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Dixieland Elementary School

Summary:

Dixieland Elementary School is a public elementary school in Lakeland, Florida, serving 330 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school faces significant challenges, including high chronic absenteeism, low test scores, and a high percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Dixieland Elementary School has seen a sharp increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 19.8% in 2018-2019 to 37.2% in 2022-2023, which is notably higher than the Polk district and state averages. The school also consistently underperforms compared to the district and state in various subjects and grade levels, with only 33% of 5th-grade students proficient or better in Statewide Science, compared to 48% in Polk and 53% statewide. Additionally, Dixieland Elementary has a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 64.85% to 73.56% over the past three school years, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.

When comparing Dixieland Elementary to nearby schools, such as Lakeland Montessori School House and McKeel Academy Central, both public charter schools within the same district, it becomes evident that Dixieland Elementary is underperforming. The school's challenges, including chronic absenteeism and socioeconomic factors, are likely contributing to its poor academic performance, and the relatively low per-student spending may be a contributing factor as well. To improve student outcomes, Dixieland Elementary and the Polk district will need to prioritize addressing these issues through targeted interventions, increased funding, and collaboration with community partners.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 416 Ariana St
       Lakeland, FL  33803

(863) 499-2930

District: Polk

SchoolDigger Rank:
1665th of 2,256 Florida Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,484 Help


Students who attend Dixieland Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Lakeland Senior High School

Student/teacher ratio:  13.5 Help
Number of students:  325

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
45.5%
White:
25.8%
African American:
22.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  80.3% Help


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 Compare Dixieland Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Dixieland Elementary School ranks worse than 73.8% of elementary schools in Florida. It also ranks 55th among 85 ranked elementary schools in the Polk School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 28.45. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Dixieland Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (45.5%), White (25.8%), African American (22.2%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 80.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Dixieland Elementary School is 13.5, which is the 9th best among 85 elementary schools in the Polk School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Dixieland Elementary School employs 24 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Dixieland Elementary School is $11,484, which is the 21st highest among 85 elementary schools in the Polk School District.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Dixieland Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Polk:

SchoolDigger ranks Polk 57th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Dixieland Elementary School?

Rank History for Dixieland Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools FL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 26.93 1270th 1688 24.8%
2007 44.49 1049th 1786 41.3%
2008 36.73 1210th 1789 32.4%
2009 62.97 711th 1847 61.5%
2010 57.32 880th 1919 54.1%
2011 65.03 730th 1985 63.2%
2012 73.40 501st 1984 74.7%
2013 80.64 344th 2029 83.0%
2014 65.30 693rd 2064 66.4%
2016 38.76 1296th 2087 37.9%
2017 28.32 1547th 2112 26.8%
2018 32.58 1459th 2118 31.1%
2019 25.16 1710th 2182 21.6%
2021 24.63 1712th 2247 23.8%
2022 22.66 1771st 2219 20.2%
2023 25.98 1719th 2240 23.3%
2024 28.45 1665th 2256 26.2%
See the entire list of Florida Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Dixieland Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    





Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
50%

0%

0%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, April 14, 2017

Open Quote I wish there was an option to give zero stars. I've dealt with this school for a few years now my kids have had issues at PE and with other kids. No one at this school seems to care. They like to avoid the issues instead of resolve them. Teachers never send things home. There is no communication, no accountability, no progress and no future. This school is just getting worse and worse and no one on staff seems to care. No more bullying!!!!! No more unpunished hitting other kids!!!! No more bleeding at PE and a band-aid being slapped on open wounds that need attention. No more kicking! No more hitting! No more ignoring parents! No more ignoring safety!!! Fence the school!! Keep kids safe!!! PE in an open park is not safe. It's a target!!! Gangs are bringing guns into schools in this area!!!! Our children are not safe!!!! Kids are learning to hit other kids is ok because they aren't punished for it. Kids are learning nothing in class because of behavior problems and constant disruption. Then those disruptions are ignored and even catered to!!!!!! No wonder the school grade is dropping!!!!! No one at the school cares!!!!! Stay away!!!! Do everything you can to take your kids away from this school!!!! Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, January 10, 2010

