POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Public Schools has officially opened the doors for families looking to switch things up for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year. Starting this week, the Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) window is active, giving parents a chance to snag a seat at a public school outside their usual zone.
This statewide program essentially turns the county into an open map, allowing students to apply for any public school—with the exception of magnet programs—provided that the specific campus still has desks available. It is a first-come, first-served style opportunity that hinges entirely on capacity.
If you are looking to make a move, you’ll need to act fast; the district is only accepting these applications through Friday, May 8. Everything is handled digitally, so parents must submit their requests through the Parent Portal…