Top Rankings
Polk School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 85 public preschools serving 52,196 students in Polk School District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public pre schools in Florida.
Public Preschools in Polk School District have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Florida public pre school average of 57%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 54% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public preschool average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (FL)
# Schools
168 Schools
1,902 Schools
# Students
116,031 Students
1,124,074 Students
# Teachers
6,187 Teachers
71,061 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
19:1
District Rank
Polk School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 73 school districts in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 78% has increased from 75% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#62 out of 73 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
52%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
52%

Graduation Rate
78%
87%

Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.68
0.71
# American Indian Students
265 Students
2,515 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
1,802 Students
28,808 Students
% Asian Students
2%
3%
# Hispanic Students
48,725 Students
409,820 Students
% Hispanic Students
42%
36%
# Black Students
24,270 Students
236,066 Students
% Black Students
21%
21%
# White Students
37,581 Students
392,557 Students
% White Students
32%
35%
# Hawaiian Students
180 Students
1,696 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
3,208 Students
52,612 Students
% of Two or more races Students
3%
5%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
2,769
64,349
# Students in K Grade:
8,197
154,392
# Students in 1st Grade:
8,494
161,963
# Students in 2nd Grade:
8,572
167,396
# Students in 3rd Grade:
9,450
171,016
# Students in 4th Grade:
8,645
167,752
# Students in 5th Grade:
7,667
159,415
# Students in 6th Grade:
8,493
27,337
# Students in 7th Grade:
9,134
19,963
# Students in 8th Grade:
8,849
19,106
# Students in 9th Grade:
9,887
2,380
# Students in 10th Grade:
9,449
2,273
# Students in 11th Grade:
8,319
2,437
# Students in 12th Grade:
8,106
4,295
# Ungraded Students:
-
-
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $10,222 in this school district is less than the state median of $11,962. The school district revenue/student has declined by 9% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $11,164 is less than the state median of $11,615. The school district spending/student has declined by 9% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$1,186 MM
$34,349 MM

Spending
$1,295 MM
$33,354 MM

Revenue / Student
$10,222
$11,962

Spending / Student
$11,164
$11,615

Best Polk School District Public Preschools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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: #1010.
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: #1111.
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: #1212.
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: #1313.
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: #1414.
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: #1515.
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: #1616.
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: #1717.
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: #1818.
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: #1919.
Highland City Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5355 9th Street Se
Highland City, FL 33846
(863) 648-3540
Highland City, FL 33846
(863) 648-3540
Grades: PK-5
| 415 students
Rank: #2020.
Bethune Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
900 Avenue F
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3334
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3334
Grades: PK-5
| 430 students
Rank: #2121.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2650 Southwest Ave
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2830
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2830
Grades: PK-5
| 380 students
Rank: #2222.
R. Clem Churchwell Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8201 Park Byrd Rd
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 853-6011
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 853-6011
Grades: PK-5
| 686 students
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Alturas Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
420 4th St
Alturas, FL 33820
(863) 519-3917
Alturas, FL 33820
(863) 519-3917
Grades: PK-5
| 296 students
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
John Snively Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
848 Snively Ave
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 291-5325
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 291-5325
Grades: PK-5
| 397 students
Rank: #2525.
Lake Alfred Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
550 Cummings St E
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
(863) 295-5985
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
(863) 295-5985
Grades: PK-5
| 880 students
Rank: #2626.
Wendell Watson Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6800 Walt Williams Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6060
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6060
Grades: PK-5
| 835 students
Rank: #2727.
Jewett School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2250 8th St Ne
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 291-5373
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 291-5373
Grades: PK-8
| 737 students
Rank: #2828.
Pinewood Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Gilbert St
Eagle Lake, FL 33839
(863) 298-7977
Eagle Lake, FL 33839
(863) 298-7977
Grades: PK-5
| 692 students
Rank: #2929.
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5500 Yates Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 701-1450
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 701-1450
Grades: PK-5
| 954 students
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Carlton Palmore Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3725 Clevelnd Hts Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 648-3510
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 648-3510
Grades: PK-5
| 413 students
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Medulla Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
850 Schoolhouse Rd
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3515
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3515
Grades: PK-5
| 503 students
Rank: #3232.
Mi Escuela Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2130 E. Edgewood Drive, Suite
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 934-2780
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 934-2780
Grades: PK-6
| 239 students
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Combee Academy Of Design And Engineering
Magnet School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2805 Morgan Combee Rd
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-2960
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-2960
Grades: PK-5
| 529 students
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
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: #3535.
Garden Grove Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4599 Cypress Gardens Rd
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 291-5396
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 291-5396
Grades: PK-5
| 691 students
Show 50 more public schools in Polk School District (out of 85 total schools)
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