Lakewood High School

Posted: November 30, 2025

Posted: November 30, 2025

Posted: November 30, 2025

Posted: November 30, 2025

Posted: November 30, 2025

I joined this school in 10th grade and graduated early as part of a class of 26. My experience was mixed—there were positive moments, but also significant challenges that affected academics and the overall student environment.

Academically, experiences varied widely by teacher. Some teachers genuinely engage with students and foster understanding, while others rely heavily on pre-made packets and worksheets, which don’t always prepare students for standardized tests. My intensive reading class, for example, effectively prepared students for the FAST test, sometimes more than the actual English class. However, for the BEST writing test, students were not adequately prepared because the English curriculum did not align with what was assessed, leaving many unsure how to approach it. While I performed well in subjects like math and science, inconsistent teaching in other areas hindered learning.

The administration, including Principal Garcia, has a generally friendly rapport with students, but inconsistencies exist in how student needs are addressed. Some policies and events seem to prioritize high-profile programs, such as athletics, over other students. I observed certain staff showing selective treatment of students, creating an environment that felt unfair at times. While I was not personally targeted, I witnessed unprofessional or dismissive interactions among staff and toward students, which can make the school climate challenging.

Safety has been a concern; the school experienced an active shooter lockdown. These incidents were handled promptly, but they add to student stress.

On the positive side, many teachers make a real effort to engage students meaningfully, and supportive staff—like the new front desk personnel—have a positive impact and are appreciated by students. Unfortunately, internal staff dynamics, including favoritism, gossip, and unprofessional behavior, sometimes undermine this support and affect the overall school culture.

Overall, while there are strong teachers and some supportive staff, the inconsistent teaching quality, inequitable treatment of students, and administrative priorities can make the school environment draining. Improvements in curriculum alignment, teacher support, and attention to all students—not just high-profile programs—would strengthen the overall educational experience.

Posted: November 30, 2025

Posted: November 30, 2025

Posted: May 9, 2024

Posted: May 9, 2024

Posted: May 9, 2024

Posted: May 9, 2024

Posted: May 9, 2024

Posted: May 9, 2024

this school is the worst they only care about football players the teachers don't even care no more the kids run over the teachers and the teachers just letting them don't come here only the football team is good

Posted: May 9, 2024

Posted: May 9, 2024

Posted: May 25, 2023

Posted: May 25, 2023

Posted: May 25, 2023

Posted: May 25, 2023

Posted: May 25, 2023

I went to Lakewood for about 2 years in my Freshmen-Sophomore years. The school is one year (as of 2023) away from being taken over by the state because of how bad their test scores are and haven't shown any improvement. Some of the teachers are wonderful and want to help students, others aren't as great. Because of student behavior, it can be difficult for teachers to be on time for certain subject areas and prepare the students for success on tests. The administration is horrible, and they usually only seem to really care about the CAT kids and the Football team. If you take away CAT scores, then you'll have a very little amount of people who are actually succeeding. I've seen sexual assault problems, drug problems, teacher problems, administration problems, etc. It's not unusual for a student to be searched on campus, and expect fights at least once or twice a month(+) on average. CAT kids are pushed extremely hard compared to 'regular' students and have difficulty regulating it. The other programs aren't really heard of. Their journalism program can be great, as long as you get along with the teacher(s). Otherwise, you're doomed. You'll see the same group of kids in your AP/honors/Dual Enrollment classes almost every time (usually CAT kids). Most students and parents have problems with one of the Spanish teachers every year and end up failing. I'd steer away from this school if you're not looking to be taken over by the state anytime soon, especially if you're not one of the Football players or CAT students.

Posted: May 25, 2023

Posted: May 25, 2023

Posted: May 25, 2023

Posted: June 9, 2021

Posted: June 9, 2021

Posted: June 9, 2021

Posted: June 9, 2021

Posted: June 9, 2021

Posted: June 9, 2021

Posted: June 9, 2021

Posted: June 9, 2021

This school is amazing. The students at Lakewood are very self-driven and hard working. The teachers and counselors always ensure the students are on a good path, mental health wise and grade wise. The school gives students opportunities like college level classes and preparation for college and the real world. If it was bad in the past, it has turned around. Lakewood high school has many students working on huge projects and making efforts to change the world. Stop bashing Lakewood and dragging it through the mud. Like any high school, things occur and some students may not be committed or motivated to do school work but the teachers and staff always go out of their way to ensure and provide safety, college/life readiness, and rules. All I have seen in my years there was people helping kids be their better selves and preparing them with real advice and love, giving all students a good environment to learn in with many experiences within those four walls as well.

Posted: February 1, 2018

terrible school and there is no progress being made at all

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: February 1, 2018

Posted: May 14, 2015

Much is said of the Principal but Mr. Oberg is outstanding. He cares about the students and helps CAT be one of the top schools in Florida. The math teachers are tops. History and English teachers are not at the same level and are unavoidable. The band and robotics classes are top elective classes. The kids are competitive that helps motivate the kids. The school close by is often considered superior. With the exception of liberal arts, that is just not true! Ask how many matriculate into Georgia Tech or Cal-Tech, Lakewood is significantly more focused on science and engineering. It is not always easy we are able to maintain several extra curricular activities. One year in and we can say with 100% certainty that we chose the right school. The regular high school has not been a problem. The students have been friendly and the surrounding neighborhoods are clean. There will always be areas I could nit-pick, I prefer to focus on the benefits that have been offered by this program. The word is getting out and the CAT program is exploding at the seams, my expectation is that it will continue and that will only add to it's reputation as the best of the best will want into the program.

Posted: October 20, 2014

Awesome school, great teachers. The students are given every opportunity to succeed. Which results in a A rated school and a Technology Magnet (CAT) that is rated #15 (2014) in the nation.

Posted: December 8, 2013

Best School Everrrrrrr ! I go to the Lakewood High School and I love it here. It's Drama Free and There are barely any fights unlike Boca Ciega and Gibbs .

Posted: September 28, 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.

Posted: June 9, 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.