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Schools in Lakeland: A comprehensive guide

Polk County high school student graduating

PCPS’ 2021-22 graduation rate was 78.3%. | Photo provided by Polk County Public Schools

When it comes to Pre-K-12 education, Florida is an “opportunity state,” which means parents have more choices on where to send their students outside of the traditional zoned school.

This empowers parents and guardians to choose schools that best meet the needs of their children. However, it also creates a rather large menu of options, and it isn’t always clear how to access those options or navigate the system.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide with the help of Katie Worthington Decker of the Lakeland Economic Development Council. The goal is to help parents and guardians understand the enrollment processes, accessibility to the programs, and how to make the best choices for their families.

Exterior view of Lawton Chiles Middle Academy in Lakeland, FL — PCPS offers International Baccalaureate schools like Lawton Chiles Middle Academy.

What makes up the Polk County Public Schools system?

In Florida, a school district’s service area is defined by the boundaries of the county. There are 67 counties in Florida, and therefore, 67 public school districts.

We have many high-quality options for students within the Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) system, which covers Lakeland and the other 17 municipalities in Polk County.

Polk County is the seventh-largest school district in Florida with more than 113,000 students, 150 schools and 14,000 employees as of the 2022-2023 school year.

There are 54 public schools in Lakeland (including magnet, choice and charter). This includes Pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school levels.

What about other options?

If you want to explore options outside of your student’s zoned school, PCPS offers several different types of school choices:

Controlled open enrollment
Magnet/Choice
Charter
Accelerated Learning programs (IB/AICE)
Career Academies

There are also options for students with disabilities, home school students, virtual school, and other alternatives. Learn more here about all options.

Need to know how to enroll your child in Polk County Public Schools? Read on for more information on school choice, zoning, and school grades.

KEEP READING

What is the average public school student to teacher ratio in the US?

A. 10:1
B. 15:1
C. 17:1
D. 25:1

MAKE AN EDUCATED GUESS

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Wednesday, Feb. 15

Green Drinks Lakeland February Event | Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Network with other professionals interested in sustainability — find the group seated in the back of The Joinery.
Trivia Night | Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free | Pour your own drinks and enjoy fresh pizzas at Union Taproom while showing off your general trivia knowledge.

Thursday, Feb. 16

Free Yoga for Wellness — Weekly Classes | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robbins Rd., Lakeland | Free | This donation-based yoga class focuses on the holistic well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.
Bold, Meatless Italian-Style Flavors | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School at Lake Miriam Square, 4730 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $60 | Learn how to cook Italian dishes like pasta primavera and grilled portabella mushrooms in this hands-on class.

Friday, Feb. 17

Friday Night Live + Night Market | Friday, Feb. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Grab food or drinks to-go from downtown restaurants, enjoy an outdoor concert by Proper Wednesday, and shop from local vendors.
“Something Rotten” | Friday, Feb. 17 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Buckner Theatre, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | See the comedic creation of the world’s first musical in this production by Florida Southern College students.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Docent-Led Tour | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Learn about the museum’s featured exhibit on a tour with a local docent — registration is required.

Sunday, Feb. 19

Bridal Show | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Meet with 70+ local vendors and enter giveaways as you plan your dream wedding.
Florida Tropics SC vs. Kansas City Comets | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 3:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | Cheer the Tropics on to a win over the Comets at this indoor soccer game.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Weather

84º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

Civic

New regulations for groups feeding those experiencing homelessness in Munn Park are on the way. Following a unanimous vote by City Commissioners, City Attorney Palmer Davis will draft laws for the frequency and permit process of group-held feedings. This comes as the City looks to revitalize the park. (The Ledger)

Lakelander

Callie Neslund will replace CEO and president John Attaway, Jr., according to GiveWell Community Foundation’s recent announcement. Callie, the foundation’s current COO, joined the charity six months ago after working at The Mosaic Company. John will continue to serve the nonprofit in a counsel role. (The Ledger)

Watch

Yesterday, 15 couples tied the knot in a Valentine’s Day group wedding at the Polk County History Center. You can watch a video of the wedding, which included a poem reading, vow exchange, and reception for the newlyweds. 💍

Biz

Special delivery. Drone deliveries are now offered from Walmart’s 7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd. store in Winter Haven. Orders of up to 10 pounds can be delivered to homes within 0.8 miles of the store. This is the first location in Polk County to offer the service. (The Ledger)

Cause

InnerAct Alliance’s Project Prom store is back. This program, led by UthMpact’s teen leaders, allows students in need to shop free formal wear for prom. The store will be open March 4, March 18, April 1, and April 15 at the Lakeland Square Mall. 👗

Arts

Harrison School for the Arts students are preparing to perform “Alice!,” a student-created play based on the classic story of Alice in Wonderland. Grab your tickets to fall down the rabbit hole from Thursday, Feb. 23-Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.

Outdoors

Be careful where you boat. Health officials found blue-green algae blooms in Scott Lake. Lakeside residents have been warned not to come into contact with the water. In the meantime, it’s a great time to check out one of Swan City’s other lakes. (The Ledger)

Learn

Learn a new skill at Made @ the Library, a free adult crafting class at the Lakeland Public Library. Meet at the Larry R. Jackson Branch tomorrow, Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. to experiment with watercolor. Register online. 🎨

Network

If you work in health and wellness, mark your calendar for the Polk Wellness Professionals Annual Showcase on Friday, March 10 at Heartland for Children (1239 E. Main St., Bartow). Meet others in your field, learn what the Polk Wellness Professionals group is about, and enjoy a complimentary breakfast bar.

Shop

We love our furry friends, so it’s a good thing Love Your Pet Day is Monday, Feb. 20. Celebrate your beloved pet with this “Out of this World” bandana from Hannah Chloe Co. That’s something worth barking about. 🐾

Community

It’s time to get outside, Lakeland. Plan a visit to Bonnet Springs Park to soak in some nature at Central Florida’s (new) place of play. 🌳*

Number

55°. That’s the optimal temperature for storing wine. So unless you enjoy keeping your humble abode chilled year round, we recommend buying a wine fridge to foster favorable conditions for long-term aging. Our pick: This sleek wine fridge with touch-panel control and capacity for 24 bottles. Cheers. 🍷 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Give us a break ☀️

Plan ahead for spring break with these day camps

Two kids on a walking path at Bonnet Springs Park

What will your kids learn over spring break? | Photo by @thehikerdad

Spring break — it’ll be here before you know it. Plan ahead for your little ones with these camps and activities during Polk County Public Schools’ break from March 13-17.

Ethical Anglers | Tuesday, March 14-Thursday, March 16 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $10
Full STEAM Ahead | Monday, March 13-Friday, March 17 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free
Mini Art Camp | Tuesday, March 14-Wednesday, March 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 180, Lakeland | $75
Pop, Bubble, FIZZ! | Monday, March 13-Friday, March 17 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $60 per day
Snapology | Monday, March 13-Friday, March 17 | Times vary | Locations vary | $0-$325

Have other plans? Let us know of any other spring break camps or activities for families, or add them to our community calendar.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: If you’re interested in enrolling your child in a magnet school, choice school, or career academy, don’t forget that PCPS’ School Choice Application deadline is today, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. You can apply online for the upcoming school year.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? All aboard to learn how SunRail might expand into Polk County, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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