Hartridge Academy

Hartridge Academy is a small, high-performing K-5 elementary school in Winter Haven, FL, serving about 200 students and standing out as a beacon of academic excellence within the Polk school district, which overall ranks in the bottom 20% of Florida districts.

The school's most impressive strength is its exceptional math performance. In the 2025-2026 school year, 94% of 3rd graders and 80% of 4th graders were proficient in math—dramatically higher than the district average of 56% and the state average of 66%. This makes Hartridge a clear outlier compared to nearby schools; for instance, its 3rd-grade math score notably surpasses even the next best local school, Frank E. Brigham Academy. Hartridge also consistently outperforms the district across most subjects and grade levels, and it has a lower chronic absenteeism rate (30.3%) than many peers like Elbert Elementary (50.1%) and Lena Vista Elementary (46.5%), suggesting a highly engaged school community.

While math is a standout, science scores are more average—64% proficiency in 5th grade, above the district but a drop from previous years. The school's small size (the smallest in its comparison group) likely contributes to its success by allowing for individualized attention and a strong, cohesive culture. Despite serving a moderately diverse population where 54.5% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, Hartridge has a history of achieving top ratings, including a 5-star rating in 2021-2022. Its ranking has fluctuated, but its raw test scores remain very strong, making it a resilient and high-achieving choice for families in the area.