Lakeland Montessori Middle School

Summary:

Lakeland Montessori Middle School is a small public charter school in Lakeland, Florida, serving grades 6-8 with just 30 students. Despite being part of the Polk school district, which is ranked 57th out of 68 districts in the state, this unique Montessori-based school consistently outperforms the district and the state of Florida in academic assessments.

In the 2023-2024 school year, Lakeland Montessori Middle School had 93% proficiency in Algebra 1 EOC, 100% proficiency in Civics EOC, and 67% proficiency in 8th grade Science, compared to just 42%, 72%, and 35% respectively for the Polk district. The school has also been ranked among the top Florida middle schools, ranking 9th out of 1,177 schools in 2022-2023 and 13th out of 1,148 schools in 2021-2022, earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Additionally, the school's student population is more racially diverse than the surrounding schools, with a higher percentage of White and Hispanic students compared to the district average.

Further, Lakeland Montessori Middle School has maintained a low chronic absenteeism rate, ranging from 3.0% to 10.3% over the past few years, significantly lower than the district average. The school also has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 8.3 to 27 over the past few years, providing students with more individualized attention. These factors suggest that the school's Montessori-based approach is effectively supporting student learning, engagement, and overall academic excellence, making it a standout option for families in the Lakeland area.

Detail:

Public, Charter 6-8

1124 N. Lake Parker Ave
Lakeland, FL 33805

(863) 413-0003

District: Polk

SchoolDigger Rank:
66^th of 1,196 Florida Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $6,794

Student/teacher ratio: 30.0

Number of students: 30

Racial breakdown:

White:

50.0%

Hispanic:

40.0%

African American:

6.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 10%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Lakeland Montessori Middle School ranks better than 94.5% of middle schools in Florida. It also ranks first among 26 ranked middle schools in the Polk School District! (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 91.61. (See more...)

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

Compare Details Lakeland Montessori Middle School has the smallest middle school student body size in the Polk School District. Racial makeup is: White (50%), Hispanic (40%), African American (6.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 10% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Polk School District. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Lakeland Montessori Middle School is 30. 25 middle schools in the Polk School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Lakeland Montessori Middle School employs 1 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Lakeland Montessori Middle School is $6,794. 23 middle schools in the Polk School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Lakeland Montessori Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Lakeland Montessori Middle School 66^th of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See Lakeland Montessori Middle School in the ranking list.)

Polk:

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

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Rank History for Lakeland Montessori Middle School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	FL State Percentile
2012	94.22	26^th	897	97.1%
2013	83.14	129^th	956	86.5%
2014	76.20	216^th	999	78.4%
2016	90.07	71^st	997	92.9%
2017	92.58	60^th	1031	94.2%
2018	86.64	124^th	1035	88.0%
2019	80.02	203^rd	1099	81.5%
2021	92.19	60^th	1136	94.7%
2022	97.62	13^th	1148	98.9%
2023	97.62	9^th	1177	99.2%
2024	91.61	66^th	1196	94.5%

See the entire list of Florida Middle School Rankings!

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

Data source: Florida Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Lakeland Montessori Middle School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Two or More Races	Total
2011	33	0	1	0	0	6	40
2012	33	6	2	8	0	3	52
2013	36	4	2	9	0	2	53
2014	40	4	3	13	0	1	61
2015	45	4	3	9	0	0	61
2016	41	4	4	11	0	0	60
2017	36	4	4	15	0	1	60
2018	41	4	2	12	0	1	60
2019	39	2	2	14	0	3	60
2020	37	2	3	17	0	3	62
2021	19	0	0	7	0	1	27
2022	13	0	1	7	2	2	25
2023	17	0	2	7	2	2	30
2024	15	2	1	12	0	0	30

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 Lakeland Montessori Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2011	40	3.0	13.3	17.5
2012	52	3.0	17.3	19.2
2013	53	3.0	17.6	24.5
2014	61	4.0	15.2	29.5
2015	61	4.0	15.2	26.2
2016	60	4.0	15.0	16.7
2017	60	4.0	15.0	18.3
2018	60	3.0	20.0	15
2019	60	3.0	20.0	16.7
2020	62	3.0	20.6	9.7
2021	27	1.0	27.0	11.1
2022	25	3.0	8.3	16
2023	30	2.0	15.0	10
2024	30	1.0	30.0	10

