PCPS Celebrates National Public Schools Week – Showing the Magic That Happens Every Day in Classroom

[Polk County, Florida] — National Public Schools Week, celebrated February 23 – 27, 2026, is a time to celebrate the incredible work happening every day in classrooms across Polk County and all Florida school districts.
Public schools are the clear choice for Florida families, with 85% of parents choosing Florida public schools and public charter schools to educate their children — and that is something to proudly celebrate!
Together, Polk County Public Schools and Florida public schools are building strong communities, a skilled workforce, and a brighter future for all, because Florida’s future truly is powered by public schools.
 
Florida school districts have continued to rise and not only meet but often exceed the parameters and academic standards put before them. Recently, Florida public schools reached the historic, record-breaking 92.2% high school graduation rate for the 2024-25 school year.
 
Locally, Polk County’s graduation rate also reached a historic height, increasing to 87.7%, the highest rate in recent memory. In addition, PCPS recently earned a B grade from the Florida Department of Education — our first B since 2019-2020.
 
As we prepare to celebrate National Public Schools Week, PCPS proudly recognizes the educators, students, families, and community partners who make this success possible.
 
“Our success is only possible because of the magic that happens every day in classrooms and campuses throughout Polk County,” said Superintendent Fred Heid. “Our teachers and school staff selflessly devote themselves to serving the needs of students. They create the warm, safe, and caring environment where students learn new concepts, forge lasting friendships and feel loved even when they make mistakes. They discover education is the pathway to realize their dreams.”
 
PCPS students strive for success through a variety of innovative educational offerings as well as post-secondary preparation and career readiness programs. Here are some current highlights:
 
Two Magnet/Choice Schools Receive National Award for Excellence
Our school district has 19 magnet/choice schools offer specialized learning opportunities around an identified theme, enhance academic achievement, provide educational choice, foster innovation, and build community. Magnet/choice schools allow students to engage in unique learning opportunities, such as maker-spaces, fabrication labs, and art studios. Two PCPS magnet schools, R.W. Blake Academy in Lakeland and Daniel Jenkins Academy in Haines City, were recently awarded the national 2026 Magnet School of Excellence Award by Magnet Schools of America for demonstrating the highest level of excellence in academic standards and curriculum innovation.
 
School Board Will Recognize Outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teachers & Students
The Polk County School Board will soon recognize this year’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teachers and Students of the Year. The special presentation will take place on Tuesday (Feb. 24) during the school board meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. at 1915 South Floral Ave. in Bartow. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the PCPS YouTube channel (youtube.com/polkcountypublicschools). Each year, PCPS selects teachers and students who exemplify dedication, skill, and achievement, and represent multiple career pathways and grade levels — from middle school through postsecondary education. Click here to learn more about this year’s honorees.
 
 
About Florida’s Future: Powered by Public Schools
In January, Polk County Public Schools joined school districts throughout Florida for a public awareness campaign that celebrates the value and positive impact of Florida’s public schools. Under the unifying theme: Florida’s Future: Powered by Public Schools, this campaign highlights our school district and school successes, innovations, and achievements, alongside the diverse school choice options we offer that can only be found in Florida public schools.  This public awareness campaign is being undertaken in conjunction with the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS).
 
Stay Connected
You can follow PCPS on Facebook and Instagram at “polkcountypublicschools,” and on X (formerly Twitter) at “PolkSchoolsNews.” Don’t forget to check out our monthly newsletter — PCPS Proud — featuring the incredible stories of our students, schools, and staff. You can read or subscribe to the newsletter by visiting: polkschoolsfl.com/pcpsproud