Highlands Grove Elementary School

Highlands Grove Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5 and is located at 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road in Lakeland, Florida, as part of the Polk County Public Schools district. The school maintains a student–teacher ratio of approximately 16:1, better than many state averages.

Academically the campus reports impressive performance: around 77% of students are proficient in math, significantly higher than the Florida average of about 52%. Reading proficiency is about 64%, also above state norms. Students graduating from this elementary school typically feed into George W. Jenkins High School, whose alumni include MLB player Lance Niekro, providing a strong local pathway for families. For families looking at housing nearby, current listings for three-bedroom rental homes in Lakeland sit in a range of approximately US $1,800 to US $2,500 per month, depending on size, condition and neighborhood.

With a low student–teacher ratio, strong proficiency in core subjects, and a solid feeder route, Highlands Grove stands out as a compelling option for parents prioritizing academic outcomes in early education.

In 2025, Highlands Grove Elementary introduced a “STEAM in Action” week where students from grades 3-5 collaborated on real-world engineering challenges, invited their families to a showcase, and partnered with local businesses from Lakeland Highlands to present robotics demos.

1. What enrichment opportunities does Highlands Grove offer beyond standard instruction?

A. The school offers a Gifted & Talented program, STEM clubs, and mixed-age collaborative projects that give students exposure to hands-on problem-solving and peer mentoring.

2. How does Highlands Grove support students who are behind or need intervention?

A. The school uses frequent benchmark assessments and deploys small-group instruction early in the year. Families may ask how progress is communicated and what intervention blocks exist during school hours.

3. What is the demographic and economic context at Highlands Grove, and what does it mean for families?

A. About 47% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch, indicating mixed economic circumstances among families.

4. What feeder schools and pathway should families expect after grade 5?

A. Graduates typically move on to Lakeland Highlands Middle School and then to George W. Jenkins High School. Understanding this path allows families to plan for academic transitions, course selection, and extracurricular opportunities.

5. What should families know about relocating into this zone regarding housing and costs?

A. Three-bedroom rentals in Lakeland currently range around US $1,800–2,500/month, though prices vary widely by neighborhood and home condition. Families should factor in commute time, property condition, and potential costs for enrichment or tutoring if they wish to maintain high academic performance.