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 teachers.
Polk State College, a four-year institution, offers complete career programs. Additional four-year institutions within commuting distance include 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.
Local Public Schools and Colleges
Private Schools
- All Saints’ Academy (PK-12) (863) 293-5980
- Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church (PK-K) (863) 294-3188
- Grace Lutheran School (PK-12) (863) 293-9744
- Oasis Christian Academy (PK-12) (863) 293-0930
- Heritage Christian Academy (PK-6) (863) 293-0690
- Hope Creative School (PK-K) (863) 324-6377
- Immanuel Lutheran School (PK-7) (863) 967-5145
- St. John’s Christian School (PK-K) (863) 326-1638
- St. Joseph’s Catholic School (PK-8) (863) 293-3311
- St. Paul’s Episcopal School (PK-3) (863) 298-8485
- Winter Haven Adventist Academy (1-8) (863) 299-7984
- Winter Haven Christian School (PK-8) (863) 294-4135
Colleges and Universities
- Florida Polytechnic University (863) 583-9050
- Florida Southern College (Lakeland) (863) 680-4111
- Keiser College (Lakeland) (863) 701-7789
- Polk State College (Winter Haven & Lakeland) (863) 297-1000
- Polk State College Corporate College (863) 669-2326
- University of South Florida (Lakeland & Tampa) (863) 667-7000
- Warner University (Lake Wales) (863) 638-3801
- Webber International University (Babson Park) (863) 638-1431
- Webster University (Lakeland) (863) 858-9100