- WAUCHULA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 577 students
- NORTH WAUCHULA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 516 students
- ZOLFO SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 512 students
- HILLTOP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 298 students
- BOWLING GREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 260 students
- HARDEE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM (DISTRICT PROVIDED) — Grades K–5
- HARDEE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 9–12 · 1,347 students
- HARDEE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 6–12 · 958 students
- HARDEE VIRTUAL FRANCHISE — Grades K–12 · 52 students
- PIONEER CAREER ACADEMY — Grades 6–12 · 27 students
- HARDEE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM — Grades K–12
| Metric | Hardee County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,901 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 11 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardee County School District (this district) | 3/10 | 28th | 4,901 |
| Polk County School District | 2/10 | 16th | 109,558 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 74 rated districts in FL → 28th percentile → 3/10.
Source: Florida Dept. of Education FAST ELA & Mathematics, 2024. Full methodology →
About Hardee County School District
Zip code 33865 in Hardee, Florida is served by Hardee County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Hardee County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Hardee County School District 3 out of 10 — below average among Florida public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Florida’s FAST ELA & Mathematics assessments (2024 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Florida is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Hardee County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Florida benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 33865
Children in zip code 33865 are assigned to Hardee County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 33865, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Hardee County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Florida districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Ona
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Hardee County School District serves zip code 33865, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 33865. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Florida, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Hardee County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 33865.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Hardee County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 33865 data.