General Information

Location:
1395 Polk St, Bartow, FL 33830

Phone:
863-534-7425

Fax:
863-519-3716

School Hours:
6:55am – 1:55pm

What Makes Gause Special

Penn Foster
Diploma Option

10:1
Student-Teacher Ratio

Industry
Electives

Sport
Participation

Club
Options

Gause believes in meeting students where they are and providing them with the resources and support they need to achieve academic success. Gause serves students in grades 6-12, who apply to attend. Once accepted, Gause students take part in core academics and electives including:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) — Students use industry-standard technology to create and publish maps, design apps and perform spatial analyses.
  • Digital Design — Digital design students learn Adobe InDesign and Photoshop to prepare for industry certifications. Through Gause’s school-based enterprise, Signs of the Tiger, students gain real-world experience by creating custom-designed products, such as banners and vinyl graphics, for internal and external customers.
  • Culinary Arts — Culinary Arts students learn about food preparation and presentation, and sanitary kitchen practices. With this knowledge, students are better prepared for future careers in the culinary industry.
  • Middle School Business — Middle school students learn to use Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel), as well as the basics of computer hardware, digital photography, video game creation, computer coding, multimedia production, and digital literacy.

In addition to core academics and electives, Gause students also have the option to pursue either a standard state diploma or a Penn Foster diploma. The Penn Foster diploma is recognized by colleges and branches of the military but does not require passing standardized state tests.

All Gause students enjoy small class sizes — a typical student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1 — and fulfilling relationships with one another and their teachers.

The Heart of Gause Academy

Named for George Gause, the first African-American to serve as a Bartow city commissioner, Bartow mayor, and Polk County School Board member, Gause Academy strives to instill in its students that they too can achieve great things.

Since its establishment in 1965, Gause has been used as an elementary school, sixth-grade center, and a traditional junior high school. Today, Gause prides itself on catching students who have fallen through the cracks at their traditional schools.

Gause Academy accepts students in grades 6-12 through an application process. While each student has a unique story, what Gause Academy students share is the need for additional support to realize their full potential.

With a maximum enrollment of approximately 300, Gause is able to ensure small class sizes; a typical student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1. In this environment, educators are able to build strong relationships with their students, developing a deep understanding of their challenges, learning styles, and interests.

Through these relationships, teachers are able to more effectively provide resources and support. In turn, students engage more fully in the learning process and, ultimately, realize academic and personal success. For examples of the difference Gause makes for its students, please visit the Student Success Stories page.

Gause offers academies in Geographic Information Systems, Digital Design, Culinary Arts and Business, as well as a variety of clubs to enhance the student experience. At Gause, students may pursue a traditional state diploma or a Penn Foster diploma, an alternative credential that is accepted by colleges and military branches but that does not require passing state standardized tests. For its youngest learners, Gause offers an on-campus Head Start program.

In all that it does, Gause remains true to its guiding mission: To provide a safe and nurturing environment in which each student is motivated, inspired, and receives impactful instruction to achieve his or her full potential of becoming a positive, proud, confident, and productive member in society.