Serving 764 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Wendell Watson 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 51% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% 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: 764 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Wendell Watson Elementary School serves the northwest part of Lakeland, FL, covering an area of approximately 36.9 square miles. Families within this attendance zone can typically expect a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 11.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wendell Watson Elementary School's student population of 764 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
764 students
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
School Rankings
Wendell Watson 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 Wendell Watson Elementary School is 0.66, 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
#1732 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
33%
38%
Black
14%
21%
White
47%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wendell Watson Elementary School's ranking?
Wendell Watson Elementary School is ranked #1732 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Wendell Watson Elementary School often compared to?
Wendell Watson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Lakeland Elementary School Of Choice by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Wendell Watson Elementary School?
764 students attend Wendell Watson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Wendell Watson Elementary School students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wendell Watson Elementary School?
Wendell Watson Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Wendell Watson Elementary School offer ?
Wendell Watson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wendell Watson Elementary School part of?
Wendell Watson Elementary School is part of Polk School District.
School Calendar
View the Wendell Watson 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
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