- WOODLAWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 834 students
- CRACKER TRAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades K–5 · 710 students
- LAKE COUNTRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 604 students
- SUN 'N LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 588 students
- FRED WILD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 576 students
- LAKE PLACID ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 569 students
- PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 557 students
- AVON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 503 students
- MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades K–5 · 466 students
- SEBRING PRE-K CENTER — Grades PK–PK · 136 students
- NON-ENROLLED PK EXCEPTIONAL ED PROGRAM — Grades PK–PK · 6 students
- SEBRING MIDDLE SCHOOL — Grades 6–8 · 840 students
- AVON PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL — Grades 6–8 · 600 students
- LAKE PLACID MIDDLE SCHOOL — Grades 6–8 · 507 students
- SEBRING HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 9–12 · 1,849 students
- AVON PARK HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 9–12 · 980 students
- LAKE PLACID HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 9–12 · 829 students
- HIGHLANDS COUNTY SCHOOLS JAIL PROGRAM — Grades 9–12 · 2 students
- HILL-GUSTAT MIDDLE SCHOOL — Grades 6–12 · 669 students
- HIGHLANDS VIRTUAL SCHOOL — Grades K–12 · 141 students
- THE ACADEMY AT YOUTH CARE LANE — Grades 5–12 · 57 students
- HIGHLANDS COUNTY HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND PROGRAM — Grades K–12 · 17 students
- HIGHLANDS VIRTUAL FRANCHISE — Grades 6–12
- HIGHLANDS VIRTUAL FRANCHISE — Grades 6–12
| Metric | Highlands County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 12,362 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 24 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,202/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 74 rated districts in FL → 36th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Florida Dept. of Education FAST ELA & Mathematics, 2024. Full methodology →
About Highlands County School District
Highlands County School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 33876 in Highlands, Florida. Serving students from Pre-K–12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 33876. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
Highlands County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 4/10, placing it in the below average tier. 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.
Highlands 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 33876
Children in zip code 33876 are assigned to Highlands 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 33876, 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 Highlands County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. 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 Sebring
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Highlands County School District serves zip code 33876, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 33876. 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 Highlands 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 33876.
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 Highlands County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 33876 data.