Highlands Grove Elementary School vs South McKeel Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in Florida, United States, 3.3 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Highlands Grove Elementary School
Lakeland · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
691 students
South McKeel Academy
Lakeland · Charter elementary · Grades PK–6
1,200 students
| Measure | Highlands Grove Elementary School Lakeland, Florida | South McKeel Academy Lakeland, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 70 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank | #694 of 2,187 | #535 of 2,187 |
| National rank | #11082 of 50,301 | #8355 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–5 | Grades PK–6 |
| Students | 691 | 1,200 |
| Enrollment | 691 | 1,200 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 50.1% | 56.3% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 17.4 |
| Reading proficiency | 62% | 81% |
| Math proficiency | 73% | 85% |
| city | Lakeland | Lakeland |
| state | Florida | Florida |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •South McKeel Academy scores higher on the Success Index (US) (74.4 vs 70.3).
- •South McKeel Academy does better on math proficiency (85% vs 73%).
- •South McKeel Academy does better on reading proficiency (81% vs 62%).
- •Highlands Grove Elementary School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (50.1% vs 56.3%).
- •Highlands Grove Elementary School does better on students per teacher (15.0 vs 17.4).
- •South McKeel Academy is the larger school with 1,200 students compared with 691.
- •Highlands Grove Elementary School is a public school while South McKeel Academy is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Highlands Grove Elementary School better than South McKeel Academy?
On the Success Index (US), South McKeel Academy ranks higher (74.4 vs 70.3 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Highlands Grove Elementary School and South McKeel Academy?
About 3.3 km in a straight line, between Lakeland and Lakeland in Florida.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Highlands Grove Elementary School: 691. South McKeel Academy: 1,200. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Highlands Grove Elementary School and South McKeel Academy rank in Florida?
Highlands Grove Elementary School is 694th of 2,187 and South McKeel Academy is 535th of 2,187 among elementary schools in Florida on the 2025 Success Index (US).