Serving 887 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Walter Caldwell Elementary 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 43% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower 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 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 887 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Walter Caldwell Elementary School serves the northwest part of Auburndale, FL, covering an area of approximately 10 square miles. Families typically have a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 3.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Walter Caldwell Elementary School's student population of 887 students has grown by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
887 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Walter Caldwell Elementary 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 Walter Caldwell 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
#2559 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
38%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
30%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
27%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)42.2%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
7%
7%
Showing 2004–2013. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walter Caldwell Elementary School's ranking?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School is ranked #2559 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Walter Caldwell Elementary School often compared to?
Walter Caldwell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Auburndale Central Elementary School, Carlton Palmore Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Walter Caldwell Elementary School?
887 students attend Walter Caldwell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Walter Caldwell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are Black, 27% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walter Caldwell Elementary School?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Walter Caldwell Elementary School offer ?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Walter Caldwell Elementary School part of?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School is part of Polk School District.
School Calendar
View the Walter Caldwell Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
FALL BREAK - STUDENT, Teacher and Paraeducator (Paid 11/26 and 11/27)
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
SPRING BREAK WEEK - NO SCHOOL
March 15, 2027 (Monday)
LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS � STUDENT EARLY DISMISSAL
END OF SECOND SEMESTER (94 Days)/Distribute Elementary Report Cards/
Last Work Day for Paraeducators (186-Day Contract)/ Storm Make-Up Day as Needed
May 27, 2027 (Thursday)
School Reviews
Review Walter Caldwell 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
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
