Local Schools Near Waterwood, Bartow, 33830

The community of Waterwood in Bartow, FL (ZIP code 33830) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below is a list of schools near Waterwood, Bartow, FL, along with their ratings and relevant details. The ratings are primarily based on data from GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on academic performance, test scores, 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 on platforms like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. Additionally, I’ve included both public and private schools where applicable.

Public Schools Near Waterwood, Bartow, FL (33830)

These schools are part of the Polk County Public Schools district, which serves the Bartow area. The schools listed are within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the Waterwood community.

1. Bartow Elementary Academy

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades K-5)
   • Location: 590 S Wilson Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 (approx. 2-3 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This is a magnet school with a focus on academic excellence. It often receives positive feedback for its strong curriculum and student performance on standardized tests. It serves as a primary option for elementary-aged children in the Bartow area.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 450-500 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7410

2. Floral Avenue Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Location: 1530 Floral Ave S, Bartow, FL 33830 (approx. 2-3 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A traditional public elementary school with a diverse student body. It offers standard academic programs and extracurricular activities. Test scores are around average for the state.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 500 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7420

3. Bartow Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830 (approx. 3-4 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves as the primary middle school for the Bartow area. It has a focus on preparing students for high school with a range of academic and elective courses. Ratings reflect average performance on state assessments.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 800-900 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7415

4. Bartow Senior High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Location: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 (approx. 3-4 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Bartow Senior High offers a comprehensive high school education with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. It also houses the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for eligible students.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 2,000 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7400

5. Gause Academy of Leadership

   • Type: Public Alternative School (Grades 6-12)
   • Location: 1395 W Polk St, Bartow, FL 33830 (approx. 3-5 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is an alternative school designed for students who may need a non-traditional learning environment due to behavioral or academic challenges. It focuses on individualized instruction.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 200-300 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7425

   Private Schools Near Waterwood, Bartow, FL (33830)

   Private schools in the area provide alternative educational options for families seeking religious or specialized instruction.

6. Word of Life Christian School

   • Type: Private Christian School (Grades K-12)
   • Location: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830 (approx. 3-4 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche.com suggest moderate satisfaction.
   • Details: This school offers a faith-based education with a focus on Christian values alongside academics. It serves a small student body and emphasizes personalized attention.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 100-150 students
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000/year)
   • Contact: (863) 519-5747

7. First Methodist School

   • Type: Private Christian School (Grades PK-8)
   • Location: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 (approx. 2-3 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive local feedback for early education.
   • Details: Affiliated with the First United Methodist Church, this school provides a religious-based curriculum for younger students, focusing on a nurturing environment.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 100 students
   • Tuition: Contact the school for details (often around $4,000-$6,000/year)
   • Contact: (863) 533-0905

   Charter Schools Near Waterwood, Bartow, FL (33830)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. There are limited charter options directly in Bartow, but nearby options include:

8. Compass Charter Middle School

   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830 (co-located with Bartow Middle School, approx. 3-4 miles from Waterwood)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school offers an alternative middle school experience with a focus on leadership and character development alongside academics.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 200 students
   • Contact: (863) 519-8700

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while 7/10 or above indicates above-average performance. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Assignment: Public school assignments in Polk County are typically based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools serve Waterwood by using the Polk County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website: polkschoolsfl.com) or by contacting the district at (863) 534-0500.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Check with individual schools for bus routes near Waterwood.
   • Nearby Areas: If you’re open to schools slightly outside Bartow, there are additional options in nearby Lakeland (about 15-20 minutes away), which has a wider range of highly rated public, charter, and private schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: polkschoolsfl.com – Offers detailed information on zoning, enrollment, and school performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33830) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Provides user reviews and rankings for schools in Bartow.
   • Florida Department of Education: edudata.fldoe.org – Access state assessment data and school accountability reports.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports facilities, or preschool options), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like me to look into a particular school or provide details on enrollment processes?