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 1,597 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 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,597 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- 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
School Overview
Lake Wales Senior High School's student population of 1,597 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 73 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,597 students
Total Classroom Teachers
73 teachers
Year Founded
1921
Colors
Black, Orange
School Calendar
Campus Size
75 acres
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 0.67, 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
36%
38%
Black
19%
21%
White
41%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.8%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
42%
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
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?
1,597 students attend Lake Wales Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Lake Wales Senior High School students are White, 36% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
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
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