Serving 376 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Southwest Elementary School ranks in the top 50% 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 65-69% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 376 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 67%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwest Elementary School's student population of 376 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
376 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwest 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 Southwest Elementary School is 0.70, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1553 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
39%
38%
Black
21%
21%
White
33%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36.4%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Elementary School's ranking?
Southwest Elementary School is ranked #1553 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Southwest Elementary School often compared to?
Southwest Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dixieland Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Southwest Elementary School?
376 students attend Southwest Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Southwest Elementary School students are Hispanic, 33% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwest Elementary School?
Southwest Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Southwest Elementary School offer ?
Southwest Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Elementary School part of?
Southwest Elementary School is part of Polk School District.
In what neighborhood is Southwest Elementary School located?
Southwest Elementary School is located in the Southwest Lakeland neighborhood of Lakeland, FL. There are 1 other public schools located in Southwest Lakeland.
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