News
Go back to Blog page.

Polk County Public Schools Hosts School Choice Showcase Events to Highlight Special Offerings

January 28, 2025 News, Talent Pipeline

Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) is holding a series of meetings to help inform parents and students about their educational opportunities. 

“Our School Choice Showcase offers parents a chance to connect with school staff and students from across the district to learn about the various programs we offer,” said Leann Bennett, Senior Director of Career, Technical & Adult Education for Polk County Public Schools

Kyle Kennedy, Senior Coordinator of Media Relations, said: “These events are mainly used to highlight PCPS magnet schools, career academies and other programs.” They’re held early in the year “since parents can apply for those offerings during the current school choice application window.” 

Families can apply for magnet and charters schools, as well as career academies, online at the Parent Portal until Feb. 21. All applications are chosen based on a lottery system except for International Baccalaureate and Cambridge, which have academic requirements. 

Schedule for School Choice Showcase

The showcase events will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the following locations across Polk:  

  • Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Lake Eva Event Center for schools in the Haines City, Davenport and Dundee areas. 
  • Thursday, Jan. 30 at Lakeland Square Mall for schools in Lakeland. 
  • Tuesday, Feb. 4 at AdventHealth Fieldhouse for schools in the Winter Haven, Auburndale and Polk City areas. 
  • Thursday, Feb. 6 at Bartow Civic Center for schools in the Bartow, Mulberry, Frostproof and Fort Meade areas. 

All showcases will also include information on the countywide schools, such as Winter Haven Senior High Cambridge, Bartow International Baccalaureate and Harrison School for the Arts. 

Students at Combee Academy of Design & Engineering (CODE)

“We hold multiple showcases at different locations so families can attend and receive in-person help and information about the schools/programs in their area. It’s about convenience and accessibility,” Kennedy said. 

The Importance of Choice

Having a chance to select schools that best fit students’ needs is critical for success. 

“School choice is important because it gives families options beyond their zoned public school,” Kennedy said. “Parents can apply to schools focusing on STEM or fine arts for students who have those interests. We also have longstanding career academy programs that give students an opportunity to explore different professions, learn real-world job skills and earn certifications before graduating high school.” 

And success is important to the economic development of Polk County.  

“When students enter the ‘real world’ with valuable knowledge and skills, it benefits them, as well as our local employers and economy,” Kennedy said. 

Bennett agreed, and said this series will help families explore all their options. 

Bartow IB High School diploma pass rate. Credit: REAL Academy

“Our Career Academies/Career and Technical Education programs help students enhance their career readiness skills, which are valuable in any career path they choose, even if it differs from their initial program pathway,” Bennett said. 

For more information, call:  

  • Magnet/Choice School: 863-534-0631, Ext. 788.  
  • Career Academies: 863-519-8438, Ext. 819. 
  • High School IB and Cambridge: 863-534-0631, Ext. 794. 

For more information on the showcases, visit https://www.polkschoolsfl.com/quicklinks/showcase

Related Posts

February 4, 2025
Polk County Leaders Earn Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100 List Honors
January 31, 2025
New Shovel-Ready Business Park Prepared through the Site Readiness Process
January 23, 2025
A.O. Wagner Construction Moves Full-Steam Ahead, Goal of Being the Leading Midsize Contractor Along I-4