specific interventions can drive change in a high-poverty context.

431

Students ?

22.6

Student/teacher ratio ?

$10,784

Per pupil spending ?

80.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

3315 Kathleen Rd
Lakeland, FL 33810

(863) 853-6020

District: Polk

Students who attend Griffin Elementary School usually attend:

High:

Kathleen Senior High School

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

39.0%

African American:

36.2%

White:

18.6%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare Griffin Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 5th percentile in 2016 → 30th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 25 percentile points since 2016

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Florida average (53% vs 62% meeting standards)

!High chronic absenteeism (47% vs 31% Florida)

!English Language Arts scores 11 pts below the Florida average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school53%

District avg53%

Florida avg62%

1,560^th of 2,240

Florida public elementary schools ?

Bottom 30%▲ up 25 pts since 2016

From bottom 5% (2016) to bottom 30% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Florida Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

38^th of 86Elementary Schools in the Polk

61^st of 70Polk 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)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	34.0	1560 of 2240	30.4%	★★☆☆☆
2025	21.4	1864 of 2258	17.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	29.0	1649 of 2256	26.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	20.0	1894 of 2240	15.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	24.2	1723 of 2219	22.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	13.1	2048 of 2247	8.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	7.6	2099 of 2182	3.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	5.7	2068 of 2118	2.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2017	3.6	2085 of 2112	1.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2016	9.0	1981 of 2087	5.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2014	22.9	1678 of 2064	18.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	8.6	1956 of 2029	3.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2012	14.6	1782 of 1984	10.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	19.1	1709 of 1985	13.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2010	23.6	1557 of 1919	18.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	32.3	1354 of 1847	26.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2008	50.1	939 of 1789	47.5%	★★☆☆☆
2007	37.5	1183 of 1786	33.8%	★★☆☆☆
2006	34.9	1142 of 1688	32.3%	★★☆☆☆

By subject vs Florida (2025-2026) ?

Science56%-4 vs state

Math56%-9 vs state

English Language Arts49%-11 vs state

1.0

2 ratings · 2 written reviews

5★0

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★2

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What people are saying

by a citizen
Friday, November 18, 2016

My special needs great nephew went here and was placed in a special needs class...from day one they did not know how to deal with him...totally unprofessional. Ihad to school them on dealing with his needs...he was delayed, borderline autism and had learning development issues. He was bullied by the other students in his class and school and always he got in trouble not the other kids. I saw this with my own eyes when I sat in class for a day. Bullying was never reported...they say they have a zero tolerance policy...not so. When things got totally messed up they suspended him...he was in kindergarten and and a special needs student and they suspended him...go figure. The vice principal was a career reject, totally vicious and cruel in nature. I finally took him out of this school. Do not believe anything they tall you during the intake staffing meeting, al hot air. All the things they said they'd do to help Mathew was a lie and I had to force them to deal with his issues. Absolutely the worst school ever and absolutely the worst staff and teachers I have ever met. They more interested in saving themselves then doing what is right..the school board was of no help either, totally useless and self serving...they do not care for the kids in their schools again only interested in keeping their jobs...I am all getting rid of the whole system and putting in a private structure that is accountable to the parents and caretakers. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Tuesday, March 8, 2016

My child has ADHD and is developmentally delayed. When I attended enrollment staffing I was awed at how much they were willing to work with me and take care of his needs, such as potty training, get him a monitor, do an FBA. It all sounded so good and boy was I ever in for a rough ride. Not only did I have to fight for everything they promised, I basically gave up on most of it. And as for the bullying and abuse by staff...unfathomable. Never put your Special needs child in this school...they don't care. My child's behavior has always been an issue, but that's to be expected with ADHD, but combine that with kids teasing him, making fun of him and hitting him and kicking him, etc. Well he is a mess now thanks to this school...and instead of getting help like I asked.. the Principal decides she knows better then the doctors and one day ups and suspends him...really!? Unquestionably the worst treatment of a disabled child I have seen from anyone came from someone who is supposed to be a professional. Absolutely inexcusable!! I have had reports of the au pair manhandling him, other teacher yelling at him and a host of abuse and bullying in PE class and on the grounds. Think twice before you let your child attend this school as a special needs child, they do not to do anything more then let it slide. I have finally had enough and my little boy hates school now thanks to them, so I am pulling him out and moving him to private school. Close Quote

