Serving 720 students in grades 6-8, Howell L. Watkins Middle 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 27% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 720 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Howell L. Watkins Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Howell L. Watkins Middle School's student population of 720 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
720 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
School Rankings
Howell L. Watkins Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,704 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Howell L. Watkins Middle School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3221 out of 3704 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
52%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
19%
37%
Black
69%
21%
White
7%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howell L. Watkins Middle School's ranking?
Howell L. Watkins Middle School is ranked #3221 out of 3,704 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Howell L. Watkins Middle School often compared to?
Howell L. Watkins Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Watson B. Duncan Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Howell L. Watkins Middle School?
720 students attend Howell L. Watkins Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Howell L. Watkins Middle School students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Howell L. Watkins Middle School?
Howell L. Watkins Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Howell L. Watkins Middle School offer ?
Howell L. Watkins Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Howell L. Watkins Middle School part of?
Howell L. Watkins Middle School is part of Palm Beach School District.
School Reviews
Review Howell L. Watkins Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.

What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don鈥檛 offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.