Serving 502 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, James W. Sikes Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is equal to the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 502 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
James W. Sikes Elementary School's student population of 502 students has declined by 31% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
502 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
To Be The Best I Can Be
School Rankings
James W. Sikes Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James W. Sikes Elementary School is 0.65, 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
#1518 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
35%
38%
Black
14%
21%
White
46%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.7%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cyclones
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James W. Sikes Elementary School's ranking?
James W. Sikes Elementary School is ranked #1518 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are James W. Sikes Elementary School often compared to?
James W. Sikes Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like South Mckeel Academy, Scott Lake Elementary School, Purcell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend James W. Sikes Elementary School?
502 students attend James W. Sikes Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of James W. Sikes Elementary School students are White, 35% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James W. Sikes Elementary School?
James W. Sikes Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does James W. Sikes Elementary School offer ?
James W. Sikes Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James W. Sikes Elementary School part of?
James W. Sikes Elementary School is part of Polk School District.
School Reviews
Review James W. Sikes Elementary 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
