For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,490 students in Lake Wales, FL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Lake Wales, FL are Hillcrest Elementary School, Janie Howard Wilson School and Spook Hill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Wales, FL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Florida public pre school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 54% statewide average). Pre schools in Lake Wales have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public preschool average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Lake Wales, FL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillcrest Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1051 State Road 60 E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Gr: PK-5 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Janie Howard Wilson School
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
306 Florida Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4211
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4211
Gr: PK-5 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #33.
Spook Hill Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
321 Dr Ja Wiltshire Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4262
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4262
Gr: PK-5 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
Polk Avenue Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
110 Polk Ave E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4244
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4244
Gr: PK-5 | 534 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #55.
Victory Ridge Academy
Special Education School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 Burns Ave
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-3338
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-3338
Gr: PK-12 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Lake Wales, Florida Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
800 S Fourth Steet
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 284-4343
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 284-4343
Gr: K-5 | 21 students Minority enrollment: 38%
Our Childrens Middle Academy (Closed 2015)
Special Education School
16 3rd St N
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-7500
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 679-7500
Gr: 6-8 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Lake Wales, FL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Lake Wales, FL include Hillcrest Elementary School, Janie Howard Wilson School and Spook Hill Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Lake Wales?
5 public preschools are located in Lake Wales.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Wales?
Lake Wales public preschools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public preschools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Lake Wales are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Lake Wales include: Polk Avenue Elementary School vs. Hillcrest Elementary School, Janie Howard Wilson School vs. Hillcrest Elementary School, Spook Hill Elementary School vs. Polk Avenue Elementary School