Summary:
This analysis examines five high schools in the 33801 zip code of Lakeland, Florida, serving grades 9-12 within the Polk school district, a district ranked 61st out of 70 in the state. The schools range dramatically in size and mission, from large traditional public high schools to small, specialized alternative programs, with a total student population of approximately 3,304.
Lakeland Senior High School is the clear standout, being the largest school (1,985 students) and the only one to earn a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger, ranking in the 51st percentile statewide. It significantly outperforms other schools in nearly every academic metric, including a 94.8% graduation rate and proficiency rates in Biology and US History that meet or exceed state averages. In contrast, Tenoroc High School lags behind, especially in math with only 20% proficient in Algebra 1 compared to the district's 49%. Fresh Start Community School faces extreme challenges with a 71.6% chronic absenteeism rate and a reported 0.0% graduation rate, while Polk Grad Academy stands out for its exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 27.8%, the only school below the state average despite having the highest poverty rate at 85.71%.
Key metrics reveal a community of schools under significant strain. Economic disadvantage is extremely high across the board, with an average of over 73% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. Chronic absenteeism is a critical issue, with rates alarmingly high at Lakeland Senior High (43.0%), Tenoroc (51.7%), Pace Center for Girls (52.6%), and Fresh Start (71.6%). Spending per student varies widely, from $4,887 at Polk Grad Academy to $14,614 at Fresh Start Community School, suggesting that higher spending does not automatically translate into better outcomes. The data paints a picture where Lakeland Senior High serves as a model of success, while other schools struggle with attendance and academic proficiency, highlighting the diverse challenges within this single zip code.
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