Polk State's High Schools Make History with A Grades for First Time!

Winter Haven, Florida, USA - Polk State College has recently been in the spotlight for its remarkable achievements across its three collegiate high schools, marking a historic milestone as they all nabbed A grades from the Florida Department of Education for the first time ever. This accomplishment speaks volumes about the quality of education being provided at these charter institutions, fueled by the dedication and hard work of educators and students alike.

Perhaps most notably, the Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School, which updated its charter in the previous academic year, climbed from a B to an impressive A grade for the 2024-2025 academic year. Principal Meesha Downing-Townsend expressed optimism about the future, noting that Gateway needs two consecutive A grades to be eligible for adding a 10th-grade cohort in the upcoming 2026-2027 year. It seems the winds of change are blowing favorably for Gateway.

Have you heard about the students crossing the graduation stage at an early age? At Gateway, the youngest student to graduate did so with an Associate in Arts degree at just 15 years old. Another standout graduate earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. These accomplishments reflect the supportive environment where students can earn college credits while fulfilling their high school diploma requirements, often graduating with degrees at no cost!

A Community of Learning

Current statistics reveal that Gateway serves 11th and 12th graders, with nearly half of last year’s class receiving associate degrees. Their impressive community involvement includes approximately 15,000 hours of service, alongside an eye-catching $1.3 million in scholarships awarded to students. Meanwhile, Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate and Lakeland Collegiate, both welcoming 10th-grade students for the first time in the 2024 school year, reported high success and satisfaction rates among their students and parents.

As Lakeland Collegiate’s Principal Rick Jeffries pointed out, these charter schools provide a unique college-level environment while ensuring students enjoy vibrant student life opportunities too. This blend of academics and engagement resonates well within the community, further encouraging applications. Currently, Chain of Lakes and Lakeland Collegiate high schools are accepting applications, while Gateway is open to admissions year-round.

Across Florida, charter schools are proving their mettle. According to data from the Florida Charter School Alliance, charter schools have shown exceptional performance over the years. It’s noteworthy that in the 2023-2024 school year, they received an A rating, with many outperforming their peers in traditional public schools across various metrics.

Why Charter Schools Matter

Charter schools in Florida continue to brag about a robust student population exceeding 397,000—making them larger than many individual school districts. An extensive report analyzing over 4.2 million test scores indicated that charter students outperformed those in traditional schools in nearly every category. In 82% of comparisons, charter school students demonstrated superior grade-level performance. Among students eligible for free or reduced lunch, charter schools excelled in 93% of comparisons against their district-managed counterparts.

What does all this mean for Polk County? With such promising performance metrics, it speaks to the potential of local students to thrive in an engaging educational atmosphere. The blend of strong leadership, quality instruction, and community support are paving the way for continued success.

As families in Florida evaluate their educational choices, it’s clear that Polk State’s collegiate high schools are setting a stellar example. By nurturing not just academic excellence, but a well-rounded student experience, these institutions are indeed doing a good deal for our next generation.

To stay informed about the academic developments in our community and the success of Polk State’s collegiate high schools, take a look at Polk News, Public Schools K12, and Florida Charter School Alliance.