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 Lakeland Montessori Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2011	40	3.0	13.3	17.5
2012	52	3.0	17.3	19.2
2013	53	3.0	17.6	24.5
2014	61	4.0	15.2	29.5
2015	61	4.0	15.2	26.2
2016	60	4.0	15.0	16.7
2017	60	4.0	15.0	18.3
2018	60	3.0	20.0	15
2019	60	3.0	20.0	16.7
2020	62	3.0	20.6	9.7
2021	27	1.0	27.0	11.1
2022	25	3.0	8.3	16
2023	30	2.0	15.0	10
2024	30	1.0	30.0	10

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 Lakeland Montessori Middle School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$120 (2.1%)	$5,635 (97.9%)	$5,755
2019	$23 (0.4%)	$5,643 (99.6%)	$5,666
2020	$126 (1.9%)	$6,394 (98.1%)	$6,519
2021	$877 (8.6%)	$9,334 (91.4%)	$10,211
2022	$1,537 (15.9%)	$8,129 (84.1%)	$9,666
2023	$1,002 (14.7%)	$5,791 (85.2%)	$6,794

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Lakeland Montessori Middle 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 203^rd of 1099 Middle schools	Ranks 9^th of 1177 Middle schools	17.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
7th Grade English Language Arts (Lakeland Montessori Middle School)	64	88	24%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Polk)	42	38	4%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	52	48	4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Lakeland Montessori Middle School)	76	94	18%
7th Grade Mathematics (Polk)	39	35	4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	54	46	8%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Lakeland Montessori Middle School)	68	80	12%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Polk)	48	41	7%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	49	7%
8th Grade Science (Lakeland Montessori Middle School)	72	73	1%
8th Grade Science (Polk)	41	33	8%
8th Grade Science (Florida)	48	44	4%
End of Course Civics (Lakeland Montessori Middle School)	74	100	26%
End of Course Civics (Polk)	70	65	5%
End of Course Civics (Florida)	71	66	5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	60	30	50%
African American	2	0	100%
American Indian	0	2
Asian	2	2
Hispanic	14	7	50%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	39	17	56.4%
Two or More Races	3	2	33.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	16.7%	10%	6.7%

