Summary:
Zip code 33813 in Lakeland, FL, is home to four public elementary schools serving grades PK through 5 within the Polk County School District, offering a diverse range of academic environments for families.
Valleyview Elementary School stands out as the top performer, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 77th percentile statewide. It consistently exceeds both district and state averages in ELA, Math, and Science, with the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (25.6%) and the lowest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (41.38%). In contrast, Medulla Elementary School faces significant challenges, with a 1-star rating, the highest chronic absenteeism (41.2%), and the highest poverty rate (72.95% free/reduced lunch). Despite receiving the most funding per student ($12,878), Medulla has the lowest test scores, highlighting that financial resources alone cannot overcome deep-seated socioeconomic and attendance issues. Scott Lake Elementary School and Highlands Grove Elementary School are solid middle-tier options, both earning 3-star ratings and ranking in the 57th and 67th percentiles, respectively. Highlands Grove is particularly strong in 5th-grade Science, achieving a 70% proficiency rate that tops the zip code.
A key takeaway is the strong link between chronic absenteeism and academic performance, with Valleyview's low absenteeism correlating with high scores and Medulla's high absenteeism correlating with low scores. The data also reveals a clear socioeconomic divide within the same zip code, with Valleyview serving a more affluent population and Medulla serving a community facing greater economic hardship. For parents, this means that while Valleyview offers the strongest overall academics, Highlands Grove provides a standout science program, and Scott Lake offers a reliable middle-ground option, while Medulla may require additional support and engagement to help students succeed.
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