For the 2025 school year, there are 172 public schools serving 119,074 students in Polk County, FL (there are 77 private schools, serving 11,742 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Polk County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, FL are Hartridge Academy, Lakeland Montessori School House and Lincoln Avenue Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Hartridge Academy
Charter School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1400 Us Highway 92 W
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 956-4434
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 956-4434
Grades: K-5
| 171 students
Rank: #22.
Lakeland Montessori School House
Charter School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1124 Lake Parker Ave N
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 413-0003
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 413-0003
Grades: K-6
| 108 students
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Avenue Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1330 Lincoln Ave N
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 499-2955
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 499-2955
Grades: K-5
| 522 students
Rank: #44.
Mckeel Academy Central
Charter School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
411 Florida Ave N
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-1287
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-1287
Grades: PK-6
| 610 students
Rank: #55.
Magnolia Montessori Academy
Charter School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
815 S. Central Ave
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 797-4991
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 797-4991
Grades: K-8
| 178 students
Rank: #66.
Lakeland Montessori Middle School
Charter School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1124 N. Lake Parker Ave
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 413-0003
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 413-0003
Grades: 6-8
| 30 students
Rank: #77.
Cleveland Court Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
328 Edgewood Dr E
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2929
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2929
Grades: K-5
| 398 students
Rank: #88.
Berkley Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5240 Berkley Rd
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 968-5024
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 968-5024
Grades: PK-5
| 696 students
Rank: #99.
South Mckeel Academy
Charter School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2222 Edgewood Dr S
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 510-0044
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 510-0044
Grades: PK-6
| 1,199 students
Rank: #1010.
Mckeel Academy Of Technology
Charter School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1810 Parker St W
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 499-2818
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 499-2818
Grades: 7-12
| 1,722 students
Rank: #1111.
Berkley Accelerated
Charter School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5316 Berkley Rd
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 984-2400
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 984-2400
Grades: 6-10
| 627 students
Rank: #1212.
Valleyview Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2900 State Rd 540a E
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3535
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3535
Grades: PK-5
| 817 students
Rank: #1313.
Frank E. Brigham Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
601 Avenue C Se
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 291-5300
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 291-5300
Grades: PK-5
| 551 students
Rank: #1414.
Polk Pre-collegiate Academy
Charter School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
114 North Tennessee Ave, Suite
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 204-1771
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 204-1771
Grades: 9-10
| 39 students
Rank: #1515.
Ridgeview Global Studies Academy
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Dunson Rd
Davenport, FL 33896
(863) 419-3171
Davenport, FL 33896
(863) 419-3171
Grades: K-12
| 1,573 students
Rank: #1616.
Highlands Grove Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4510 Lakeland Highlands Rd
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3002
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3002
Grades: PK-5
| 712 students
Rank: #1717.
Davenport School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4751 County Road 547 N
Davenport, FL 33837
(863) 420-2557
Davenport, FL 33837
(863) 420-2557
Grades: PK-8
| 1,513 students
Rank: #1818.
Cypress Junction Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
220 5th St Sw
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 259-1490
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 259-1490
Grades: PK-8
| 193 students
Rank: #1919.
Lawton Chiles Middle Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
400 Florida Ave N
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-2742
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-2742
Grades: 6-8
| 671 students
Rank: #2020.
Karen M. Siegel Academy
Special Education School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
935 Evenhouse Rd
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
(863) 965-5566
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
(863) 965-5566
Grades: PK-12
| 159 students
Rank: #2121.
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: #2222.
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: #2323.
Winston Academy Of Engineering
Magnet School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3415 Swindell Rd
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 499-2890
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 499-2890
Grades: PK-5
| 520 students
Rank: #2424.
Dale R Fair Babson Park Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
815 Scenic Hwy N
Babson Park, FL 33827
(863) 678-4664
Babson Park, FL 33827
(863) 678-4664
Grades: K-5
| 465 students
Rank: #2525.
Hillcrest Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1051 State Road 60 E
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 678-4216
Grades: PK-5
| 665 students
Rank: #2626.
Scott Lake Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1140 County Road 540a E
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3520
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3520
Grades: PK-5
| 777 students
Rank: #2727.
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: #2828.
Chain Of Lakes Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
7001 State Highway 653
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 326-5388
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 326-5388
Grades: PK-5
| 1,008 students
Rank: #2929.
Rochelle School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1501 Martin L King Jr Ave
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 499-2810
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 499-2810
Grades: PK-8
| 803 students
Rank: #3030.
Dundee Elementary Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
215 Frederick Ave
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 421-3316
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 421-3316
Grades: PK-5
| 636 students
Rank: #3131.
