When it comes to education, Bartow schools consistently rank as some of the best in the area.

Bartow’s International Baccalaureate program is ranked number seven in the United States by US News & World Report. Bartow IB students have ranked first in the world in passing their advance placement (AP) exams.

In addition, among schools with fewer than 500 students, Bartow IB was recognized by the College Board, the company that oversees AP testing, as having the strongest AP English and AP World History courses in the world.

Summerlin Academy is a charter school on the Bartow High School campus: a college preparatory honors program, “built on principles of scholarship, leadership and citizenship,” with military-style discipline. Accepting both male and female students,

Summerlin Academy is a four-year program that offers three curriculum tracks: math and engineering, with an array of higher math courses and four years of engineering classes; science and medicine, with advanced science courses including biotechnology and genetics; and English and social science, with advanced courses in reading, writing, history, government, economics, psychology, sociology, ethics and philosophy.

Students are required to take four years of foreign language: either four years of one language or two years each of Spanish and German. The school also offers one-year “survey courses” in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French, and Latin. Physical education courses include self-defense for women, tae kwon do or judo, boxing, scuba diving, equestrian courses, and fencing. The character development program emphasizes honor and integrity education, social etiquette, manners and civility, and community involvement.

A part of Bartow High School, the International Baccalaureate program And Summerlin Academy provides a challenging academic environment for exceptional students. Known as the “Home of Champions,” with both successful athletic and academic programs, Bartow High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including band, drama, chorus, as well as clubs and other programs.

Rounding out Bartow area schools are seven public elementary schools, two private elementary schools and three middle schools.

Bartow Elementary Academy and Union Academy are magnet schools with students selected by an application process. Both are consistently ranked tops in the state. Enrichment activities include foreign language studies, art, science, theater performances and field trips.

Public Schools fall under the Polk County School Board made up of seven elected members, each from a separate district and elected county-wide for four-year terms. The Board adopts rules and regulations to supplement those of the State Department of Education, establishes a school calendar each year and approves an annual budget. The Superintendent of Schools is appointed by the Board. For more information, contact the School Board at 863-534-0500, or visit its website at www.polk-fl.net.

Opportunities for advanced education are within easy driving distance of Bartow. The area has two vocational schools as well as eight colleges and universities.