Local Schools Near Oakland, Bartow, 33830

I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the Oakland community in Bartow, FL, with the ZIP code 33830. Bartow is a small city in Polk County, Florida, and the Oakland neighborhood is generally considered part of the broader Bartow area. Below, I’ll provide details on schools in and around Bartow, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available 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 School District website or visiting the schools.

Public Schools Near Oakland, Bartow, FL (33830)

Public schools in this area are managed by the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to the Oakland community in Bartow, along with their approximate distance from central Bartow (since Oakland is a neighborhood within Bartow, distances are estimated from the city center):

1. Bartow Elementary Academy

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Address: 590 S Wilson Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Oakland
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a magnet school with a focus on academic excellence. It often receives positive feedback for its structured environment and strong community involvement. Enrollment may require an application due to its magnet status.

2. Floral Avenue Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 1530 S Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Oakland
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A traditional public elementary school serving the Bartow area. It offers standard curriculum and extracurricular activities, with a focus on foundational skills.

3. Bartow Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-3 miles from Oakland
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves as the primary middle school for Bartow students. It offers a range of academic and elective programs, though test scores are around average for the state.

4. Bartow Senior High School

   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-3 miles from Oakland
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: The main high school for Bartow, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. It also houses the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is highly regarded.

5. Gause Academy of Leadership

   • Type: Public Alternative (Grades 6-12)
   • Address: 1395 W Polk St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Oakland
   • Rating: 1/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is an alternative school for students who may need a non-traditional learning environment due to behavioral or academic challenges. It has smaller class sizes but lower performance metrics.

   Private Schools Near Oakland, Bartow, FL (33830)

   Private school options in Bartow are limited, but there are a few within a reasonable distance. Ratings for private schools are less standardized, as they often don’t participate in the same state testing as public schools. Feedback is based on parent reviews and available data.

6. First Methodist School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Address: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Oakland
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally positive parent feedback
   • Details: A faith-based school affiliated with the First United Methodist Church of Bartow. It offers a Christian education with a focus on small class sizes and moral development. Tuition information is available directly from the school.

7. Word of Life Christian School

   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Address: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Oakland
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; mixed reviews
   • Details: Another faith-based option providing a Christian curriculum. It serves a small student body and emphasizes biblical teachings alongside academics.

   Nearby Schools Outside Bartow (Within 10-15 Miles)

   If you’re willing to consider schools slightly outside Bartow, there are additional options in nearby cities like Lakeland or Winter Haven, which may have higher-rated schools or specialized programs. Here are a couple of notable ones:

8. McKeel Academy of Technology (Lakeland)

   • Type: Public Charter (Grades 7-12)
   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Bartow
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is lottery-based and competitive.

9. All Saints Academy (Winter Haven)

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 5001 State Road 540 W, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Bartow
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; strong reputation
   • Details: An independent, college-preparatory school with an Episcopal affiliation. Known for rigorous academics and a wide range of extracurriculars. Tuition is significant but financial aid may be available.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture, teacher quality, or specific programs). Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School District Resources: The Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) offers detailed information on zoning, enrollment, and special programs like magnet or charter schools.
   • Transportation: Most public schools in Bartow provide bus services within designated zones. Private schools may not offer transportation, so check directly with them.
   • Special Needs and Programs: If your child requires specific accommodations or programs (e.g., gifted education, special education), contact the Polk County School District or individual schools for details on available services.

   How to Verify or Get More Information

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to see the facilities and meet staff.
   • Check Updated Ratings: Use websites like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education for the latest data.
   • Contact Polk County Schools: Call the district office at (863) 534-0500 for zoning or enrollment questions.
   • Community Feedback: Local Bartow community groups on platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor can provide parent perspectives.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., a particular grade level, special programs, or a focus on certain extracurriculars), let me know, and I can narrow down the options further. Also, if you’d like me to look into a specific school or provide more detailed data on test scores or demographics, just ask!