Open Quote I love Dixieland Elementary School! The Principal to the cafeteria workers and all in between are there for the students! I attended Dixieland as a child and when I started a family I moved back into the Dixieland's school zone just so my 3 children could have a wonderful, loving, educational,encouraged elementary school experience strong foundation volunteer at the school a couple times a month and can't imagine being anywhere else.
The school is an A school! The staff is an A staff! The students are A students! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Dixieland Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 356 40 12 37 0 n/a n/a 0 445
1989 378 40 9 40 1 n/a n/a 0 468
1990 407 34 7 34 0 n/a n/a 0 482
1991 413 43 8 32 1 n/a n/a 0 497
1992 378 55 9 44 0 n/a n/a 0 486
1993 281 70 7 35 1 n/a n/a 0 394
1994 283 84 7 37 0 n/a n/a 0 411
1995 296 113 5 36 0 n/a n/a 0 450
1996 296 113 5 36 0 n/a n/a 0 450
1997 288 98 6 40 0 n/a n/a 0 432
1998 272 101 9 32 0 n/a n/a 0 414
1999 273 109 6 41 0 n/a n/a 0 429
2000 273 105 5 38 1 n/a n/a 0 422
2001 252 101 4 38 0 n/a n/a 0 395
2002 288 87 6 70 0 n/a n/a 0 451
2003 288 87 6 70 0 n/a n/a 0 451
2004 278 100 5 69 0 n/a n/a 0 452
2005 309 120 8 83 0 n/a n/a 0 520
2006 300 144 10 119 1 n/a n/a 0 574
2007 202 136 8 114 0 n/a n/a 16 476
2008 155 127 5 120 0 n/a n/a 22 429
2009 150 107 5 112 0 n/a n/a 24 398
2010 160 121 6 115 1 n/a n/a 32 435
2011 167 89 6 124 1 1 30 0 418
2012 169 103 10 108 3 1 23 0 417
2013 184 114 5 128 1 1 31 0 464
2014 185 115 5 131 3 1 28 0 468
2015 179 102 7 133 4 4 31 0 460
2016 169 137 8 159 4 3 21 0 501
2017 152 126 7 161 3 2 28 0 479
2018 138 114 8 141 4 1 26 0 432
2019 122 121 6 159 3 1 20 0 432
2020 99 100 5 157 1 3 17 0 382
2021 81 88 4 124 1 0 16 0 314
2022 80 80 3 145 1 0 20 0 329
2023 92 72 2 141 0 0 23 0 330
2024 84 72 2 148 0 0 19 0 325