Schools Near Griffin Elementary School

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 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 Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Griffin Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3315 Kathleen Rd	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 853-6020	431	19	22.6	80.7%	80 (18.6%)	156 (36.2%)	168 (39.0%)	5 (1.2%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	20 (4.6%)	34	1560^th of 2240 public elementary schools	30.4%		21.4	1864^th of 2258 public elementary schools	17.4%	304	53.0	46.0	49.0				59.0	53.0	55.0				56.0					$10,784	$1,581	$9,202
Elementary - N Lakeland	Public	PK, KG-5	3315 Kathleen Road	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(863) 853-6020	0	0			0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Sleepy Hill Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2285 Sleepy Hill Rd	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 815-6768	711	45	15.8	80.0%	180 (25.3%)	172 (24.2%)	317 (44.6%)	6 (0.8%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (4.8%)	32.3	1612^th of 2240 public elementary schools	28.0%		24.7	1790^th of 2258 public elementary schools	20.7%	178	49.0	48.0	52.0				48.0	64.0	55.0				52.0					$11,576	$1,844	$9,732
Idea Lakeland	Public, Charter	K-6	1775 Interstate Dr	Lakeland	33805	Polk County	Idea Public Schools	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(904) 993-1520	452	24	18.8	81.9%	84 (18.6%)	133 (29.4%)	226 (50.0%)	6 (1.3%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12.3	2093^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	6.6%					(n/a)	41.0	42.0	44.0	38.0	52.0		29.0	31.0	31.0	30.0	49.0		51.0				81.0
North Lakeland Elementary School Of Choice	Public	PK, KG-5	410 Robson St W	Lakeland	33805	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 499-2850	658	38	17.3	77.5%	137 (20.8%)	187 (28.4%)	302 (45.9%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	28 (4.3%)	11.6	2112^th of 2240 public elementary schools	5.7%		6.2	2204^th of 2258 public elementary schools	2.4%	92	37.0	28.0	36.0				52.0	46.0	27.0				40.0					$11,087	$1,972	$9,115
Winston Academy Of Engineering	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	3415 Swindell Rd	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	Yes	No	Yes	(863) 499-2890	536	31	17.2	51.1%	189 (35.3%)	127 (23.7%)	165 (30.8%)	23 (4.3%)	4 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (5.2%)	77.1	455^th of 2240 public elementary schools	79.7%		79.9	409^th of 2258 public elementary schools	81.9%	46	68.0	72.0	81.0				71.0	80.0	71.0				71.0					$11,281	$1,357	$9,924
Lincoln Avenue Academy	Public, Magnet	K-5	1330 Lincoln Ave N	Lakeland	33805	Polk County	Polk	No	Yes	No	No	(863) 499-2955	512	35	14.6	37.7%	205 (40.0%)	141 (27.5%)	103 (20.1%)	30 (5.9%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (6.1%)	91.1	109^th of 2240 public elementary schools	95.1%		92.7	85^th of 2258 public elementary schools	96.2%	24	84.0	88.0	83.0				80.0	94.0	83.0				80.0					$11,620	$1,182	$10,438
Rochelle School Of The Arts	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-8	1501 Martin L King Jr Ave	Lakeland	33805	Polk County	Polk	No	Yes	No	Yes	(863) 499-2810	762	51	14.9	59.6%	270 (35.4%)	255 (33.5%)	193 (25.3%)	3 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	40 (5.2%)	50	1141^st of 2240 public elementary schools	49.1%		45.8	1209^th of 2258 public elementary schools	46.5%	68	64.0	57.0	63.0	66.0	72.0	75.0	53.0	57.0	75.0	50.0	71.0	61.0	58.0	72.0	93.0	96.0	100.0	$12,785	$1,466	$11,319
Dr. NE Roberts Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6600 Green Rd	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 815-6633	697	34	20.5	72.9%	280 (40.2%)	124 (17.8%)	269 (38.6%)	7 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	16 (2.3%)	27.5	1731^st of 2240 public elementary schools	22.7%		24.6	1791^st of 2258 public elementary schools	20.7%	60	46.0	49.0	56.0				54.0	45.0	42.0				53.0					$10,776	$1,622	$9,154
Kathleen Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3515 Sheretz Rd	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 853-6030	453	29	15.6	78.8%	192 (42.4%)	89 (19.6%)	159 (35.1%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (2.4%)	24.6	1799^th of 2240 public elementary schools	19.7%		20.9	1876^th of 2258 public elementary schools	16.9%	77	41.0	40.0	57.0				36.0	27.0	57.0				64.0					$12,376	$1,886	$10,490

Frequently Asked Questions about Griffin Elementary School

What district is Griffin Elementary School in?

Polk

Is Griffin Elementary School a good school?

Griffin Elementary School ranks 1560^th of 2240 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Griffin Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 431 students attended Griffin Elementary School.

What is the racial makeup of Griffin Elementary School?

Students at Griffin Elementary School are 39% Hispanic, 36% African American, 19% White, 5% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

What schools do graduates of Griffin Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Griffin Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Kathleen Senior High School

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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.