Polk State charter high schools earn high marks for 2023-24

Polk State College’s three collegiate high schools are filled with high-performing students. When it comes to school grades for the 2023-24 Academic Year, one might say the high schools themselves made the honor roll.

According to the Florida Department of Education, Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and Polk State Chain of Lakes High School each received A grades. Each has received an A each year since 2015.

“I am so proud of our students, faculty, and staff for how hard they work each year to keep our school at the top of its game in the state of Florida by achieving an A grade,” Lakeland Collegiate Principal Rick Jeffries said. “The school grade is a testament to our culture of excellence and dedication to a robust continuous improvement process. Thank you, Polk State College, and to all our stakeholders for their continued support of our school.”

Recognized as the top school in Polk County by U.S. News & World Report earlier this year, Lakeland College’s 2024 class combined to earn more than $3 million in scholarships. More than 80% of the class earned an Associate in Arts (AA) degree. Chain of Lakes had nearly half of its 2024 class graduate with a grade point average of 4.0 or greater. Nearly 70% earned an AA while receiving about $2.2 million combined in scholarships.

“I am thrilled that COL has maintained its grade of A,” Principal Patrice Thigpen said. “This is not an easy feat. However, it is reflective of the work ethic that our faculty, staff, and administration demonstrate and instill in our students. I am exceptionally proud of everyone’s efforts that have again led to this accomplishment.”

Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School received a school grade for the first time, earning a B. Due to differences in scope and mission, Gateway previously received a school improvement rating, which had been Commendable – the highest possible – since 2017. Nearly half of Gateway’s 2024 class earned an AA while combining for $1.3 million in scholarships.

“Our school earning its first-ever grade of B, just two points from an A, is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students, staff, and community,” Gateway Principal Meesha Downing-Townsend exclaimed. “This achievement is a reflection of the Gateway Collegiate High School spirit and commitment to excellence, and it inspires us to push even further as we continue striving for greater heights.”

Polk State’s three charter high schools allow students to simultaneously complete requirements for their high school diplomas while earning college credits at no cost to them. In many cases, students graduate with both their high school diplomas and AA degrees.

Overall, more than 330 Polk State charter high school 2024 graduates earned an AA. Despite having less than 500 students combined, 2024 class members combined for more than 60,000 community service hours. Visit polk.edu/charter-high-schools to learn more about Polk State’s charter high schools.