Lakeland schools news
Lakeland schools news, newest first: Polk County School District decisions, attendance zones, the school calendar and board of education votes.
Top story
Lakeland educators win Polk's top principal awards
Crystal Lake Elementary's Marlene Taveras and Lakeland High's Jeffrey Barr are Polk's 2026-27 principals of the year. Both now go forward for the state awards.
School guides
Polk County Public Schools
Lakeland schools guide: districts, calendars and ratings
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.
Lakeland
Lakeland vs Auburndale vs Plant City vs Winter Haven: taxes, schools
Lakeland's 2025 city tax rate was 5.4323 mills; Auburndale 4.2515, Plant City 5.7157, Winter Haven 6.59. Home values, schools and commutes compared.
Latest stories
Property taxes
Polk school tax passes: what 1 mill costs Lakeland owners
Polk voters approved a 1-mill school tax with more than 60% of the vote. It adds $1 per $1,000 of taxable value, about $259 a year on the county's average home.
Polk County Public Schools
Polk middle school rezoning: Lakeland town halls set
All six middle schools Lakeland addresses are zoned for are in Polk's rezoning review. Town halls Oct. 22, Oct. 29 and Nov. 12; the board votes Jan. 26, 2027.
Lakeland Highlands Middle School
Lakeland Highlands Middle opens its first indoor gym
Lakeland Highlands Middle has its first indoor gym, 51 years after the school opened. The 15,000-square-foot building hosts PE, sports, assemblies and community events.