Serving 895 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Walter Caldwell Elementary School 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 43% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 895 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Walter Caldwell Elementary School's student population of 895 students has grown by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has grown by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
895 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Walter Caldwell Elementary School 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 Walter Caldwell Elementary School is 0.70, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2559 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
36%
37%
Black
27%
21%
White
32%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Polk School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walter Caldwell Elementary School's ranking?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School is ranked #2559 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Walter Caldwell Elementary School often compared to?
Walter Caldwell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Carlton Palmore Elementary School, Auburndale Central Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Walter Caldwell Elementary School?
895 students attend Walter Caldwell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Walter Caldwell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 32% of students are White, 27% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walter Caldwell Elementary School?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Walter Caldwell Elementary School offer ?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Walter Caldwell Elementary School part of?
Walter Caldwell Elementary School is part of Polk School District.
School Calendar
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Event
Date
LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS STUDENT EARLY DISMISSAL
May 28, 2026 (Thursday)
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