{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McLaughlin Acad of Excellence","outOfStateSupporters":40.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9187334,"projectId":9702768,"letterContent":"The addition of the K1C 3D printer to our classroom has had an immediate and meaningful impact on student learning, engagement, and real-world skill development. Students are no longer just learning about technology. They are actively designing, creating, and refining their own 3D objects, bringing abstract concepts to life through hands-on experience.\r\nThis tool has strengthened problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking as students move through the full design process from idea to finished product. It has also allowed us to integrate authentic project-based learning aligned with career pathways in technology and engineering.\r\nBeyond the classroom, the printer has opened opportunities for entrepreneurship and community connection. We recently began using the printer to support student-led fundraising efforts, giving students insight into production, pricing, and business decision-making. Additionally, we are creating items for our PBIS school store, reinforcing positive behavior through meaningful, student-made rewards.\r\nThe impact has extended into the community as well. We have partnered with a local organization that has commissioned our students to produce 500 graduation cap fidget toys and 500 custom logo items. This real-world project provides students with valuable experience meeting client expectations, managing production timelines, and understanding quality control.\r\nOverall, the K1C 3D printer has transformed our classroom into an innovative, collaborative makerspace where students are developing both technical and professional skills that will benefit them far beyond school.","fullyFundedDate":1763557235146,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-student-creations-to-life-with/9702768/","projectTitle":"Bringing Student Creations to Life with 3D Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Corkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9187334"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_46998","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":758,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":26,"percentWhite":26,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":44,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"6 - 11","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.7,"schoolId":46998,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McLaughlin Acad of Excellence on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McLaughlin Acad of Excellence","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/polk-county-school-district/mclaughlin-middle-school/46998"}
Join the 72 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
McLaughlin Acad of Excellence is
a suburban public school
in Lake Wales, Florida that is part of Polk County School District.
It serves 758 students
in grades 6 - 11 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.6:1.
Its teachers have had 22 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 6 - 11
758 Students
52 Teachers
800 4th St SContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
70%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
McLaughlin Acad of Excellence Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 21, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
McLaughlin Acad of Excellence
$8,480
raised using DonorsChoose
22
projects
funded
12
teachers
funded
72
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
2
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
McLaughlin Acad of Excellence has received support from
43 individuals from Florida and
29 individuals out-of-state.
