Polk County Schools & Education
Polk County, Florida
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,845
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,118
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
State School Rank
#42
of 67 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Polk County, Florida
A Growing County with Diverse Schools
Polk County hosts 164 public schools serving a large population of 114,483 students. The infrastructure includes 85 elementary, 26 middle, and 38 high schools spread across the region.
Meeting National Standards for Graduation
Polk's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average. The county invests $6,845 per pupil, which is higher than the Florida state average of $6,118.
The Expanding Polk District Network
The Polk District manages all 164 schools, featuring a significant charter presence with 33 schools (20% of the total). The district also provides specialized support through 18 alternative and 8 special education campuses.
Suburban Life with Large High Schools
The majority of schools are in suburban settings, though 22 rural schools remain. Ridge Community High School is the county's largest, with a student body of 2,711.
Investment in Education Near You
With school spending above the state average, Polk County is actively investing in its future. Families should consider homes in the Haines City or Winter Haven areas to be near the county's largest and most modern high schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
164
in Polk County
Total Enrollment
114,483
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
33
20% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Polk County
POLK
164 Public Schools in Polk County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIDGE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,711 |
| HAINES CITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,700 |
| WINTER HAVEN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,467 |
| GEORGE W. JENKINS SENIOR HIGH | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,451 |
| DAVENPORT HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,333 |
| BARTOW SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,125 |
| LAKE GIBSON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,080 |
| KATHLEEN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,051 |
| LAKELAND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 2,043 |
| MCKEEL ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY | POLK | 7–12 | Charter | 1,727 |
| AUBURNDALE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 1,716 |
| LAKE WALES SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | Charter | 1,586 |
| RIDGEVIEW GLOBAL STUDIES ACADEMY | POLK | KG–12 | Charter | 1,551 |
| LAKE REGION HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 1,545 |
| HORIZONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | POLK | PK–5 | Primary | 1,468 |
| CITRUS RIDGE A CIVICS ACADEMY | POLK | PK–8 | Primary | 1,457 |
| SHELLEY S. BOONE MIDDLE SCHOOL | POLK | 6–8 | Middle | 1,403 |
| MULBERRY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | POLK | 9–12 | High | 1,315 |
| LAKELAND HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL | POLK | 6–8 | Middle | 1,265 |
| LAKE GIBSON MIDDLE SCHOOL | POLK | 6–8 | Middle | 1,218 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,845
State avg $6,118
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Polk County, Florida — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Polk County, Florida?
Polk County hosts 164 public schools serving a large population of 114,483 students. The infrastructure includes 85 elementary, 26 middle, and 38 high schools spread across the region.
How do schools in Polk County perform academically?
Polk's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average. The county invests $6,845 per pupil, which is higher than the Florida state average of $6,118.
What are the major school districts in Polk County, Florida?
The Polk District manages all 164 schools, featuring a significant charter presence with 33 schools (20% of the total). The district also provides specialized support through 18 alternative and 8 special education campuses.
What is the school experience like in Polk County?
The majority of schools are in suburban settings, though 22 rural schools remain. Ridge Community High School is the county's largest, with a student body of 2,711.
How can I find homes near good schools in Polk County, Florida?
With school spending above the state average, Polk County is actively investing in its future. Families should consider homes in the Haines City or Winter Haven areas to be near the county's largest and most modern high schools.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.