Congratulations to Polk County Public Schools on maintaining and improving its B grade for the 2025-2026 school year! Read all about it belowPolk County Public Schools had another momentous year in 2025-26, and it showed up on our report card.

PCPS maintained and improved its B grade, as many schools throughout the district earned higher marks, according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education.“Two years ago we recaptured our B grade, and we’ve continued to build upon that success,” said PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid. “It’s especially notable because the state’s academic criteria has only become more rigorous. Today’s results are clear: PCPS is on a hot streak.”PCPS students saw widespread achievement gains in state assessment data for 2025-26, improving in math, science and English language arts. In addition, the district’s latest graduation rate climbed to a historic 87.7%. The grad rate for traditional PCPS high schools (excluding charter and alternative schools) was even better, rising to 92.7%.A total 29 traditional PCPS schools improved their own grades in 2025-26, which more than doubled the count from the year prior.- Ten schools increased to an A, with two improving from a C to an A: Garden Grove Elementary and Scott Lake Elementary. Combee Academy earned its first-ever A, and Snively Elementary received an A for the first time in 20 years! In addition, Bethune Academy and Daniel Jenkins Academy earned their first As in well over a decade.- Sixteen increased to a B, one of which saw an amazing jump from a D to a B: Dixieland Elementary. Griffin Elementary and Kathleen Elementary also reclaimed their B grades after many years of hard work, and Willow Oak School earned its first B! - Three increased from a D to a C: Crystal Lake Middle, Kathleen Middle, and North Lakeland Elementary.Once again, there were no traditional PCPS schools earning an F grade.PCPS uses an intensive progress monitoring system to track students’ academics, providing support based on each child’s learning style. The district’s formula has been highly successful, and Heid said PCPS will intensify its efforts to keep moving forward.“I’m tremendously proud of our students, teachers, staff and community. So many people have worked incredibly hard for these results,” he said. “It’s rewarding to know that we’re on the right track, but we won’t stop here. The future is bright for Polk County Public Schools.”Individual school grades are available on the FLDOE’s website: www.fldoe.org/file/18534/SchoolGrades26.xlsx.#lovePolkschools (Photo via Lincoln Avenue Academy)@topfans ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you, Ms. Amy, with Polk Vision for inspiring our girls to make a difference in our community. ... See MoreSee Less

📢Community Invited to Free Hurricane Expo on May 30📢

As hurricane season approaches, residents are encouraged to prepare before a storm is on the horizon by attending the free Hurricane Expo on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.Hosted in partnership by Home Instead, Age Friendly Lakeland, City of Lakeland, RP Funding Center, and United Way of Central Florida, the family-friendly event will provide valuable information, resources, and hands-on guidance to help individuals and families get storm-ready.The Hurricane Expo will feature nationally recognized weather experts, local emergency preparedness leaders, interactive exhibits, local vendors, and preparedness resources.Event Schedule10 to 11 a.m. - Dr. Jonathan Zawislak, NOAA Hurricane Hunters11 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Denis Phillips, ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Dr. Tracy Fanara, Environmental Engineer12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - Community Preparedness Panel featuring local experts, moderated by Trinity Laurino, Executive Director of LkldNow1:30 to 2 p.m. - Kyle Hanson, Baynews 9 MeteorologistAttendees will have the opportunity to connect with local organizations and vendors offering free advice, resources and preparedness information. Giveaways and raffles will also be available throughout the event, including hurricane preparedness kits, while supplies last, as well as a generator and portable power station."This expo is designed to help our community feel informed, prepared and confident before hurricane season begins," said Adam Lebovitz, United Way's Community Resilience Manager. "Preparedness can make a significant difference during and after a storm, and we want families to have access to trusted information and resources in one place."This event is free and open to the public.Event DetailsHurricane ExpoSaturday, May 30, 202610 a.m. - 2 p.m.RP Funding Center701 W Lime St., Lakeland, FL 33815 ... See MoreSee Less

The 2025 State of the County is TODAY! 🤩

Seats are still available if you'd like to join us in person, or you can join us via live stream through PGTV: youtube.com/live/GyEzHgvP0kQ?feature=shareWe hope to see you soon as we discover the latest insights and trends impacting our community! ... See MoreSee Less