Schools Near Lakeland Montessori Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)					FAST Math (2024)			Statewide Science Science (2024)	EOC Algebra 1 (2024)	EOC Geometry (2024)	EOC Biology 1 (2024)	EOC US History (2024)	EOC Civics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 9th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 10th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC US History End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Lakeland Montessori Middle School	Public, Charter	6-8	1124 N. Lake Parker Ave	Lakeland	33805	Polk County	Polk	Yes	No	No	No	(863) 413-0003	30	1	30.0	10.0%	15 (50.0%)	2 (6.7%)	12 (40.0%)	1 (3.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	91.6	66^th of 1196 public middle schools	94.5%		97.6	9^th of 1177 public middle schools	99.2%	57		73.0	100.0				80.0		67.0	93.0				100.0	$6,794	$1,002	$5,791
Lawton Chiles Middle Academy	Public, Magnet	6-8	400 Florida Ave N	Lakeland	33801	Polk County	Polk	No	Yes	No	No	(863) 499-2742	671	34	19.7	40.1%	316 (47.1%)	145 (21.6%)	133 (19.8%)	44 (6.6%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	32 (4.8%)	76.4	245^th of 1196 public middle schools	79.5%		68.6	340^th of 1177 public middle schools	71.1%	95	70.0	66.0	71.0			69.0	59.0	40.0	70.0	71.0	99.0			100.0	$9,583	$1,426	$8,155
Crystal Lake Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	2410 Crystal Lake Dr N	Lakeland	33801	Polk County	Polk	No	Yes	No	Yes	(863) 499-2970	865	40	21.6	79.0%	244 (28.2%)	210 (24.3%)	369 (42.7%)	9 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (0.6%)	28 (3.2%)	14.5	1057^th of 1196 public middle schools	11.6%		17.4	1010^th of 1177 public middle schools	14.2%	47	32.0	28.0	30.0			24.0	10.0	24.0	29.0	57.0	86.0			52.0	$9,469	$1,546	$7,922
Southwest Middle School	Public	6-8	2815 Eden Pkwy	Lakeland	33803	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 499-2840	745	42	17.7	72.5%	235 (31.5%)	183 (24.6%)	294 (39.5%)	8 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.3%)	23 (3.1%)	17.8	1028^th of 1196 public middle schools	14.0%		15.3	1037^th of 1177 public middle schools	11.9%	9	24.0	34.0	34.0			26.0	22.0	27.0	32.0	75.0	74.0			67.0	$9,917	$1,863	$8,054
Sleepy Hill Middle School	Public	6-8	2215 Sleepy Hill Rd	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 815-6577	1,087	48	22.6	75.4%	240 (22.1%)	284 (26.1%)	517 (47.6%)	18 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	27 (2.5%)	14.8	1056^th of 1196 public middle schools	11.7%		14.6	1043^rd of 1177 public middle schools	11.4%	13	27.0	25.0	33.0			23.0	16.0	34.0	25.0	64.0	83.0			74.0	$8,552	$1,329	$7,222
Lake Gibson Middle School	Public	6-8	6901 Socrum Loop Rd N	Lakeland	33809	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 853-6151	1,118	62	18.0	65.5%	461 (41.2%)	229 (20.5%)	379 (33.9%)	21 (1.9%)	3 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	24 (2.1%)	19.5	1004^th of 1196 public middle schools	16.1%		23.1	934^th of 1177 public middle schools	20.6%	70	28.0	32.0	34.0			23.0	24.0	34.0	33.0	70.0	51.0			84.0	$8,908	$1,766	$7,142
Lakeland Highlands Middle School	Public	6-8	740 Lake Miriam Dr	Lakeland	33813	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	No	(863) 648-3500	1,260	65	19.3	49.1%	607 (48.2%)	204 (16.2%)	353 (28.0%)	41 (3.3%)	3 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	51 (4.0%)	50.5	583^rd of 1196 public middle schools	51.3%		45.6	626^th of 1177 public middle schools	46.8%	43	54.0	52.0	53.0			48.0	35.0	55.0	47.0	91.0	96.0			84.0	$7,875	$1,125	$6,750
Kathleen Middle School	Public	6-8	3627 Kathleen Pnes	Lakeland	33810	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 853-6040	835	46	18.1	77.5%	303 (36.3%)	174 (20.8%)	334 (40.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	23 (2.8%)	14.3	1061^st of 1196 public middle schools	11.3%		15	1040^th of 1177 public middle schools	11.6%	21	28.0	26.0	27.0			27.0	20.0	37.0	21.0	83.0				73.0	$9,292	$1,623	$7,669
Berkley Accelerated	Public, Charter	6-10	5316 Berkley Rd	Auburndale	33823	Polk County	Polk	Yes	No	No	No	(863) 984-2400	627	29	21.6	33.3%	430 (68.6%)	32 (5.1%)	145 (23.1%)	8 (1.3%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (1.6%)	76.9	240^th of 1196 public middle schools	79.9%		77.2	233^rd of 1177 public middle schools	80.2%	7	69.0	69.0	70.0	72.0	81.0	82.0	61.0	47.0	48.0	80.0	59.0	81.0	88.0	82.0	$7,277	$581	$6,695
Jere L. Stambaugh Middle	Public	6-8	226 Main St N	Auburndale	33823	Polk County	Polk	No	No	No	Yes	(863) 965-5494	1,090	41	26.5	72.8%	420 (38.5%)	193 (17.7%)	428 (39.3%)	8 (0.7%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.2%)	38 (3.5%)	13.8	1068^th of 1196 public middle schools	10.7%		16	1029^th of 1177 public middle schools	12.6%	39	30.0	23.0	25.0			30.0	25.0	19.0	27.0	35.0	82.0			56.0	$8,041	$1,338	$6,702

Frequently Asked Questions about Lakeland Montessori Middle School

What is the racial makeup of Lakeland Montessori Middle School?

Students at Lakeland Montessori Middle School are 50% White, 40% Hispanic, 7% African American, 3% Asian.

How many students attend Lakeland Montessori Middle School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 30 students attended Lakeland Montessori Middle School.

What district is Lakeland Montessori Middle School in?

Polk

Is Lakeland Montessori Middle School a good school?

Yes. Lakeland Montessori Middle School ranks in the top 5.5% of Florida middle schools.

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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.