School Choices Detailed and Rated Wind Meadows, Bartow, 33830

Wind Meadows 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 the Wind Meadows community, 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. 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.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Bartow, FL, as Wind Meadows is a residential area within or near the city limits of Bartow. If you have a specific address within Wind Meadows, I can refine the search further based on proximity.

Public Schools Near Wind Meadows, Bartow, FL 33830

Polk County Public Schools serves the Bartow area. Here are the primary public schools zoned for or near the Wind Meadows community:

1. Floral Avenue Elementary School (Grades PK-5)

   • Location: 1530 Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Bartow areas like Wind Meadows.
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a public elementary school with a focus on foundational education. It serves a diverse student population and offers standard curriculum along with some extracurricular activities.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students (varies by year).
   • Notes: Often zoned for Bartow-area communities like Wind Meadows. Check with Polk County Schools for exact zoning.

2. Bartow Middle School (Grades 6-8)

   • Location: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-4 miles from Wind Meadows.
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students transitioning from elementary to high school, offering core academic programs and some electives.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students.
   • Notes: Likely the zoned middle school for Wind Meadows residents.

3. Bartow Senior High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Wind Meadows.
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating from Florida Department of Education (based on recent data).
   • Details: Bartow High School offers a comprehensive high school education, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like sports and clubs. It also houses the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for eligible students.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 2,000 students.
   • Notes: Typically the zoned high school for Bartow residents.

   Alternative Public Schools or Charter Schools

   Polk County has several charter and magnet options that may be accessible to Wind Meadows residents, though admission often requires an application or lottery:

4. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: Located at Bartow High School campus, 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Wind Meadows.
   • Rating: Not separately rated but tied to Bartow High School (5/10 on GreatSchools).
   • Details: A smaller learning community within Bartow High School focused on college preparation.
   • Notes: Application may be required.

5. McKeel Academy of Technology (Grades K-12)

   • Location: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (about 10-12 miles from Bartow)
   • Distance: A bit farther but accessible for Bartow residents.
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly regarded public charter school with a focus on technology and academics. It serves students from across Polk County.
   • Notes: Admission is via lottery, and transportation may not be provided.

   Private Schools Near Wind Meadows, Bartow, FL 33830

   Private schools in or near Bartow offer alternative education options, often with a religious or specialized focus. Here are a couple of notable ones:

6. Word of Life Christian School (Grades K-12)

   • Location: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 2-4 miles from Wind Meadows.
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche are generally positive.
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum alongside standard academics.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000 per year).
   • Notes: Smaller class sizes and a focus on religious values.

7. First Methodist School (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Wind Meadows.
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; generally well-regarded locally.
   • Details: A private school affiliated with the First United Methodist Church, offering early childhood through middle school education with a Christian foundation.
   • Tuition: Contact the school for details.
   • Notes: Smaller enrollment with a community focus.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). The Florida Department of Education also assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on your exact address within Wind Meadows. You can confirm zoning through the Polk County Public Schools website (www.polkschoolsfl.com) by using their school locator tool or contacting the district at (863) 534-0500.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Charter and private schools may not offer transportation or may charge extra for it.
   • Other Options: If you’re open to schools slightly farther away (e.g., in Lakeland, about 15 miles north), there are additional high-rated public, charter, and private schools, such as Lakeland Christian School or George Jenkins High School.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have websites with detailed information on programs, enrollment, and events.
   2. Polk County Schools Portal: Use the district’s website to check zoning and school performance reports.
   3. GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: These sites provide parent reviews and additional data on test scores and demographics.
   4. School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.

   If you have a specific address in Wind Meadows or preferences (e.g., focus on academics, sports, or religious education), let me know, and I can narrow down the options further. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, after-school programs, or special needs services, I can include those as well. What else would you like to know?