2019 Best Schools in Polk CountyAbout this List

All Saints Academy

• Private School
• Winter Haven, FL
• PK, K-12
• 29

Alum: I attended All Saints Academy from seventh grade through graduation and am grateful that I had that opportunity. The teachers were very influential and encouraged students to learn. This is most likely because of the small class sizes. Ranging from 10-25 students at most in a classroom. Depending on the type of courses you take the preparation for college from classes vary widely. The school is not diverse. The school is very safe it is located next to a police station and the campus is gated. The school has countless small clubs to join. The school has offered very high quality food over the years. Parent involvement is very prevalent at All Saints and the facilities are of high quality.
Read 29 Reviews

• A

• 619 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 11-12
• 164

Parent: As much as I'd like for all kids to have the "1950's Happy Days" type high school experience, unfortunately, that's not the world we live in anymore. While the Collegiate experience isn't as conventional as traditional high school, my two students quickly realized their gain in experience and education was worth the trade-off. They were better challenged academically and transitioned into the college setting seamlessly. They also headed to their out-of-state universities with confidence and an understanding of how the college world works. My only regret is that I was unaware of the Collegiate program when our oldest child was in high school!
Read 164 Reviews

• A

• 293 Students
• 33:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 9-10
• 5

Sophomore: Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy is an outstanding school with teachers and faculty that truly want you to succeed and excel in not only a collegiate program but life itself. The teachers are always available to help you, and students work together and must cooperate in group assignments and study groups. Our school environment is unlike any other high school because we have created our own little community within the school, and one mission of PPCA is to reach out and help the community through a variety of events with volunteer opportunities to students. The opportunities here at the school and the unwavering support of the faculty to its students are just two of the many things that makes PPCA stand out in both our county and state.
Read 5 Reviews

• A

• 109 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakeland Christian School

• Private School
• Lakeland, FL
• PK, K-12
• 111

Senior: At Lakeland Christian School, the teachers genuinely care about your experience and are always ready to help you when you need it. The faculty and staff know exactly what to do when you ask them questions and she respect to you in every aspect. Other than having great sports and opportunities, they help pave your way to college whether by student meetings or just by academics in general. Every part of this school is trying to ensure I have an amazing high school experience where I make close friends while also receiving an education to help prepare me for college.
Read 111 Reviews

• A

• 1,053 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

McKeel Academy of Technology

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 6-12
• 332

Sophomore: McKeel Academy of Technology is a very dedicated school to it's student's education. McKeel has an Apple technology grant allowing students to have access to computers/monitors and a iPad for school use. Students also require their own school email for school inquiries and teaches students how to use applications that come with having a Google account, which also includes having the capability to learn and get certified in Adobe products/softwares. The school, however, does have a uniform policy, a economic system, and requires higher standards when it comes to grades, behavior, and with student attendance.
Overall, the school is small (around 1,500) and will pull the best from their students so they have a better outcome in the work place, in a university, and life.
Read 332 Reviews

• A-

• 1,306 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Santa Fe Catholic High School

• Private School
• Lakeland, FL
• 9-12
• 51

Senior: Santa Fe Catholic made me a well rounded individual. Catholic school so was able to engage in my faith by bring able to pray, acquire religious educational classes to enhance my religious belief. Santa Fe High School was definitely diversified with the students that attended the school so I was able to gain more multi cultural awareness and have a broader outlook and understanding of other people’s behaviors. The school set a high academic bar for the students to strive to hurdle over with excellent experience teachers that care and are always readily accessible to ensure the students academic success.
Read 51 Reviews

• A-

• 314 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bartow Elementary Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• K-5
• 8

Niche User: The teachers stick to state guidelines.
Read 8 Reviews

• A-

• 463 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Magnolia Montessori Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• K-6

• A-

• 92 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakeland Montessori Middle School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 6-8

