Lakeland is served by Polk County Public Schools. Fall break is Nov. 23-27; the last day is May 27, 2027. In 2026, 14 Lakeland schools earned an A.

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: Polk County Public Schools, its 2026-27 calendar (revised Feb. 24, 2026), the Florida Department of Education’s 2026 school grades and the NCES school directory.

Every public school in Lakeland, with its zone and report card: Lakeland public schools.

Every public school in Lakeland belongs to Polk County Public Schools, a countywide district run by a seven-member elected School Board and Superintendent Fred Heid. The district covers all of Polk County, so your zoned school depends on your street address, not on whether you live inside city limits.

Who to call

2026-27 calendar: the dates parents ask about

The district labels the calendar tentative and subject to change.

Date What happens
Thursday, Oct. 15 End of the first nine weeks
Friday, Oct. 16 No school for students
Friday, Oct. 30 Early dismissal (2.5 hours early)
Wednesday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day, no school
Monday, Nov. 23, to Friday, Nov. 27 Fall break (Nov. 23 and 24 are storm make-up days if needed)
Friday, Dec. 18 Last day before winter break, early dismissal
Monday, Dec. 21 Winter break begins
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027 Students return
Monday, Jan. 18, 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school
Monday, Feb. 15, 2027 Presidents Day, no school
March 15-19, 2027 Spring break
Friday, March 26, 2027 No school
May 1-27, 2027 Graduation ceremonies
Thursday, May 27, 2027 Last day for students, early dismissal

Students are let out 150 minutes early on 10 days a year; the rest in 2027 are Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 12 and April 23. The district warns against buying nonrefundable travel for storm make-up days (Nov. 23 and 24, Jan. 5 and May 27).

Enrolling a new student

From the district’s enrollment page:

  1. Find your zoned school with the Address Zoning tool, or explore magnet and choice programs on the school options page.
  2. Gather documents: a parent’s government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport), the medical information form and the items on the registration requirements list, including Florida’s entrance and immunization requirements.
  3. Fill out the Student Entry Form for 2026-27.
  4. Call your zoned school to book a visit and finish registration.

How Lakeland schools are rated

Florida grades every public school A to F each summer from test scores, learning gains, graduation rates and, for high schools, college and career acceleration. In the 2026 grades, 47 graded schools with a Lakeland address earned 14 A’s, 14 B’s and 19 C’s, with no D or F. A year earlier, the same schools had four D’s.

Bar chart of 2026 Florida school grades for 47 Polk County public and charter schools with a Lakeland address: 14 A, 14 B, 19 C, 0 D and 0 F

High schools and middle schools

School Type 2026 grade 2025 grade Graduation rate (2024-25)
George W. Jenkins High High B B 99%
Lakeland High High B B 95%
Lake Gibson High High C C 91%
Tenoroc High High C C 91%
Kathleen High High C C 87%
McKeel Academy of Technology (charter) 7-12 A A 99%
Polk State College Collegiate High (charter) 11-12 A A 100%
Lawton Chiles Middle Academy Middle A A
Rochelle School of the Arts K-8 A A
Lakeland Highlands Middle Middle B B
Rosabelle W. Blake Academy K-8 B C
Crystal Lake Middle Middle C D
Kathleen Middle Middle C D
Lake Gibson Middle Middle C C
Sleepy Hill Middle Middle C C
Southwest Middle Middle C C

Each school’s full report, with test scores and enrollment, is on the state’s school accountability reports site.

School Board meetings

The School Board meets in the auditorium of the district offices at 1915 S. Floral Ave. in Bartow. The next work sessions on the district’s calendar are Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Tuesday, Oct. 27. To speak, sign up in the 30 minutes before the meeting starts; visitors go through a metal detector. Agendas and minutes are on BoardDocs, and board members’ contact details are on the board members page.

The school tax referendum

Updated Nov. 4: Polk voters approved the 1-mill property tax for school employee pay, safety and career education with more than 60% of the vote, the district said (unofficial until certified). It is expected to raise about $65.6 million a year for four years. See what the school tax costs you. See voting in Polk County and Polk County property taxes.

What this means for you

  • No school Friday, Oct. 16, and a full week off for Thanksgiving.
  • New to Lakeland? Look up your zoned school before you sign a lease or buy.
  • Grades change every July; check the state report card for the latest.

Which schools each part of Lakeland is zoned for: our Lakeland neighborhoods guide.

Related: moving to Lakeland and Friday night football.

Frequently asked questions

What school district is Lakeland, Florida in?

Polk County Public Schools, a countywide district with more than 150 schools. Its offices are at 1915 S. Floral Ave. in Bartow; the switchboard is 863-534-0500.

When is fall break for Polk County schools in 2026?

Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27, 2026. Nov. 23 and 24 are also storm make-up days if the district needs them.

When is the last day of school in Polk County in 2027?

Thursday, May 27, 2027, an early dismissal day. Winter break starts Monday, Dec. 21, and students return Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027.

How do I find my zoned school in Lakeland?

Use the district’s Address Zoning tool at azua.polk-fl.net, or call Pupil Accounting at 863-519-7600, option 1.

What are the best-rated schools in Lakeland?

In the state’s 2026 grades, 14 Lakeland schools earned an A, including Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, Rochelle School of the Arts, McKeel Academy of Technology and Polk State College Collegiate High School.