For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 5,702 students in 33853, FL (there are , serving 379 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 33853, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 33853, FL are Hillcrest Elementary School, Edward W Bok Academy North and Lake Wales Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 33853 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Florida public school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 33853, FL have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best 33853, FL Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillcrest Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1051 State Road 60 E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Gr: PK-5 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Edward W Bok Academy North
Charter School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 N 4th Street
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 638-1010
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 638-1010
Gr: 6-8 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Lake Wales Senior High School
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1 Highlander Way
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4222
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4222
Gr: 9-12 | 1,599 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #44.
Janie Howard Wilson School
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
306 Florida Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4211
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4211
Gr: PK-5 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #55.
Spook Hill Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
321 Dr Ja Wiltshire Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4262
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4262
Gr: PK-5 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #66.
Polk Avenue Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
110 Polk Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4244
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4244
Gr: PK-5 | 534 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #77.
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence
(Math: 23% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
800 4th St S
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4233
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4233
Gr: 6-10 | 666 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #88.
Victory Ridge Academy
Special Education School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 Burns Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-3338
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-3338
Gr: PK-12 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #99.
Roosevelt Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
115 E St
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4252
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4252
Gr: 6-12 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
33853, Florida Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
800 S Fourth Steet
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 284-4343
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 284-4343
Gr: K-5 | 21 students Minority enrollment: 38%
Our Childrens Middle Academy (Closed 2015)
Special Education School
16 3rd St N
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-7500
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-7500
Gr: 6-8 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 33853, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in 33853, FL include Hillcrest Elementary School, Edward W Bok Academy North and Lake Wales Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in 33853?
9 public schools are located in 33853.
What percentage of students in 33853 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 33853 are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 33853?
33853 public schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child鈥檚 school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.