For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 4,546 students in 33809, FL (there are , serving 922 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in 33809, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 33809, FL are Wendell Watson Elementary School, Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School and Lake Gibson Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 33809 have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Florida public school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 33809, FL have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best 33809, FL Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wendell Watson Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6800 Walt Williams Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6060
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6060
Gr: PK-5 | 835 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
110 Leelon Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6044
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6044
Gr: PK-5 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #33.
Lake Gibson Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
6901 Socrum Loop Rd N
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6151
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6151
Gr: 6-8 | 1,118 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Lake Gibson Senior High School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7007 Socrum Loop Rd N
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6100
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6100
Gr: 9-12 | 2,039 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
33809, Florida Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Lake Gibson Step Up Academy (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
7007 N Socrum Loop Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6100
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6100
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 33809, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in 33809, FL include Wendell Watson Elementary School, Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School and Lake Gibson Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 33809?
4 public schools are located in 33809.
What percentage of students in 33809 go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in 33809 are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 33809?
33809 public schools minority enrollment is 58% 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.