Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy
General Information
Overview
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy is a public, civics‑focused K–8 school located in Davenport, Florida, operating under the Polk County Public Schools system. Since its founding in 2016, the school has distinguished itself by integrating civic education into every facet of its academic program, seeking to instill a mindset of active citizenship and community engagement among its students. Rather than offering a traditional curriculum in isolation, Citrus Ridge weaves civics lessons into all subject areas — from mathematics to language arts — with the goal of cultivating critical thinkers who understand how government, history, and community responsibility interact.
The philosophy of the school centers not only on academic excellence but also on character development, with students learning to be prepared, respectful, intellectual, dependable, and engaged — the core values of its Pioneer P.R.I.D.E. program. Through a structured environment inflected by service-learning and civic participation, the school emphasizes student empowerment, allowing learners to identify real problems in their community and design projects to address them.
Contact Information
Address: 1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport, FL 33897
Phone: (863) 259‑4001
Fax: (863) 424‑2242
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2016 |
| School Type | Public Civics Academy, Grades PreK–8 |
| District | Polk County Public Schools |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | Approximately 17:1 |
| Title I Status | Yes |
| Core Values / Motto | Pioneer P.R.I.D.E. – Prepared, Respectful, Intellectual, Dependable, Engaged |
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Rankings
| Ranking Scope | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| State (Florida) | Bottom 50% in academic performance per public school review |
| National / Global | Not ranked globally (public K–8 school) |
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Core Academics (Mathematics, English / Language Arts, Science, Social Studies)
- Civics / Government Education
- Special Education / ESE
- Enrichment / Service Learning
- Physical Education / Wellness
Courses and Programs / Majors
As a K–8 school, Citrus Ridge does not offer “majors” in the college sense, but its program offerings include:
- Pre‑Kindergarten and Elementary Academics (grades PreK–5)
- Middle School Academics (grades 6–8) in core subjects
- Civics-infused curriculum integrated into every subject
- Service‑Learning Projects: students design and implement community service projects
- House System Activities: leadership, character building, and house-based competitions
- Elective Courses: Agriculture, Art, Drama, Band, Business & Technology, Coding, Engineering, Journalism, Leadership, Orchestra, Physical Education
Online Learning
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy is primarily an in-person school. There is no widely reported full-distance or hybrid online learning program specifically for this school; its pedagogy emphasizes hands-on, community-engaged learning and face-to-face civic interaction.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Assessment | Reported Data |
|---|---|
| Florida State Test Proficiency (Math) | 37% proficiency, lower than state average |
| Florida State Test Proficiency (Reading) | 36% proficiency, lower than state average |
| Science Proficiency | Reported at low to moderate levels (bottom‑50% ranking) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Because Citrus Ridge serves PreK through 8th grade, traditional “graduation rate” metrics do not apply in the same way as for high schools. However, retention is supported through its strong civic mission, house-system sense of belonging, and character education. Many students remain through the middle school years, supported by structured behavior systems like its PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) framework, which has earned recognition in the district.
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public K–8 school, Citrus Ridge does not require GPA thresholds, SAT, or ACT scores for admissions. Entry is managed through the district’s school choice or zoning policies rather than academic selection criteria.
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not applicable in the traditional sense — students enroll through district assignment, zoning, or a school choice process |
Application Requirements
Families interested in enrolling their child at Citrus Ridge typically work through Polk County Public Schools’ standard registration process. There is no formal application essay or test required. Parents must complete enrollment paperwork, provide proof of residency, and submit prior school records (if applicable). Because the school is part of the district, placement often depends on availability, capacity, and zoning or school choice policies rather than competitive admission.
Application Process
- Families express interest via district school choice or registration during open enrollment periods.
- Complete necessary enrollment documentation (residency, prior records, immunizations).
- Attend orientation or information sessions if offered by the school.
- Confirm student placement for the upcoming school year.
- Begin attendance in PreK, elementary, or middle school grade as assigned.