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Dixieland Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 445 25.0 17.8 41.8
1989 468 27.0 17.3 44.2
1990 482 30.0 16.0 16.6
1991 497 31.0 16.0 44.9
1992 486 29.0 16.7 45.5
1993 394 24.0 16.4 50
1994 411 23.0 17.9 56.2
1995 450 25.0 18.0 54
1996 450 25.0 18.0 54
1997 432 23.0 18.8 52.8
1998 414 22.0 18.8 54.3
1999 429 23.0 18.7 65
2000 422 23.0 18.3 59
2001 395 23.0 17.2 63.5
2002 451 26.0 17.3 72.1
2003 451 26.0 17.3 72.1
2004 452 29.0 15.6 72.6
2005 520 31.0 16.8 61.7
2006 574 36.0 15.9 74.4
2007 476 36.0 13.2 79.6
2008 429 33.0 13.0 83.3
2009 398 38.8 12.1 91.7
2010 435 33.0 13.1 93.3
2011 418 32.0 13.0 84.7
2012 417 31.0 13.4 86.1
2013 464 32.0 14.5 81.5
2014 468 32.0 14.6 52.4
2015 460 32.0 14.3 63
2016 501 31.0 16.1 69.1
2017 479 34.0 14.0 67.6
2018 432 32.0 13.5 67.6
2019 432 28.0 15.4 68.5
2020 382 25.0 15.2 60.5
2021 314 25.0 12.5 67.5
2022 329 25.0 13.1 73.6
2023 330 20.0 16.5 64.8
2024 325 24.0 13.5 80.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Dixieland Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 445 25.0 17.8 41.8
1989 468 27.0 17.3 44.2
1990 482 30.0 16.0 16.6
1991 497 31.0 16.0 44.9
1992 486 29.0 16.7 45.5
1993 394 24.0 16.4 50
1994 411 23.0 17.9 56.2
1995 450 25.0 18.0 54
1996 450 25.0 18.0 54
1997 432 23.0 18.8 52.8
1998 414 22.0 18.8 54.3
1999 429 23.0 18.7 65
2000 422 23.0 18.3 59
2001 395 23.0 17.2 63.5
2002 451 26.0 17.3 72.1
2003 451 26.0 17.3 72.1
2004 452 29.0 15.6 72.6
2005 520 31.0 16.8 61.7
2006 574 36.0 15.9 74.4
2007 476 36.0 13.2 79.6
2008 429 33.0 13.0 83.3
2009 398 38.8 12.1 91.7
2010 435 33.0 13.1 93.3
2011 418 32.0 13.0 84.7
2012 417 31.0 13.4 86.1
2013 464 32.0 14.5 81.5
2014 468 32.0 14.6 52.4
2015 460 32.0 14.3 63
2016 501 31.0 16.1 69.1
2017 479 34.0 14.0 67.6
2018 432 32.0 13.5 67.6
2019 432 28.0 15.4 68.5
2020 382 25.0 15.2 60.5
2021 314 25.0 12.5 67.5
2022 329 25.0 13.1 73.6
2023 330 20.0 16.5 64.8
2024 325 24.0 13.5 80.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Dixieland Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018 $1,313 (14.2%) $7,905 (85.8%) $9,218
2019 $1,229 (13.6%) $7,816 (86.4%) $9,046
2020 $1,599 (15.1%) $9,015 (84.9%) $10,615
2021 $1,756 (15.2%) $9,822 (84.8%) $11,578
2022 $3,732 (29.8%) $8,772 (70.2%) $12,504
2023 $2,192 (19.1%) $9,292 (80.9%) $11,484

Data source: Florida Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Dixieland Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 1710th of 2182 Elementary schoolsRanks 1719th of 2240 Elementary schools
 1.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Dixieland Elementary School)3930
 9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Polk)5248
 4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5853
 5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Dixieland Elementary School)5953
 6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Polk)5651
 5%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)6258
 4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Dixieland Elementary School)3030
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Polk)4846
 2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5857
 1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Dixieland Elementary School)2754
 27%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Polk)5650
 6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)6461
 3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Dixieland Elementary School)4623
 23%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Polk)4744
 3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5655
 1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Dixieland Elementary School)5245
 7%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Polk)5140
 11%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)6052
 8%
5th Grade Science (Dixieland Elementary School)3824
 14%
   5th Grade Science (Polk)4539
 6%
   5th Grade Science (Florida)5351
 2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students432330
 23.6%
African American12172
 40.5%
American Indian30
 100%
Asian62
 66.7%
Hispanic159141
 11.3%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White12292
 24.6%
Two or More Races2023
 15%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients68.5%64.8%
 3.7%

Schools Near Dixieland Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Dixieland Elementary School

In the 2023-24 school year, 325 students attended Dixieland Elementary School.

Students at Dixieland Elementary School are 46% Hispanic, 26% White, 22% African American, 6% Two or more races.

Students who attend Dixieland Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Lakeland Senior High School

Dixieland Elementary School ranks 1665th of 2256 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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