For the 2025 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 7,621 students in Bartow, FL (there are 3 private schools, serving 256 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Bartow, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in Bartow, FL are Bartow Elementary Academy, Union Academy and Jean O'dell Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Bartow, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Bartow have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Bartow, FL (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Bartow Elementary Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
590 Wilson Ave S
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7410
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7410
Grades: K-5
| 531 students
Rank: #22.
Union Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1795 Wabash St E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7435
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7435
Grades: 6-8
| 389 students
Rank: #33.
Jean O'dell Learning Center
Special Education School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1310 Floral Ave S
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7440
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7440
Grades: PK-12
| 78 students
Rank: #44.
Spessard L Holland Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2342 Ef Griffin Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 648-3031
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 648-3031
Grades: PK-5
| 769 students
Rank: #55.
Polk Halfway House
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2145 Bob Phillips Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3611
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3611
Grades: 5-12
| 24 students
Rank: #66.
Floral Avenue Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1530 Floral Ave S
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7420
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7420
Grades: PK-5
| 629 students
Rank: #77.
Bella Citta
(Math: 45% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1915 S Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33214
(863) 519-7600
Bartow, FL 33214
(863) 519-7600
Grades: PK-7
| 1,111 students
Rank: #88.
Bartow Senior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1270 Broadway Ave S
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7400
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7400
Grades: 9-12
| 2,243 students
Rank: #99.
Bartow Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
550 Clower St E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7415
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7415
Grades: 6-8
| 999 students
Rank: #1010.
James E. Stephens Academy
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1350 Maple Ave N
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7455
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7455
Grades: PK-5
| 328 students
Rank: #1111.
Hospital Homebound
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1909 Floral Ave S
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 665-4538
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 665-4538
Grades: PK-12
| 151 students
Rank: #1212.
Gause Academy Of Leadership
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1395 Polk St W
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7425
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7425
Grades: 6-12
| 82 students
Rank: #1313.
Compass Middle Charter School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
550 Clower St E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-8701
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-8701
Grades: 5-8
| 161 students
Rank: n/an/a
1860 Gibbons St E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 535-6489
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 535-6489
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Polk County Sheriff's Central Center
Alternative School
2390 Bob Phillips Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3611
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3611
Grades: 7-12
| 36 students
Rank: n/an/a
Polk County Sheriffs Regional Detention Center
Alternative School
2390 Bob Phillips Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3820
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3820
Grades: 5-12
| 49 students
Rank: n/an/a
Transition School
Special Education School
1860 Gibbons St E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-8169
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-8169
Grades: 12
| 41 students
Bartow, Florida Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Bartow Charter School (Closed 2006)
Charter School
1270 S Broadway Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7287
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7287
Grades: 9-12
| 129 students
Bartow Youth Academy (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
2415 Bob Phillips Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 499-2954
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 499-2954
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
1239 East Main Street
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-5441
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-5441
Grades: K-8
| 44 students
Central Florida Marine Institute (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
103 Bartow Municipal
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-0111
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-0111
Grades: 6-12
| 35 students
1915 South Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
1915 South Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
1915 South Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
1915 South Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
1860 Gibbons St E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7430
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7430
Grades: PK-5
| 228 students
1270 S Broadway Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0194
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0194
Grades: 9-12
| 262 students
1915 S Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
New Beginnings Youth Academy (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
2325 Bob Phillips Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-7251
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-7251
Grades: 6-12
| 22 students
455 N Wilson Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-5539
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-5539
Grades: 6-7
| 39 students
Polk County Superintendent's Office (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
1p. O. Box 391
Bartow, FL 33831
(863) 534-052
Bartow, FL 33831
(863) 534-052
Grades: K-12
| 158 students
Polk Regional Detention Center (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
2155 Bob Phillips Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3611
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3611
Grades: 4-12
| n/a students
Sheriff's Youth Villa (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
3350 State Road 60 E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-0371
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-0371
Grades: 5-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Bartow, FL?
The top ranked public schools in Bartow, FL include Bartow Elementary Academy, Union Academy and Jean O'dell Learning Center.
How many public schools are located in Bartow?
17 public schools are located in Bartow.
What percentage of students in Bartow go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Bartow are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Bartow?
Bartow public schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Bartow are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Bartow include: James E. Stephens Academy vs. Floral Avenue Elementary School, Gause Academy Of Leadership vs. Compass Middle Charter School, Compass Middle Charter School vs. Bartow Middle School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
