For the 2025-26 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 3,390 students in Hardee County, FL.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Hardee County, FL are Wauchula Elementary School, North Wauchula Elementary School and Bowling Green Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hardee County, FL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Florida public elementary school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 53% statewide average). Elementary schools in Hardee County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public elementary school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Hardee County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wauchula Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 S Florida Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3141
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3141
Gr: PK-5 | 572 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #22.
North Wauchula Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1120 N Florida Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-2183
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-2183
Gr: PK-5 | 545 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #33.
Bowling Green Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4530 Church Ave
Bowling Green, FL 33834
(863) 773-5471
Bowling Green, FL 33834
(863) 773-5471
Gr: PK-5 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #44.
Zolfo Springs Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3215 School House Rd
Zolfo Springs, FL 33890
(863) 773-5473
Zolfo Springs, FL 33890
(863) 773-5473
Gr: PK-5 | 550 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #55.
Hilltop Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2401 Us Highway 17 N
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-2750
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-2750
Gr: PK-5 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #66.
Hardee Virtual Franchise
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1009 N 6th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-12 | 35 students Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #77.
Hardee Junior High School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2401 Us Highway 17 N
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3147
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3147
Gr: 6-12 | 1,089 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #88.
Pioneer Career Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 S Florida Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 735-2300
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 735-2300
Gr: 5-12 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 44:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: n/an/a
1009 N 6th Th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-12
1009 N 6th Ave
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-9058
Gr: K-5
Hardee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bowling Green Youth Academy (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
4705 Hwy 17 N
Bowling Green, FL 33834
(863) 375-2000
Bowling Green, FL 33834
(863) 375-2000
Gr: 6-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Hardee County Superintendent's Office (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
8p O Box 1678
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-905
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-905
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Hardee County, FL?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Hardee County, FL include Wauchula Elementary School, North Wauchula Elementary School and Bowling Green Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Hardee County?
10 public elementary schools are located in Hardee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hardee County?
Hardee County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public elementary schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Hardee County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Hardee County include: Zolfo Springs Elementary School vs. Hilltop Elementary School, Zolfo Springs Elementary School vs. Wauchula Elementary School, North Wauchula Elementary School vs. Bowling Green Elementary School
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.
