School Choices Detailed and Rated Magnolia Walk, Bartow, 33830

Magnolia Walk 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 the Magnolia Walk community, including public schools zoned for this area and some private school options if available. I’ll also include ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the latest information through the Polk County Public Schools website or visiting the schools.

Public Schools Near Magnolia Walk, Bartow, FL 33830

The schools listed below are likely zoned for or near the Magnolia Walk community based on proximity and district zoning maps. However, zoning can depend on specific addresses, so I recommend confirming with the Polk County Public Schools District (https://polkschoolsfl.com/) or using their school locator tool.

Elementary Schools

1. Floral Avenue Elementary School

   • Address: 1530 Floral Ave S, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance from Magnolia Walk: Approximately 1-2 miles (depending on exact location within the community)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10 (as of the latest data; based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a public elementary school serving the Bartow area. It focuses on core academics and offers programs like exceptional student education (ESE) services. Parental reviews often mention a supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes or facilities.

2. James E. Stephens Elementary School

   • Address: 1350 N Maple Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance from Magnolia Walk: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   • Details: Another elementary option in Bartow, this school serves a diverse student population. It has programs for early learning and after-school care. Reviews highlight community involvement but sometimes mention challenges with academic performance compared to state averages.

   Middle Schools

   1. Bartow Middle School
   2. Address: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Distance from Magnolia Walk: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Bartow area. It offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school has initiatives to improve student engagement and performance.

   High Schools

   1. Bartow Senior High School
   2. Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Distance from Magnolia Walk: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   6. Details: This is the main high school for Bartow students. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurriculars like band and athletics. The school has a diverse student body, and graduation rates are close to the state average. Some reviews mention strong school spirit but note areas for improvement in college readiness metrics.

3. International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Bartow High School

   • Details: Bartow High School also houses an IB program, which is a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum for students seeking advanced academic challenges. Admission to the IB program may require an application or specific academic qualifications.

   Charter Schools

   1. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (Charter School)
   2. Address: Located within Bartow High School campus
   3. Distance from Magnolia Walk: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): Not separately rated; falls under Bartow High School
   6. Details: This is a smaller, specialized program focusing on college preparation. It may have selective admission criteria.

   Private Schools Near Magnolia Walk, Bartow, FL 33830

   Private school options in Bartow are limited, but there are a few within a reasonable driving distance. These schools often have different admission processes and tuition costs.

4. First Methodist School

   • Address: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance from Magnolia Walk: Approximately 2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; reviews are generally positive from parents regarding small class sizes and faith-based education.
   • Details: A private, faith-based school affiliated with the First United Methodist Church of Bartow. It emphasizes Christian values alongside academics. Tuition information is available directly from the school.

5. Word of Life Christian School

   • Address: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance from Magnolia Walk: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; parent feedback often highlights the religious focus and community atmosphere.
   • Details: Another faith-based option offering a full K-12 curriculum with a focus on biblical teachings. Contact the school for enrollment and tuition details.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on factors like test scores, student growth, and equity. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, meeting with staff, and reading recent parent reviews can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Zoning: Magnolia Walk’s exact zoning may vary by street or section of the community. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool (available on their website) by entering your specific address to confirm assigned schools.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for students within zoned areas, typically if they live beyond a certain distance from the school (often 2 miles). Check with the district for bus routes near Magnolia Walk.
   • Nearby Cities: If you’re open to schools slightly outside Bartow, cities like Lakeland (about 15-20 minutes away) have additional public, charter, and private options with varying ratings.

   How to Research Further

   1. Polk County Public Schools Website: https://polkschoolsfl.com/ - Offers zoning maps, school calendars, and registration info.
   2. GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33830) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   3. Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and performance data (http://www.fldoe.org/).
   4. School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private schools.

   If you have a specific address within Magnolia Walk or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, extracurricular preferences), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Would you like more details on any specific school or program?