Summary:
Zip code 33870 in Sebring, FL, is home to two elementary schools, Woodlawn Elementary School and Fred Wild Elementary School, both part of the Highlands School District, which holds a 2-star rating and ranks in the bottom half of Florida districts.
Woodlawn Elementary School stands out as the higher-performing school in the area, consistently achieving better test scores in science and most math and English Language Arts (ELA) subjects. For example, in the 2025-2026 school year, Woodlawn’s 5th graders posted a 53% science proficiency rate compared to Fred Wild’s 43%, and its 4th graders achieved 57% in ELA versus Fred Wild’s 48%. Woodlawn also ranks higher statewide, sitting in the 46th percentile, while Fred Wild ranks in the 24th percentile. However, Woodlawn’s state ranking has declined over three years, dropping from the 61st to the 46th percentile, which is a trend worth monitoring. Notably, Woodlawn achieves these results with significantly less funding—$9,403 per student compared to Fred Wild’s $13,627—suggesting efficient resource use.
Fred Wild Elementary School faces greater challenges, with 80.21% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, compared to Woodlawn’s 66.19%. Despite higher per-student spending, its academic performance lags behind, except for a bright spot in 3rd grade math, where Fred Wild’s students outperformed Woodlawn’s (73% vs. 70% in 2025-2026). Both schools struggle with chronic absenteeism, with rates of 34.7% at Woodlawn and 36.7% at Fred Wild, both above the state average of 31.4%. This systemic issue is a key concern for the entire zip code and likely impacts overall achievement. For parents, Woodlawn offers stronger academics and efficiency, while Fred Wild shows targeted math strength but requires attention to broader challenges.
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