Union Academy is a magnet middle school in Bartow, Florida. It dates to 1897 when it opened as an elementary school for African Americans. It was expanded to include a high school in 1923.
Serving 382 students in grades 6-8, Union Academy ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 78% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 382 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 78% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 68% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Union Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Union Academy's student population of 382 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
382 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Union Academy ranks within the top 20% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Union Academy is 0.65, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#454 out of 3662 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
19%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
21%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
White
52%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.1%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (17-18)
2%
5%
Showing 2009–2018. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union Academy's ranking?
Union Academy is ranked #454 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Union Academy often compared to?
Union Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, Bartow Elementary Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
78% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Union Academy?
382 students attend Union Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Union Academy students are White, 21% of students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Union Academy?
Union Academy has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Union Academy offer ?
Union Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Union Academy part of?
Union Academy is part of Polk School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Union is a great school that prepares you with skills of organization, respect for everyone and every culture, and gets you ready for all years to come, wherever in the world you may be. Union is the best school I`ve ever been to.
Review Union Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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