View Calendar However, the process of researching those options and figuring out HOWto apply and WHENto apply for specific schools can be a daunting task. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse also has a tuition based PreK for ages 3-4. The school does an excellent job of making students feel as though they are part of a family, with encouragement from everyone from teachers to guidance counselors. Get the latest information on news, events, and more, All rights reserved to Florida Dept. PCPS Announces Expansion of Magnet School Programs | Polk County Public Featured Review: Alum says I went to DJA from 6th-8th grade and was in the STEAM academic program that was offered (I'm not sure if STEAM is still a thing). Income has not increased, said Cynthia Givens, broker and owner of Heart of Florida Real Estate. Controlled Open Enrollment The time period when parents can request a transfer to another school besides their zoned school, including transfers to public schools in surrounding counties. Four arrested in Polk County Racketeering scheme Find Your Zone Click here to learn more about AICE and see the application information and test dates. Polk County Open Enrollment Dates for 2023-24 School Year All Grades - Find Your Zoned School Elementary & Middle - Magnet/Choice Schools Elementary & Middle - Fine Arts Schools Middle School - Pre-Academies High School - Academies High School - Fine Arts High School - International Baccalaureate (IB) High School - Cambridge AICE We have meaningful history of how Rochelle became A School of the Arts. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The law prohibits classroom instruction about sexual . They have clubs such as Junior National Honor Society, Robotics, and more. Summerlin Academy is a Polk County Public School of Choice, where rigorous academics are taught in a military-structured environment. Lakeland Christian, Santa Fe baseball players help Team Florida in Geico national tourney. We have meaningful history of how Rochelle became A School of the Arts.. Alum: Dundee Ridge middle academy is a great school that provides every single student ample chances to blossom. . A 48-year-old man was driving a Nissan Rogue in the . Weworked extremely hard,did a lot of legworktobring us anexcitingnew opportunityfor the parents and stakeholders., Losses to COVID: At least 16 Polk County Public Schools teachers, staff have died of COVID-19 since the start of school, Union news: Polk County Schools paraprofessionals and support staff get raises retroactive to July 1. Interested applicants must attend one of the two meetings. Students at Bartow Middle School will receive a priority to attend the Compass Middle Charter School. Best Elementary Schools in Polk County Public Schools in Florida - U.S The district calls this practice choice jumping., Last year, what we did wasstartopen enrollment in November through January for the career academies and closed in January, Cochran said. Dundee Elementary Academy - Polk County Public Schools The first Open Enrollment Window for the 2023-2024 school year will be January 9, 2023, through 4:00pm on February 15, 2023. This program is offered to all students, including those who speak only Spanish, some Spanish or no Spanish at all. The Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. 2023 Best Magnet Schools in Polk County Public Schools Best schools Most diverse Best teachers College prep View on map Search type Schools Districts Grade level Pre-K Elementary Middle High school Highest grade offered Select a grade. Overall DJA is a great school with invested teachers and staff, a great place for any child to attend.. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars. Enter your address and then select the appropriate check box (Magnet Zones, IB Zones, etc.). For questions about IB/AICE/Cambridge applications, please call 863.534.0631 ext 794. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars. Explore the best magnet schools serving your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Alum: I went to Bethune from K-5 and had an amazing experience! Polk County Public Schools has secured a grant that will allow us to expand and improve our magnet school offerings. Summerlin Academy promotes academic achievement, personal accountability, civic responsibility and leadership skills in order to prepare students to succeed in higher education, the workforce, community and life. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Polk County is on the map for places to move. A magnet school is defined as an elementary, middle, or high school that offers, to all students enrolled in that particular school, a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial numbers of students of different social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. The student population of Frank E. Brigham Academy is 569, and the school serves PK through 5 Read More, Valleyview Elementary School is a public school located in Lakeland, FL, which is in a large suburb setting. ), International Baccalaureate at Bartow High SchoolWebsite/1270 S Broadway Ave,Bartow, 33830, Haines City High School International BaccalaureateWebsite/2800 Hornet Drive,Haines City, 33844. Magnolia Montessori includes a PreK3 and PreK4 program, and these students receive preference when applying for Kindergarten. The students and teachers were very kind, and learning lessons was always fun too. Read 2 reviews. Career Academies align with local industry needs and ensure that students are prepared to become skilled employees in high-demand occupations. However, you can still apply for available open seats until the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. A career academy includes the following essential elements: You can apply for an academy that is NOT located at your zoned school, however priority is given in the order listed under the Important Info tab. The current waiting list for K-8 is more than 1,500 students and does carry over each year, so new applicants are placed at the end of the waiting list. Applications will only be accepted online during thattime. Top 20%. The student population of Valleyview Elementary School is 739, and the school serves PK through Read More, Berkley Elementary School is a charter school located in Auburndale, FL, which is in a mid-size suburb setting. The school itself is welcoming. The school itself is welcoming. Zoned School: For your zoned school, speak with the School Counselor to inform him/her of your desire to enroll in an In-Zone Career Academy. Students in grades 6-12 may enroll in Polk Virtual on a part- or full-time basis. Read about great schools like: Lakeland Montessori Middle School, Mckeel Academy Of Technology and South Mckeel Academy. 1:1 Student Device Information. The student population of South Mckeel Academy is 1225, and the school serves PK through 7 At South Read More, Mckeel Elementary Academy is a charter school located in Lakeland, FL, which is in a mid-size city setting. Magnet School A Magnet school (also possibly called a Choice school) is a Polk County Public School that provides students with special learning themes, such as science, technology, math or the arts. Feeds directly into Berkley Accelerated Middle School. The student population of Dale R Fair Babson Park Elementary is 465, and the school Read More, Ridgeview Global Studies Academy is a charter school located in Davenport, FL, which is in a mid-size city setting. Browse our district and school profiles to find the right fit for you. Income has not increased, said Cynthia Givens, broker and owner of Heart of Florida Real Estate. Attentive staff and lots of fun events for students i.e Spirit Day. Berkley is aKagan Cooperative Learning School. Zoned School This is the elementary, middle, or high school where you are assigned based on your address. Attentive staff and lots of fun events for students i.e. Middle School Student: During my time there, even though I was incredibly shy, I had lots of fun there. Weve tried to list out your options below and help make sure you dont miss any application deadlines. First and only elementary school to partner with Florida Polytech University. The best way to use this app is to enter your house number and a few characters of your street name. Our website contains both paid and non-paid mentions of local businesses and organizations in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida. In lieu of having the We3,we are still intending on having an open house,starting with schools(and)bringing in their feeder pattern schools and having an evening to allowparentsto see what that schools has to offer COVID willing, Cochran said. Polk County Below are magnet and charter schools in Polk, FL. CJM serves students in K8th grade under the charter as a free public charter school that offers an authentic Montessori education. They are able to be more innovative, while still being held accountable for improved student achievement. Please note that Harrison School for the Arts, the Schools of McKeel Academy, and other Charter schools have different application dates. Overall DJA is a great school with invested teachers and staff, a great place for any child to attend. Read 4 reviews. I was personally involved in the History Fair and my partner and I were offered plenty of support from the whole school and I'm pretty sure there's an elective for it now. Children demonstrating the following qualities would be the most likely to succeed in our authentic Montessori environment: self-respect, respect for the environment, respect for others, respect for personal and academic undertakings, personal responsibility, self-motivation, curiosity, and passion for learning. Specialconsiderationwastaken for open seats only. HAINES CITY, Fla. With an increase in students experiencing homelessness in Polk County, one organization is collecting donations to help students start school on the right foot. The purpose of the school is to provide academic and technical education for serious high school junior and senior students who desire to undertake college-level study. Partial choice schools have a student population comprised of students who are zoned for that school by the address where they live and a group of students who apply for a predetermined number of choice seats. The teachers actually put forth effort in every lesson and it has a family environment more than a school environment. Read 7 reviews. PreschoolEnrollment Both McKeel Central and South McKeel have a VPK program for students who will have turned 4 by September 1 of the upcoming school year. Students may transfer to private schools using scholarships. . The teachers are pretty good. Read 5 reviews. Non-Zoned Schools: Submit an application in the Parent Portalduring Open Enrollment, see section above for dates. If you are enrolling a child in kindergarten for the upcoming school year, the annual Kindergarten Registration will be held in the month of April, exact dates are TBD. I was academically challenged and was offered plenty of support from teachers and staff. For High School IB Programs, submit an applicationduring Open Enrollment through theMagnet/Choice application process. You may only apply for the magnet or choice schools listed for yourzoned area. Step 2: Qualify for a seat by signing up for, and scoring high enough on, a district test to be administered in February OR through your state test scores. Since 1992 Lincoln Academy has been an "A" school and is ranked highly among all Polk County Elementary Schools! We can come over the roach infestation. Lakeland Christian's . Soles from the Heart shoe drive benefits Polk students experiencing Administration changed many times when I was there. Golf cart driver killed in Citrus County crash, troopers say Office of Acceleration and Innovation - Magnet/Choice Schools I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to schooling. Read 9 reviews. Middle school was a great. Middle School Student: This is Jacob and Alivia. We firmly believe our unique teaching techniques allow us to engage and service everyone who attends NBHS. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Once that happened, the other programs would be left with vacant seats. Aesop. For questions about Career Academy applications, please call 863.519.8438 ext 819. The school itself is welcoming. Charter schools are independent, state funded public schools. For questions about Magnet/Choice applications, please call 863.534.0631 ext 788. Compass Charter Middle School (grades 5-8)Website/ 550 E. Clower Street,Bartow, FL 33830Compass Charter Middle Schoolis designed for any child, in grades 5-8, who feels they are struggling in the regular classroom, is in danger of failing their current grade, or who has been retained in one of their elementary or middle school years. Students with a complete application turned in before the deadline are then scheduled for an audition. McKeel Schools are tuition-free public schools with certified teachers governed by an independent board of trustees. All applicants will be entered into a lottery for any available openings before or during the school year, and the wait list will not carry over from year to year. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. 25 MAY District News Acceptance Notices for Magnet Schools, Controlled Open Enrollment Going out Friday, May 26 22 MAY District News No Backpacks Allowed for Remainder of Current School Year Read More Latest News What's Coming Up? Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Hartridge Academy is a charter school located in Winter Haven, FL, which is in a mid-size suburb setting. They must comply with the school-average size mandate and the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Ridgeview Global Studies Academy (K-8)Website/ 1000 Dunson Road,Davenport, 33896In our ever-changing, multicultural world, we will spark the desire in our school family to become responsible and caring decision makers. Click here to read more about enrollment documents. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Our Kindergarten through eighth grade families do not pay tuition. I learned how to make friends, how to communicate with my peers, how to have fun, and so much more. Discovery . Polk Education Pathways is offered by Polk County Public Schools as a way to help adult students find their own path, the right path, to the career theyre looking for. Choice schools can be created in response to community or school interest. If they accept the offer, they are removed from all other pools. The week prior to school you have those single digit number of folks moving and trying to get in. View the top 10 best public middle schools in Polk County, FL 2023. Citrus County. Schools of Choice, Magnet Schools and Career Academies. January 9, 2023, through 4:00pm on February 15, 2023, Commonly Used Florida Education Terms + Definitions, Summary of School Enrollment Options in Polk County, Polk County Open Enrollment Dates for 2023-24 School Year, Elementary & Middle Magnet/Choice Schools, High School International Baccalaureate (IB), Charter The Schools of McKeel Academy (PreK4 12th), Charter Montessori Schools (PreK 8th), Polk County Schools Controlled Open Enrollment period. However, our educational system has evolved and today there are other options available besides your zoned school. In order to attend Cambridge at Winter Haven High School, a student must apply and qualify for one of the limited seats during the open enrollment period during his/her eighth-grade year. Graduation requirements are set higher with 4 years of math and science, 4 years of social studies, and 4 years of language arts, exceeding the state requirements. Looking for information onPrivate Schools? New Beginnings Middle/High School (ages 16-24)WebsiteWinter Haven Campus 3425 Lake Alfred Rd.,Winter Haven, FL 33881Lakeland Campus 320 W. Main St.,Lakeland FL 33815Fort Meade Campus 1002 NE 6thStreet, Fort Meade, FL 33841Most of you have a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance who is either having or has had issues in the public high school system. Open Enrollment 3 May 2, 2022-Opening ofthe school year Opening paper applications after COE through the beginning of theschoolyear or until all seats have been filled. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (9-10th grades)5316 Berkley Road,Auburndale, 33823WebsitePolk Pre-Collegiate Academy (PPCA) is a unique 9th and 10th grade Academy of Applied Discovery program where instructors expose learners to innovative experiences and guide them through relevant application and evaluation of those experiences. High school students may choose to participate in the Dual-Enrollment Program with Polk State College providing classes on campus. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Featured Review: Works Here says Outstanding school that truly values their students. Open Enrollment 2 April 4, 2022-April 29, 2022Controlled Open Enrollment (COE)During this state-mandated enrollment period, parents seeking additional choice options for their students can apply for placement in anyschool in the state that has not reached capacity. We also have a Private School Guide and a Homeschool Guide. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars. Attentive staff and lots of fun events for students i.e. Middle School Student: During my time there, even though I was incredibly shy, I had lots of fun there. Featured Review: Alum says When I was in DSA in middle school, the school helped me make new friends and learn new instruments and how to act in front of a stage. There are no upcoming events. We know you are busy parents and promise to keep them short, sweet, useful, and only once a week. Editors Note:Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse includes aPreK3 and PreK4 (VPK), andyour best chance to be admitted is to apply at age 3. Integrated thematic units will supplement this additional academic program and include cultures, environments and economies, and emphasis on the appreciation of the cultural diversity represented in these studies will provide a core focus. Giving back to the community is an important cultural component of McKeel, and students participate in a variety of service-learning activities in support of local organizations. Students enter the academy through a voluntary process; they must apply and be accepted with parental knowledge and support. Last year, Polk County Public Schools identified more than 2,400 students experiencing . At least 16 Polk County Public Schools teachers, staff have died of COVID-19 since the start of school, Polk County Schools paraprofessionals and support staff get raises retroactive to July 1, Polk County school district details plans for $202M in relief funds, State rules hinder Polk County schools on COVID-19 control, Voice of the People: Let parents choose, masks or not, then separate the kids, Police: Kathleen High teacher instigated protest against principal, 4 more students arrested in Kathleen High School protest, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Open Enrollment 1 Jan. 4, 2022-Feb. 18, 2022electronic and paper applications upon request - see your local school. This school prepared me for advanced placement in middle school which allowed me to dual enroll at PSC. Theyreeither coming from another choice school or zoned school. Magnet/Choice schools are Polk County Public Schools that provide students with special learning themes, such as science, technology, math or the arts, in addition to the standard required curriculum of general education. FOX 13 News. Please check directly with the school or district where you plan to apply for the most up to date and accurate information. BARTOW Polk County Public Schools is implementing new deadlines and procedures for parents andstudentsenrolling in magnet or choice schools , along with its nationally recognized career academies program. The application window for Harrison is now open! Magnolia Montessori Academy (PreK3 6th)Website/ 815 S Central Ave., Lakeland, Florida 33815Magnolia Montessori Academy is a free public charter school that opened its doors in August 2013 and was started by a group of like-minded parents who had a wish to provide more Montessori education in a neighborhood setting to more students in Polk County. Students are supported by wonderful and engaged teachers who are involved with the learning process and are available to them through several communication methods. Examples of topics covered in middle AND/OR high school academies: To see what is offered at each school,CLICK HERE. Browse our district and school profiles to find the right fit for you. Controlled Open Enrollment - Florida Department of Education EDITORS NOTE: If you aremoving to Lakelandor considering a relocation to our area, do your school zone homework before choosing where you will live. Magnet schools and magnet programs offer a specialized curriculum to students outside the schools normal attendance boundaries. 235 likes. Hartridge Academy is a charter school located in Winter Haven, FL, which is in a mid-size suburb setting. These programs include a college-prep curriculum and paths to industry certifications. Find rankings, test scores, reviews and more. I would recommend to any student that wants to learn new things so that it can shape who they want to be in the future after high school and to improve during high school possibly. Read 7 reviews. Students should apply during their Sophomore or Junior year of high school. Givens is also collecting school supplies to help stock teachers classrooms. For the upcoming school year, interested students must apply by completing two steps: Step 1: Submit an online application during Open Enrollment. Lake Wales Charter Schools (K-12)WebsiteThe sixconversion charter schools in the Lake Wales system are governed by a local Board of Trustees rather than the county-wide District School Board. We encourage families to apply early as there are very few openings after age 3. The same application information applies for all Magnet/Choice schools in Polk County. Components necessary for a program to be considered authentically Montessori include multiage groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Typically opens in April each year. This means that if you have applied for Magnolia Montessori in the past,YOUMUST REAPPLY EACH YEAR! Read more on how this ranking was calculated. Magnet programs differ slightly from a magnet school as the special curriculum is offered to a cohort of students as opposed to the entire school. Featured Review: Alum says I went to DJA from 6th-8th grade and was in the STEAM academic program that was offered (I'm not sure if STEAM is still a thing). There are a large variety of clubs and electives offered. Brigham Academy - Polk County Public Schools Would recommend to ANYONE seeking an alternative to the public school system. Read 1 review. There are many things to consider when deciding where you will send your child for school, and attending the school where you are zoned is a great choice it should be close to home, your neighborhood kids probably go there, and it has a community feel. Since we cant control what you see on Facebook or Instagram, our Newsletter is the BEST way to find things to do in Lakeland! They als have a great band and orchestra program, as well as guitar and chorus. Read 4 reviews. Greater Lakeland Magnet Zone A:Rochelle School of the Arts (K-8) Lakeland(Eligible to apply if you are zoned for Lakeland High School,George Jenkins High School,Lake Gibson High School,Kathleen High School,Tenoroc High School*), Zone B Jewett School of the Arts (K-8) Winter Haven(Eligible to apply if you are zoned for Auburndale High School, Lake Region High School, Tenoroc High School*, Winter Haven High School), Zone CDavenport School of the Arts (PreK-8) Davenport(Eligible to apply if you are zoned for Haines City High School, Ridge Community High School), Editors Note:Magnet schools in Polk County are very popular and only a few spaces per grade are open each year, with the exception of kindergarten when all seats are open, Important informationto know beforeapplying to a Magnet or Choice School: (Read the full list on the application page). If your child will turn 5 prior to September 1, 2023, he/she is eligible to startkindergartenin fall 2023, meaning you would need to applyDURING OPEN ENROLLMENTif you are interested in a magnet or charter school. Click here for application information. 21 Magnet schools in Polk County FL. We can come over the roach infestation. Every school listed here is a Polk County Public School, and is FREE for grades K-12. Kellie Jarrett - Teacher Resource Specialist Trainer - Magnet Schools Open Enrollment for 2022-2023 - Polk County Public Schools Students in our preschool and pre-Kindergarten programs pay tuition with sliding scale scholarships based on income. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. How to Apply - Union Academy - Polk County Public Schools Our motto is: Accelerated Learning for All; Whatever it takes.. Winston Academy of Engineering(STEM) (K 5th grade)Website/ 3415 Swindell Rd,Lakeland, FL 33810Direct feeder intoLawton Chiles Middle AcademyandCrystal Academy of Science and Engineeringfor grades 6-8. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. Please check directly with the school or district where you plan to apply for the most up to date and accurate information. Address: 400 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801 They als have a great band and orchestra program, as well as guitar and chorus. Read 4 reviews. William Allen, who campaigned on better choice for students, was thrilled, saying he had faced the same obstacle when he moved back to Polk County with his family several years ago. Lincoln Avenue Academy(STEM & IB Program) (K 5th grade)Website/ 1330 North Lincoln Avenue,Lakeland, Florida 33805Direct feeder intoLawton Chiles Middle Academyfor grades 6-8. It throws off them being able to pay attention in class, said Givens. Our market is increasing like crazy, and nobody is thinking about the families that are from here, that live here. Click here for application information. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Charter Schools are able to be more innovative, while still being held accountable for improved student achievement. Our facilities, coupled with our incredibly gifted faculty, ensure that our current students and future Polk County generations have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in the arts through premier arts instruction. McKeel Academy Central (PreK 6th)Website/ 411 North Florida Avenue,Lakeland, 33801, South McKeel Academy(PreK 6th)Website/ 2222 Edgewood Drive South,Lakeland, 33815. Parents/guardians are strongly urged to submit applications by 4:00 pm on Feb. 15, 2023, for priority consideration. Information on each of these schools can be found below. Looking for information on high schools? . The Polk County Schools Website has a great description of each school and what makes them unique. Magnet and Charter Schools in Polk, FL County - Magnet Schools .us Overall DJA is a great school with invested teachers and staff, a great place for any child to attend.. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars. Featured Review: Alum says I went to Bethune from K-5 and had an amazing experience!