McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy is a Polk County Public Schools middle school located southeast of downtown in Lake Wales, Florida.
Serving 758 students in grades 6-11, Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence 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 23% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-11
- Enrollment: 758 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence's student population of 758 students has grown by 68% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-11
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
758 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
1964
Colors
Red
School Calendar
School Rankings
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence 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 Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence is 0.67, 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
#3247 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
44%
38%
Black
28%
21%
White
26%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Phoenix
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence's ranking?
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence is ranked #3247 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence often compared to?
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellenceis often viewed alongside schools like Discovery Academy Of Lake Alfred, Berkley Accelerated by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence?
758 students attend Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 26% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence?
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence offer ?
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence offers enrollment in grades 6-11 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence part of?
Mclaughlin Academy Of Excellence is part of Polk School District.
School Reviews
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