School Choices Detailed and Rated Kissengen Estates, Bartow, 33830

Kissengen Estates is a community located in Bartow, FL, within the 33830 ZIP code. Bartow is a small city in Polk County, Florida, and it falls under the Polk County Public Schools district, which oversees the public schools in the area. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Kissengen Estates, 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. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Public Schools Near Kissengen Estates, Bartow, FL 33830

The following schools are assigned to or located near the Bartow area, specifically within a reasonable distance from Kissengen Estates. Polk County Public Schools uses zoning to assign students to schools based on their address, so you’ll want to confirm zoning for a specific property in Kissengen Estates via the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com).

Elementary Schools

1. Floral Avenue Elementary School

   • Address: 1530 Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Kissengen Estates
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a traditional public elementary school serving the Bartow community. It focuses on core academics and offers programs like exceptional student education (ESE). Parental reviews often mention a supportive environment but note areas for improvement in facilities.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7420

2. James E. Stephens Elementary School

   • Address: 1350 N Maple Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Kissengen Estates
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another local elementary option, Stephens Elementary serves a diverse student population. It has programs for gifted students and ESE. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school is noted for community involvement.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400-500 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7455

   Middle Schools

   1. Bartow Middle School
   2. Address: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Kissengen Estates
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Bartow area. It offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Academic performance is mixed, with some areas below state averages, but the school has initiatives for student support and improvement.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 800-900 students
   8. Contact: (863) 534-7415

   High Schools

   1. Bartow Senior High School
   2. Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-4 miles from Kissengen Estates
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida Department of Education, 2022-2023)
   6. Details: Bartow High is the main public high school for the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong athletics program. The school also houses the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is highly regarded. Graduation rates are around 85-90%, slightly below the state average but improving.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 2,000-2,200 students
   8. Contact: (863) 534-7400

3. Summerlin Academy (at Bartow High School)

   • Address: Co-located with Bartow Senior High School
   • Distance: Same as Bartow High
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Often rated higher than Bartow High due to its selective nature (part of Bartow High’s overall rating)
   • Details: Summerlin Academy is a military-style leadership program within Bartow High School. It emphasizes discipline, leadership, and academics. Admission is selective, and students must apply. It’s well-regarded for preparing students for college and careers.
   • Enrollment: Limited; part of Bartow High’s population
   • Contact: (863) 534-7400

   Private Schools Near Kissengen Estates, Bartow, FL 33830

   Private schools in the area provide alternative options for families seeking religious or specialized education. These are within a reasonable driving distance from Kissengen Estates.

4. Word of Life Christian School

   • Address: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Kissengen Estates
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche give it moderate to positive feedback (approx. 3.5/5)
   • Details: A faith-based school affiliated with Word of Life Fellowship, offering a Christian curriculum alongside standard academics. Class sizes are smaller, and the school emphasizes moral and spiritual development.
   • Tuition: Approx. $5,000-$7,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for current rates)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 100-150 students
   • Contact: (863) 519-5747

5. First Methodist School

   • Address: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Kissengen Estates
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive local reputation
   • Details: Operated by First United Methodist Church of Bartow, this school offers a Christian-based education with a focus on early childhood and middle school development. It’s smaller in size, providing a close-knit community feel.
   • Tuition: Approx. $4,000-$6,000 per year (contact for exact figures)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 100 students
   • Contact: (863) 533-0905

   Charter Schools Near Kissengen Estates

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Polk County has several charter options, though they may require an application or lottery for admission.

6. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (at Bartow High School)

   • Address: Co-located with Bartow Senior High School
   • Distance: Approximately 2-4 miles from Kissengen Estates
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Often rated higher for college readiness (specific data limited)
   • Details: This program focuses on preparing students for college through rigorous academics and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges like Polk State College.
   • Enrollment: Limited; application-based
   • Contact: (863) 534-7400

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on metrics like test scores, equity, and student progress. However, they don’t always reflect the full picture of a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Choice in Polk County: Polk County Public Schools offers a school choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs, like the IB program at Bartow High, are also an option with specific application processes.
   • Transportation: Public school students in zoned areas typically have access to bus services. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation, so proximity to Kissengen Estates (within 2-4 miles for most listed schools) is a practical consideration.

   How to Verify Zoning and Get More Information

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: Use the “School Zone Locator” tool at polkschoolsfl.com to confirm which schools serve a specific address in Kissengen Estates.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at fldoe.org for the latest state-assigned grades (A-F scale) and performance data.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for private or charter options.

   If you have a specific address within Kissengen Estates or are looking for more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., special programs, extracurriculars, or recent changes), let me know, and I can help narrow it down further! Additionally, if you’re interested in schools slightly outside Bartow (e.g., in nearby Lakeland), I can expand the search radius.