New Dimensions High School
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4900 Old Pleasnt Hill Rd
Kissimmee, FL 34759
(407) 870-9949
Kissimmee, FL 34759
(407) 870-9949
Grades: 9-12
| 424 students
Rank: #3232.
James W. Sikes Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2727 Shepherd Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 648-3525
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 648-3525
Grades: PK-5
| 551 students
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Dundee Ridge Middle Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5555 Lake Trask Rd
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 419-3088
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 419-3088
Grades: 6-8
| 723 students
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Four Corners Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9100 Teacher Ln
Davenport, FL 33897
(407) 787-4331
Davenport, FL 33897
(407) 787-4331
Grades: K-5
| 1,026 students
Rank: #3535.
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
Show 100 more public schools in Polk County, FL (out of 172 total schools)
Loading...
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
A.c.e. Charter School (Closed 2013)
Charter School
710 East Bella Vista St
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 686-3189
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 686-3189
Grades: PK
| 18 students
Adolescent Residential Campus (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
5970 S Orange Blossom Trl
Davenport, FL 33896
(407) 518-2932
Davenport, FL 33896
(407) 518-2932
Grades: 6-12
| 39 students
701 Hopson Rd
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-3396
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-3396
Grades: PK
| 53 students
Amikids (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
618 North Massachussets Ave
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 682-7600
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 682-7600
Grades: 6-12
| 38 students
610 Charleston Avenue
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1133
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1133
Grades: PK-5
| 664 students
3425 New Jersey Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 619-7170
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 619-7170
Grades: K-8
| 147 students
B.e.s.t. (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
2820 K Ville Ave
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 519-8169
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 519-8169
Grades: K-5
| n/a 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
Bartow Youth Training Center (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
Po Box 256
Homeland, FL 33847
(863) 534-3838
Homeland, FL 33847
(863) 534-3838
Grades: n/a
| 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
Cornerstone Youth Center (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
5400 Bethlehem Rd
Mulberry, FL 33860
(863) 701-1177
Mulberry, FL 33860
(863) 701-1177
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
701 Ledwith Avenue
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3267
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3267
Grades: 9-12
| 72 students
8 Palmetto St W
Davenport, FL 33837
(863) 499-2835
Davenport, FL 33837
(863) 499-2835
Grades: AE
| n/a students
Drop Back In High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
302 Memorial Blvd E
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 687-9222
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 687-9222
Grades: 9-12
| 481 students
300 Bridgers Ave E
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 965-5475
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 965-5475
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Eckerd Connects (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1140 N Combee Rd
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 413-2948
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 413-2948
Grades: 6-12
| 25 students
3315 Kathleen Road
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 853-6020
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 853-6020
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
1915 South Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-0521
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Ese Countywide (Closed 2018)
Special Education School
910 Lowry Ave
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-2963
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-2963
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Expulsion Program (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
3225 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2728
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2728
Grades: 6-12
| 34 students
700 Edgewood Drive, N
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1180
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1180
Grades: 6-12
| 722 students
Foundation School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
1325 George Jenkins Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33802
(863) 682-8111
Lakeland, FL 33802
(863) 682-8111
Grades: 6-12
| 90 students
Four Corners Charter High School (Closed 2018)
Charter School
9160 Bella Citta Blvd
Davenport, FL 33896
(407) 589-4600
Davenport, FL 33896
(407) 589-4600
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Four Corners Charter Middle School (Closed 2007)
Charter School
9100 Teacher Lane
Davenport, FL 33897
(407) 787-4300
Davenport, FL 33897
(407) 787-4300
Grades: 6-8
| 309 students
118 3rd St W
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-7802
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-7802
Grades: PK-2
| 421 students
1002 Ne 6th St
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1144
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1144
Grades: 3-5
| 66 students
1860 Gibbons St E
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7430
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 534-7430
Grades: PK-5
| 228 students
Haines City Best Program (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
550 S 30th Street
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3358
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3358
Grades: K-12
| 20 students
Haines City Literarcy Learning Academy (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
2800 Hornet Drive
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3281
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3281
Grades: 10-11
| 129 students
Show 34 more closed public schools in Polk County, FL (out of 69 total schools)
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Polk County, FL?
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, FL include Hartridge Academy, Lakeland Montessori School House and Lincoln Avenue Academy.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
172 public schools are located in Polk County.
What percentage of students in Polk County go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Polk County are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Lake Region High School vs. Winter Haven Senior High School, Haines City Senior High School vs. Ridge Community High School, Palmetto Elementary School vs. Chestnut Elementary School For Science And Engineering
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.