Summary:
Zip code 33801 in Lakeland, Florida, is home to two middle schools serving grades 6 through 8: Crystal Lake Middle School and Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, both part of the Polk school district.
These two schools present a stark contrast in performance and environment. Lawton Chiles Middle Academy is a standout, consistently earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the top 25-30% of Florida middle schools. It significantly exceeds state averages in ELA (77% proficiency), math (63%), science (72%), and civics (100%). In contrast, Crystal Lake Middle School has a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom 14% of the state, with proficiency rates well below state averages in core subjects. A key differentiator is chronic absenteeism: Crystal Lake has an alarming rate of 49.8%, while Lawton Chiles has a low 15.3%. Additionally, Crystal Lake serves a more economically disadvantaged population, with 83.13% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch compared to 43.75% at Lawton Chiles.
Despite these challenges, both schools show strength in advanced coursework, with near-perfect proficiency in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Civics. Interestingly, Crystal Lake Middle School spends more per student ($11,361) than Lawton Chiles Middle Academy ($9,259), yet this does not translate into better overall outcomes. For parents, the choice is clear: Lawton Chiles offers a high-performing, stable environment, while Crystal Lake faces significant hurdles related to poverty and attendance that impact its academic results.
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