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GreatSchools Rating

Lakewood High School

Public | 9-12 | 1299 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted September 29, 2012

My son attended the CAT program. While the students who attend this school are top notch. The teachers fail to provoke success in there students. The majority of the classes are taught directly from textbooks and there is no focus on helping the kids develop critical thinking skills. In addition there English programs are extremely underfunded and I feel as though my sons education as imbalanced. The CAT program is extremely rigorous. Almost overly so. The kids receive hours of "busy work" each night. As a parent I felt like an outsider no attempts were made to allow me to volunteer at the school. There is almost no school spirit with very few events held for the students. While the safety of the school has improved drastically in the past few years. I would still say there is room for improvement particularly in drug prevention and education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 11, 2012

My child graduated from the CAT program on June 2012. Clearly from the reviews the CAT program is top notch. Shoud your child be selected and choose to attend this program be prepared for a heavy work load and often a few hours of sleep. It can be overwhelming at times but not impossible. Though most of the graduates attend Florida colleges to take advantage of the in-state scholarships, your child will be well prepared and have opportunities to attend elite schools outside state. My son was accepted and will attend an Ivy League college this fall. The only knock on this program is the lack of preparation for the AP exam across ALL courses. Some AP courses are geared toward learning and not necessarily to prepare the student to achieve top scores on the exam. Yes, this is a bit shocking and unfortunate to say the least, but we learned from other prospective students while on campus tours their schools did exactly this. Though achieving top scores on the AP exams are a small part of application process, it is ever so important when competing for a few spots at elite schools when only the smallest fractions seperates each applicant. That's my two cents for whatever it is worth.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 10, 2012

My son just graduated from this school. Initially after qualifying to attend the CAT program he only made it through his sophomore year (his own fault, started to coast on homework issues. They are strict). Due to zoning, his father is a Tierra Verde resident, he was able to remain in the regular part of this school. Having completed lots if honors courses he continued to take some advanced/honors as well as regular classes. We can truly say he experienced all aspects of the school. He also became a peer counselor, which means being involved without entire student body if needed. My son has many friends in and around the school neighborhood. We have always felt very comfortable in and around the school property. To have a truly in depth look and feel for the school, volunteer. This is the way to help the students and the faculty and to really obtain a true perspective. My son and I are off to his university orientation as I write this. I can honestly say this school made this possible with a child that was starting to drift. Did I mention the principle Mr Vicari..there aren't enough words to praise this man. He is truly a 'man of the people', you will admire him as we do.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 29, 2009

It's true that the mojority of CAT students are seperated from traditional ones, but a few of traditional students are in a couple of CAT classes. CAT students are kept mainly in T-Wing (CAT Building) and A-Wing (the building adjacent to it). The only classes that are outside those two buildings are the foreign language classes.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 7, 2008

I am a parent of 2 children at the school. I love the school, it provides many opportunities for anyone that wants it, not just CAT kids, there are many kids in the regular program that excel and have access to all honors and advanced placement courses. The principal and the administrative staff have done a wonderful job in the past few years cleaning up the school. There are a lot of misconceptions as far as this school goes. The school is safe and so is the neighborhood. Check out Lakewood Estates, Pinellas Point, plenty of parks, close to beaches, little traffic. The thing I love the most is the diversity of the school, it is probably the most diverse school in the county. It is nice to see kids from different races and different socio-economic backgrounds all together. It is amazing how much learning there is from each other. A+
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2008

I am a former student of Lakewood High School. And I do not appreciate the comment posted on Feb 29th. The mainstream school is 53% black. Therefore the poster must be incinuating that because there are alot of black people, there must be alot of violence. Which is not true. Mainstream LHS is a normal HS, with the typical amount of fighting any HS has. And no CAT is not 100% seperated from mainstream contrary to the poster's beliefs. We mingle all day long, and mainstream kids are allowed to take advanced classes as long as they arent electives. And you know who does the most of the smoking? The teachers! Off school grounds? Is this lady kidding? Lakewood is surrounded by one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in st pete, thats Lakewood Estates . White ppl think that everything in south side saint pete is crime and ghetto. givemeabreak
—Submitted by Kassie Edwards, a student


Posted February 29, 2008

My daughter is half way thru her freshman year in the CAT Program. She spends 4 hours a day on a bus just so that she can attend CAT. She feels that it is worth the sacrifice and enjoys her days. The academics are outstanding as are the teachers. Since the school separates the CAT students from the main students, safety on campus hasnt been an issue but I am very careful to make sure she doesnt step off the school grounds. Off campus that's another story. Kids congregate in the Church lot after school and I have seen then smoke everything from ciggaretts, cigars to pot. I know the school cant control this situation but if you are thinking about allowing your student to attend Lakewood this is something I would discuss with your child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 27, 2006

While this school offers some high quality classes, the staff that teaches them is inadequate. The principle at this school howerver is extraordinary.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 29, 2006

The quality of this school's academic record is clear. Our statistical analyses at the University of South Florida show that this school ranks consistently in the top five Flroida high schools in producing high achieving students who go on to major in science and mathematics and graduate from college.
—Submitted by Kathryn M. Borman, a parent


Posted January 12, 2006

My student is in the CAT / Magnet program there. Some teachers are not real great: 1. One made fun of most kids that asked a question (How else do they learn and get clarification) 2. One or two don't really teach, just expect kids to get it all out of the book. When student is sick, a common answer is 'assignments are on the website -- but sometimes its NOT there. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A HIGH-TECH MAGNET SCHOOL. Why can't they just put stuff on the website. That would make it SO simple and easy to access. Overall, the CAT program is probably better than the normal public High Schools, from what I see & hear. The NON-CAT side has lots of minorities, some fights, and the usual teenage krap.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Reading

The state average for Reading was 52% in 2012.

299 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
39%

2011

 
 
47%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

299 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
46%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 84% in 2012.

302 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
96%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "B".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "B".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "C".
  • In 2008-2009, this school received a grade of "D".

About the tests


Florida uses School Grades to measure the overall performance of a school each year on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Each school is assigned a letter grade (A-F) based on three criteria: the overall performance on the FCAT, the percentage of eligible students who took the test, and whether or not students made progress in reading and math. The School Grades are calculated by adding points earned from each of the performance criteria listed above.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 59% in 2012.

149 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
9%

2011

 
 
12%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) to test students in Algebra 1. The EOC is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The Algebra 1 EOC has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 48% 23%
White 38% 46%
Hispanic 5% 25%
Multiracial 5% 4%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 2%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 30%N/A46%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Attendance and completion

  This school District averageState average
Graduation rate 71%N/A73%
Dropout rate 1%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per teacher 18N/A15
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 64%N/A65%
Master's degree 34%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 2%N/A1%
Other degree 0%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Classes taught by non-highly qualified teachers 9%N/A5%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1400 54th Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Website: Click here
Phone: (727) 893-2916

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