For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 1,168 students in Hardee County, FL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Hardee County, FL are Hardee Virtual Franchise, Hardee Junior High School and Pioneer Career Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hardee County, FL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Florida public middle school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 52% statewide average). Middle schools in Hardee County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public middle school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Hardee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hardee Virtual Franchise
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1009 N 6th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-12 | 35 students Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Hardee Junior High School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2401 Us Highway 17 N
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3147
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3147
Gr: 6-12 | 1,089 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #33.
Pioneer Career Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 S Florida Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 735-2300
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 735-2300
Gr: 5-12 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 44:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: n/an/a
1009 N 6th Th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-12
Hardee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bowling Green Youth Academy (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
4705 Hwy 17 N
Bowling Green, FL 33834
(863) 375-2000
Bowling Green, FL 33834
(863) 375-2000
Gr: 6-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Hardee County Superintendent's Office (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
8p O Box 1678
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-905
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-905
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Hardee County, FL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Hardee County, FL include Hardee Virtual Franchise, Hardee Junior High School and Pioneer Career Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Hardee County?
4 public middle schools are located in Hardee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hardee County?
Hardee County public middle schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public middle schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.