Getting ready for the next step in your child’s education doesn’t have to be so stressful – that’s what Mission: Transition is all about.

This series of annual events helps students and families make the jump from elementary to middle school, and then progress on to high school.

Students Entering High School

Freshman Preview will be held at each high school toward the end of the school year.

The Preview provides a time for students and parents to learn about high school and what to expect during the transition to ninth grade.

Freshman Preview includes information about:

  • Registering for high school courses — when and how courses are selected for you
  • What courses do ninth-graders usually take?
  • Changes to course registration
  • Academic supports
  • Graduation requirements
  • Career academy choices
  • School-sponsored activities: many student organizations and clubs will be represented; staff and students will be on hand to answer your questions
  • Sports and athletic eligibility
  • How to sign up to receive information via emails/phone calls

What can you do now to prepare for a GREAT high school experience? Join us at Freshman Preview to find out!

Specific information about bus routes, bus times, lunch procedures and student schedules will be available during regular orientation in August.

Please call your zoned school for additional information. You can determine which school you are zoned for by visiting polkschoolsfl.com/schoolzones.
You can also find a list of all PCPS schools by visiting polkschoolsfl.com/schools.

Students Entering Middle School

Middle School Preview will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Programs will be held at each middle school beginning at 6:00 PM.

Middle School Preview presentations will include information about:

  • How is middle school different?
  • Courses and course registration
  • Preparing for middle school
  • Academic and elective course expectations
  • Academic supports
  • Special academic programs
  • Career academy options
  • Binders, backpacks and lockers, oh my!
  • Eating breakfast and lunch — where and how?
  • Uniforms and/or dress code
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • The first day and week of school
  • School and home communication

Specific information about bus routes, bus times, lunch procedures, teacher assignments and schedules will be available during regular orientation in August.

Please call your zoned school for additional information. You can determine which school you are zoned for by visiting polkschoolsfl.com/schoolzones.
You can also find a list of all PCPS schools by visiting polkschoolsfl.com/schools.

Kindergarten Registration

April 1-26, 2024

Schools are open for kindergarten visits on April 18, 2024. Please contact your zoned school for event times.

Students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024.

Registration Requirements:

  • Birthdate verification, a physical exam dated within the last 13 months and a certificate of immunization (Florida Department of Health form 680) showing shots including second MMR, polio, DPT/DTaP, Hepatitis B series and second varicella, or signed proof of chicken pox.
  • Two proofs of residency are required. Acceptable proofs include: mortgage document, property tax record, home/apartment lease agreement, current utility bill, current voter registration, proof of government benefits, driver's license, auto registration/insurance.

Please visit your zoned elementary school with required documents. You can determine which school you are zoned for by  visiting polkschoolsfl.com/schoolzones.

New students may be registered in person or online at polkschoolsfl.com/enroll

Students currently enrolled in a Polk County pre-K or VPK program must register in person.

Please call your local elementary school for additional assistance.

Early Childhood

Programs covered: Head Start (ages 3-4), Title 1 Pre-K (age 4), Voluntary Pre-K (age 4), ESE Pre-K (ages 3-5)

Applications for 2024-25 will open March 4, 2024. Please note that each program has unique eligibility requirements, and some will require that incoming students have a Florida VPK Certificate of Eligibility. For specific program information and applications visit polkschoolsfl.com/earlychildhood.

Polk County Public Schools' Early Childhood Programs are dedicated to providing a classroom that addresses your child's developmental and educational needs. Preschool programs offer low student-to-teacher ratios, highly qualified instructors, student-selected and teacher-directed activities, ongoing interaction, and high program standards. 

Please call 863-648-3051 for additional assistance in English and Spanish or visit polkschoolsfl.com/earlychildhood.