• A-

• 60 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

South McKeel Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• PK, K-8
• 1

Parent: South McKeel Academy is top notch.. Lakeland is not a bad area but it's not Orlando. I'm having a hard time with deciding if I even want to move to Orlando & take the kids out of this school.. McKeel Academy goes from PK-12 one campus is PK-7 & the high school building is 8-12. They work with iPads from Kindergarten through 12th. They're constantly updating & bringing in new things for the kids to learn from. I don't wan to take my kids out.. But do I suck it up & stay in a city I no longer want to be in? Ahhhhh
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 1,165 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hartridge Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• K-5

• A-

• 239 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Polk State College Collegiate High School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 11-12
• 209

Senior: I love attending Polk State Collegiate High School! The small faculty and student body are very connected, which makes my school very unique compared to larger schools. Collegiate offers many clubs and activities, including Interact Club that I am involved in. My favorite part about my school is that I became a full-time college student as early as age 16. Receiving an AA degree at the same time as my High School diploma is very rewarding. Not only did I begin my college career much earlier than most students, my education was completely free, which is definitely one of the best aspects of my school. I will always be thankful for the opportunities Collegiate has offered me.
Read 209 Reviews

• B+

• 277 Students
• 40:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lincoln Avenue Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• K-5

• B+

• 588 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

McKeel Elementary Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• K-6
• 1

• B+

• 570 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Berkley Accelerated Middle School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 6-8

• B+

• 463 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lawton Chiles Middle Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 6-8

• B+

• 655 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Davenport School of the Arts

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• PK, K-8
• 2

Alum: DSA afforded me the opportunity to try and experience a vast array of arts programs. As a result, I discovered my love of dance which I'm pursuing professionally. The administration and staff at DSA are truly driven and supportive. I'd highly recommend DSA.
Read 2 Reviews

• B+

• 1,097 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Highlands Grove Elementary School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 749 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Frank E. Brigham Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 548 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Union Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 6-8
• 10

High School Senior: Incredible school, highly advanced in comparison
Read 10 Reviews

• B+

• 397 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

George W. Jenkins Senior High School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 416

Senior: George Jenkins is a very well rounded High School. Everyone is actually very open and warm to all the students. We rarely have fights, we don't have bullying and our school spirit is through the roof! Our principle is the best. He really cares and shows much compassion to every one of the students. Administration shows up to school events, sports events, and spirit rally's to support the student body. If I could change one thing it would be, get more involved with the younger middle school population to invite them into the highschool.
Read 416 Reviews

• B+

• 2,319 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Valleyview Elementary School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 729 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bok Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• 6-8
• 1

Middle School Student: I really liked being able to learn while being on a lake like we learned about pH by going on a boat and seeing what the pH level of the lake water was. When they added the zip line it was really fun going down it to.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• 594 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lake Wales Senior High School

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• PK, 9-12
• 255

Junior: I love Lake Wales Senior High School because it fosters learning and opportunities for all kinds of students. I enjoy the challenge of the IB curriculum, but also wanted to take dual enrollment classes at the local college. I was able to do both! I also have a great love for kids, so I joined the Early Childhood Career Academy at our high school. By the time I graduate, I will have certifications with the State of Florida to care for kids! We have so many different career academy opportunities for students who don't necessarily want to attend college. They will be employable immediately upon graduation. Whether you are a struggling student or an over-achiever, Lake Wales Senior High will help you find your niche!
Read 255 Reviews

• B+

• 1,511 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ridgeview Global Studies Academy

• Polk County Public Schools, FL
• K-6
• 4

Parent: All four of my children have gone to Ridgeview GSA. Mr. Friar, Principal, treats each child as he/she is his own. Several teachers have followed him to Ridgeview. Mr. Friar carefully selects each teacher. My three children that moved on to middle school were well prepared for advancement at Ridgeview. We could not have asked for a better opportunity for our children's grammar school education.
Read 4 Reviews

• B

• 984 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio