The Polk County Public School District is the eighth-largest in Florida and 37th largest nationally. Polk has about 160 school sites, including 65 elementary schools, 19 middle/junior high schools and 16 senior high schools. Also included are charter schools, vocational and technical centers, adult and alternative schools. Almost 95,000 students are enrolled. The district is the largest employer in Polk County with more than 12,000 employees. More than half of those are employed as teachers.

Polk State College, a four-year institution, offers complete career programs. Additional four-year institutions within commuting distance include Bethune-Cookman College, Florida Southern College, Keiser College, the University of South Florida, Webber International University, Warner Southern College, Webster University, the University of Central Florida and the University of Tampa. Two technical schools, Ridge Technical Center and Traviss Technical Center, are also nearby.