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 2026 school year, there are 86 public preschools serving 51,927 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 46% (versus the Florida public pre school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 54% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public preschool average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (FL)
# Schools
166 Schools
1,884 Schools
# Students
116,440 Students
1,096,786 Students
# Teachers
6,031 Teachers
69,693 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
19:1
Student By Grade
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 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 78% has decreased from 80% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#62 out of 73 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
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
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
3%
% Hispanic
43%
38%
% Black
21%
21%
% White
31%
33%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $10,186 in this school district is less than the state median of $12,026. The school district revenue/student has declined by 9% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $11,124 is less than the state median of $11,677. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$1,186 MM
$34,349 MM
Spending
$1,295 MM
$33,354 MM
Revenue / Student
$10,186
$12,026
Spending / Student
$11,124
$11,677
Best Polk School District Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mckeel Academy Central
Charter School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
411 Florida Ave N
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-1287
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 499-1287
Gr: PK-6 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
South Mckeel Academy
Charter School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2222 Edgewood Dr S
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 510-0044
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 510-0044
Gr: PK-6 | 1,200 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
Frank E. Brigham Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 77% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Valleyview Elementary School
(Math: 76% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 783 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
Davenport School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | 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
Gr: PK-8 | 1,440 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 691 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #77.
Winston Academy Of Engineering
Magnet School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3415 Swindell Rd
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 499-2890
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 499-2890
Gr: PK-5 | 536 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #88.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 667 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #99.
Cypress Junction Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
220 5th St Sw
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 259-1490
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 259-1490
Gr: PK-8 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1010.
Dundee Elementary Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
215 Frederick Ave
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 421-3316
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 421-3316
Gr: PK-5 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #1111.
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
Gr: PK-12 | 81 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1212.
Chain Of Lakes Elementary School
(Math: 60% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 1,007 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1313.
Scott Lake Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1140 County Road 540a E
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3520
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3520
Gr: PK-5 | 735 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1414.
Rochelle School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 53% | 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
Gr: PK-8 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #1515.
James W. Sikes Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2727 Shepherd Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 648-3525
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 648-3525
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #1616.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2650 Southwest Ave
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2830
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-2830
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1717.
Alturas Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
420 4th St
Alturas, FL 33820
(863) 519-3917
Alturas, FL 33820
(863) 519-3917
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1818.
Wendell Watson Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6800 Walt Williams Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6060
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6060
Gr: PK-5 | 764 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #1919.
Karen M. Siegel Academy
Special Education School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
935 Evenhouse Rd
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
(863) 965-5566
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
(863) 965-5566
Gr: PK-12 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #2020.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 1,059 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #2121.
Spessard L Holland Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2342 Ef Griffin Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 648-3031
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 648-3031
Gr: PK-5 | 843 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #2222.
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5500 Yates Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 701-1450
Lakeland, FL 33811
(863) 701-1450
Gr: PK-5 | 899 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #2323.
Bethune Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
900 Avenue F
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3334
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 421-3334
Gr: PK-5 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #2424.
Sleepy Hill Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2285 Sleepy Hill Rd
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 815-6768
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 815-6768
Gr: PK-5 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #2525.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 740 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #2626.
Highland City Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5355 9th Street Se
Highland City, FL 33846
(863) 648-3540
Highland City, FL 33846
(863) 648-3540
Gr: PK-5 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #2727.
Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
610 Charleston Ave S
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1133
Fort Meade, FL 33841
(863) 285-1133
Gr: PK-5 | 593 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #2828.
Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
501 Mcleod Rd
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-7820
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-7820
Gr: PK-5 | 853 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #2929.
Willow Oak School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4815 Bailey Road
Mulberry, FL 33860
(863) 417-6670
Mulberry, FL 33860
(863) 417-6670
Gr: PK-5 | 996 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #3030.
Carlton Palmore Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3725 Clevelnd Hts Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 648-3510
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 648-3510
Gr: PK-5 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #3131.
R. Clem Churchwell Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
8201 Park Byrd Rd
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 853-6011
Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 853-6011
Gr: PK-5 | 662 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #3232.
Jewett School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2250 8th St Ne
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 291-5373
Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 291-5373
Gr: PK-8 | 746 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #3333.
Bella Citta
(Math: 46% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1915 S Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-7600
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-7600
Gr: PK-8 | 1,459 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #3434.
Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
110 Leelon Rd
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6044
Lakeland, FL 33809
(863) 853-6044
Gr: PK-5 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #3535.
Medulla Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
850 Schoolhouse Rd
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3515
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 648-3515
Gr: PK-5 | 488 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Show 51 more public schools in Polk School District (out of 86 total schools)
Loading...
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
