Local Schools Near Dudleys, Bartow, 33830

The community of Dudleys in Bartow, FL, falls within the 33830 ZIP code, which is part of Polk County. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student. I’ll also include approximate distances from central Bartow, as Dudleys is a smaller, less-defined community within or near Bartow.

Public Schools Near Dudleys, Bartow, FL (33830)

Public schools in this area are managed by the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to the Bartow area, which would likely serve the Dudleys community:

1. Bartow Elementary Academy

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Location: 590 S Wilson Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~1-2 miles from most areas in or near Dudleys
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a magnet school with a focus on academic excellence. It often receives positive feedback for its structured environment and student performance on state assessments. Enrollment may require an application due to its magnet status.
   • Student Population: ~500 students
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. Floral Avenue Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Location: 1530 S Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~1-3 miles from Dudleys
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A traditional public elementary school serving a diverse student body. Test scores are around average for the state, with efforts in place to improve student outcomes.
   • Student Population: ~600 students
   • Additional Info: Provides pre-kindergarten programs and after-school care options.

3. Bartow Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~1-3 miles from Dudleys
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves as the primary middle school for the Bartow area. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers various extracurriculars like sports and clubs.
   • Student Population: ~800 students
   • Additional Info: Focuses on preparing students for high school with elective courses and support programs.

4. Bartow Senior High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Location: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~2-4 miles from Dudleys
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: The main high school for Bartow students, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and sports programs. Graduation rates are near the state average.
   • Student Population: ~2,000 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is highly regarded for college preparation.

5. Gause Academy of Leadership

   • Type: Public Alternative School (Grades 6-12)
   • Location: 1395 W Polk St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~2-3 miles from Dudleys
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to its alternative status (GreatSchools.org lists it as 2/10)
   • Details: Designed for students who need a non-traditional learning environment, often due to behavioral or academic challenges. Smaller class sizes and individualized attention are key features.
   • Student Population: ~200 students
   • Additional Info: Focuses on credit recovery and dropout prevention.

   Private Schools Near Dudleys, Bartow, FL (33830)

   Private school options are limited in Bartow, but there are a few within a reasonable distance:

6. Word of Life Christian School

   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Location: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~2-4 miles from Dudleys
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with an emphasis on biblical teachings alongside academics. Smaller class sizes and a family-oriented environment are often highlighted.
   • Student Population: ~100 students
   • Additional Info: Tuition-based; offers limited extracurriculars compared to public schools.

7. First Methodist School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Location: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~1-3 miles from Dudleys
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited data available
   • Details: Affiliated with the First United Methodist Church, this school provides early childhood and middle school education with a Christian focus.
   • Student Population: ~150 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a nurturing environment; tuition costs apply.

   Charter Schools Near Dudleys, Bartow, FL (33830)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Options in or near Bartow include:

8. Compass Middle Charter School

   • Type: Public Charter (Grades 5-8)
   • Location: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830 (co-located with Bartow Middle School facilities)
   • Approximate Distance: Central Bartow, ~1-3 miles from Dudleys
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Focuses on at-risk students with a goal of improving academic performance through alternative teaching methods.
   • Student Population: ~150 students
   • Additional Info: Enrollment may be limited and based on specific student needs.

   School District Information

   • District: Polk County Public Schools
   • District Rating: C (based on Florida Department of Education reports and Niche.com)
   • Details: Polk County serves over 100,000 students across the county. While some schools perform well, the district as a whole faces challenges with test scores and funding. However, Bartow schools often benefit from community involvement and local support.

   Additional Notes

   • Zoning: School assignments depend on specific addresses within Dudleys or Bartow. You can confirm zoning and bus routes through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) by using their school locator tool.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and other sources are based on available data as of my last update (October 2023). They may change over time, and I recommend visiting schools or checking recent reviews for the most current information.
   • Distance: Since Dudleys is not a formally defined neighborhood with exact boundaries, distances are estimated from central Bartow. If you have a specific address, I can refine the search.
   • Other Options: If you’re willing to drive further (e.g., to Lakeland, ~15-20 miles away), additional high-rated public, private, and charter schools are available, such as Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse or McKeel Academy of Technology.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
   • Polk County Schools Website: Use the district’s site for zoning, enrollment, and program details.
   • Parent Reviews: Check platforms like GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for parent and student feedback.
   • Florida Department of Education: Review school report cards for detailed performance metrics (edudata.fldoe.org).

   If you have a specific address in Dudleys or additional preferences (e.g., focus on special needs programs, sports, or arts), let me know, and I can tailor the information further!