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Item | Timing / Note |
|---|---|
| Registration Period | Typically aligned with Polk County Public Schools’ annual open enrollment — varies by year |
| School Year Calendar | Follows the Polk County Public Schools calendar (including start date, holidays, and early dismissal) |
Essay Prompt
There is no essay prompt required for admission to Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy, as it is not a selective enrollment institution. Admissions rely on district procedures rather than student essays or competitive screening.
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Scholarships
As a public PreK–8 school, Citrus Ridge does not offer scholarships. All students residing in the district are eligible to attend free of cost if they meet enrollment criteria.
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Public K–8 Education | Free for students residing in Polk County Public Schools district |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Citrus Ridge has a diverse and multicultural student body. As of recent data, about 1,347 to 1,457 students are enrolled, covering PreK through 8th grade. The gender split is fairly balanced, with approximately 51.82% male and 48.18% female. The racial and ethnic composition shows a majority of Hispanic students (around 55‑59%), followed by White students (around 21‑28%) and Black/African American students (around 13‑17%), plus smaller percentages of multiracial and Asian students.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of the student population is economically disadvantaged, with more than half of the students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch programs. The school also has a notable special education (ESE) population, indicating a commitment to serving students with diverse learning needs by providing inclusive supports and tailored educational interventions.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~1,347–1,457 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~17:1 |
| Economically Disadvantaged | ~58% (free/reduced lunch eligible) |
School Diversity
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy is meaningfully diverse in terms of ethnicity and socioeconomic background. Its philosophy of civic education is enriched by this diversity: students from varied cultural experiences and economic realities come together to learn critical thinking, community engagement, and leadership. The house system aids in building cross-grade relationships and peer mentoring, strengthening inclusiveness and social cohesion. Because students are randomly assigned to houses, they form bonds with peers from different backgrounds, supporting a multi-layered learning community. This structure fosters empathy, civic responsibility, and a shared sense of purpose, making diversity not just a demographic statistic but a core aspect of the school’s mission and daily culture.
Average Earnings
Since Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy is a K–8 school, there is no “average earnings” statistic applicable to graduates in the way it would be for a university or high school. Instead, the school’s impact is measured through its civic outcomes: student engagement in service learning, leadership development, and long-term civic participation. Alumni of the school may go on to high school, college, or community service paths, and the foundational civic mindset they develop may influence their future career choices, community engagement, and potential earnings in adulthood. The value of their education lies not only in standardized test performance but in cultivating responsible, active citizens who contribute positively to society.
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Citrus Ridge employs a robust faculty of certified teachers across elementary and middle school grade levels, alongside support professionals for special education, civics facilitation, and behavioral support. Its staff-to-student ratio ensures manageable class sizes, enabling teachers to provide meaningful guidance and build relationships with learners. In addition to academic staff, the school has mentors, house leaders, and administrative personnel dedicated to executing the house‑system structure, supporting student leadership and community-building activities.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Citrus Ridge are not just subject-matter experts; they are deeply invested in civic education, character development, and service-learning. Many have experience designing and implementing civics curriculum, facilitating house system leadership, and leading service projects. These teachers guide students not only academically, but also as mentors in citizenship and community problem-solving. Their commitment to a civics-based model demonstrates a shared belief in preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged members of society.
Citrus Ridge – A Civics Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Citrus Ridge’s campus occupies an approximate 200,000-square-foot facility that accommodates PreK through 8th grade. There is no student housing, as it’s a day school for local residents. Campus life is richly structured by the house system, which divides students into six houses representing civic and historical figures. These houses meet regularly for mentorship, community-building, and friendly competition. Students also engage in service-learning projects, behavioral incentive systems, and PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) to reinforce civic and character values. The campus includes spaces for arts, physical education, science labs, and agriculture, supporting a broad and integrated learning experience.
Transportation
Students typically commute to Citrus Ridge via the Polk County School District transportation system. Given its location and scale, the school is designed with traffic flow in mind, featuring bus loops, parent drop-off areas, and convenient access for district transport. The school’s schedule aligns with standard district hours, making daily attendance feasible for families across the zone. On-campus mobility is organized, with dedicated spaces for class transitions, house meetings, and service-learning activities integrated into student daily life.