Serving 667 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Hillcrest Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 67% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 667 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 67% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Hillcrest Elementary School serves the southeast part of Lake Wales, FL, covering an area of approximately 5.9 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hillcrest Elementary School's student population of 667 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
667 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
Hillcrest Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hillcrest Elementary School is 0.69, 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
#970 out of 3662 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 1991–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
29%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
20%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
44%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.5%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hillcrest Elementary School's ranking?
Hillcrest Elementary School is ranked #970 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Hillcrest Elementary School often compared to?
Hillcrest Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Polk Avenue Elementary School, Dale R Fair Babson Park Elementary School, Janie Howard Wilson School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
67% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Hillcrest Elementary School?
667 students attend Hillcrest Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Hillcrest Elementary School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hillcrest Elementary School?
Hillcrest Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Hillcrest Elementary School offer ?
Hillcrest Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hillcrest Elementary School part of?
Hillcrest Elementary School is part of Polk School District.
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