Lake Wales High School is a high school located in Lake Wales, Florida, serving the city of Lake Wales and nearby communities such as Frostproof, Dundee, and Winter Haven, Florida. It is part of Lake Wales Charter Schools.
Serving 1,599 students in grades 9-12, Lake Wales Senior High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,599 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Btm 50% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lake Wales Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Lake Wales Senior High School's student population of 1,599 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 72 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,599 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
72 teachers
Year Founded
1921
Colors
Black, Orange
School Calendar
Campus Size
75
School Motto
Creating a vibrant, internationally-minded community where students are encouraged to seek a life of inquiry, reflection, and merit.
School Rankings
Lake Wales Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lake Wales Senior High School is 0.68, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2472 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
34%
37%
Black
19%
21%
White
42%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Highlanders
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lake Wales Senior High School's ranking?
Lake Wales Senior High School is ranked #2472 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Lake Wales Senior High School often compared to?
Lake Wales Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mulberry Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lake Wales Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Lake Wales Senior High School is 85%, which is lower than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Lake Wales Senior High School?
1,599 students attend Lake Wales Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Lake Wales Senior High School students are White, 34% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lake Wales Senior High School?
Lake Wales Senior High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Lake Wales Senior High School offer ?
Lake Wales Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lake Wales Senior High School part of?
Lake Wales Senior High School is part of Polk School District.
School Reviews
Review Lake Wales Senior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
