Local Schools Near Summertimes Plantation, Bartow, 33830

Summertimes Plantation is a community located in Bartow, FL, within the 33830 ZIP code. Bartow is a small city in Polk County, Florida, and is part of the Polk County Public Schools district, which oversees the public schools in the area. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Summertimes Plantation, 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 typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or the district.

Since Summertimes Plantation is a specific neighborhood in Bartow, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) that serve the area. I’ll list elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as any notable private or charter options. Distances are approximate and based on general proximity to central Bartow.

Public Schools Near Summertimes Plantation, Bartow, FL 33830

Polk County Public Schools assigns students to schools based on zoning, so families in Summertimes Plantation would typically attend the schools designated for their address. You can confirm zoning through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) by entering your address into their school locator tool. Below are the most likely schools based on proximity to Bartow:

Elementary Schools

1. Floral Avenue Elementary School

   • Address: 1530 S Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a traditional public elementary school in Bartow with a focus on core academics. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs like exceptional student education (ESE).
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students (varies by year)
   • Additional Info: Check the Polk County Schools website for specific programs or extracurriculars.

2. James E. Stephens Elementary School

   • Address: 1350 N Maple Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another local elementary option in Bartow, this school focuses on foundational skills and community involvement. It also serves a diverse population.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and support services.

   Middle Schools

   1. Bartow Middle School
   2. Address: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving Bartow students. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, including sports and clubs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 800-900 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for a supportive environment with opportunities for student involvement.

   High Schools

   1. Bartow Senior High School
   2. Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-3 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida Department of Education, based on recent data)
   6. Details: Bartow High School is the main public high school for the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and extracurriculars like athletics and band. It also houses the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for eligible students.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,000-2,200 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for strong community ties and a variety of student programs.

3. Summerlin Academy (within Bartow High School campus)

   • Address: Co-located with Bartow Senior High School
   • Distance: Approximately 1-3 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Often rated higher than the main high school due to its specialized focus (specific ratings vary)
   • Details: This is a military-style academy on the Bartow High School campus, offering a structured environment with a focus on leadership and discipline alongside academics.
   • Enrollment: Limited; application-based
   • Additional Info: Requires an application process and is ideal for students interested in a military or leadership-focused education.

   Charter Schools Near Summertimes Plantation

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have different enrollment processes (often lottery-based). Here are some options near Bartow:

4. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy

   • Address: 531 Ledwith Ave, Haines City, FL 33844 (serves students from across Polk County)
   • Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to its smaller size, but often praised for personalized learning
   • Details: A small charter school focused on college preparation and dual enrollment opportunities.
   • Enrollment: Limited; application required
   • Additional Info: Check the Polk County Schools website for application details.

   Private Schools Near Summertimes Plantation

   Private schools in the area often have religious affiliations and require tuition. Here are a couple of options:

5. Word of Life Christian School

   • Address: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms; parent reviews on Niche are generally positive
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes and a focus on moral development.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000 per year)
   • Additional Info: Call (863) 519-5747 for enrollment information.

6. First Methodist School

   • Address: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Summertimes Plantation
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for a nurturing environment
   • Details: Affiliated with the First United Methodist Church, this school emphasizes academic and spiritual growth.
   • Tuition: Contact the school for details (863-533-0905)
   • Additional Info: Limited enrollment; early application recommended.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings: The ratings provided (e.g., from GreatSchools.org) are based on available data as of my last update and may not reflect the most current performance. GreatSchools ratings range from 1-10, with 10 being the highest. Florida Department of Education grades (A-F) are based on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments).
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Summertimes Plantation. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool online to confirm which schools your child is zoned for.
   • School Choice: Polk County offers school choice options, including magnet programs, charter schools, and out-of-zone enrollment (subject to availability). Applications for choice programs often have deadlines in early spring.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Check with the district for bus routes near Summertimes Plantation.
   • Updates: School performance, enrollment, and programs can change yearly. Visit the schools’ websites or contact them directly for the latest information.

   How to Research Further

   1. Polk County Public Schools Website: polkschoolsfl.com – Use the school locator tool and explore district reports.
   2. GreatSchools.org: Search for schools in ZIP code 33830 for parent reviews and updated ratings.
   3. Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for schools in Bartow.
   4. Florida Department of Education: edudata.fldoe.org – Access school report cards and state grades.
   5. Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.

   If you have a specific address within Summertimes Plantation or need details about a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can help narrow it down further. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, daycare options, or schools outside a 10-mile radius, I can expand the search. What else would you like to know?