For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 4,546 students in 33809, FL (there are 5 private schools, 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).
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