Mission Transition

Polk County Public Schools is hosting a series of events to help get students and families ready for the 2023-24 school year.  Please see the information below for details about events for your student.

Freshman Preview will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023.
Programs will be held at each high school beginning at 6:00 PM.

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. School-specific information is located at polkschoolsfl.com/schools.

Middle School Preview will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
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. School-specific information is located at polkschoolsfl.com/schools.

April 3-28, 2023

Schools are open for kindergarten visits on April 20, 2023. Please contact your zoned school for event times.

Students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023. 

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, Florida Driver’s License, auto registration/insurance.

Please visit your zoned elementary school with required documents. Students currently enrolled in a Polk County pre-K or VPK program must register in person.

 For more information about kindergarten registration and preparation, please visit polkschoolsfl.com/kindergarten.

Programs covered: Head Start, Title 1 Pre-K, VPK

Applications for 2023-24 will open March 7, 2023. Please note there is only one application for all programs. Although each program has unique eligibility requirements, all 4-year-olds must submit a Florida VPK Certificate of Eligibility.

Polk County Public Schools’ Early Childhood Learning program addresses your child’s developmental and educational needs. Early Childhood Learning offers low student-to-teacher ratios, highly qualified instructors, student-selected and teacher-directed activities, ongoing interaction, and high program standards.

For specific program information and to apply online, visit polkschoolsfl.com/preschool.

Please call 863-648-3051 for additional assistance in English and Spanish.