General Information
School Information:
Rosabelle W. Blake Academy
510 Hartsell Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: 863-499-2870
Fax: 863-284-4521
School Times:
Main Office Hours - 7:30am - 4:00pm
Campus Supervision Begins - 7:30am
Instructional Time - 8:00am - 3:00pm
Breakfast - 7:30am - 7:55am
Warning Bell - 7:55am
Tardy Bell - 8:00am
Dismissal Bell - 3:00pm
Our History
In 1991, Rosabelle W. Blake Academy was named in honor of Mrs. Rosabelle W. Blake. She was born July 9, 1911, in Key West, Florida. Mrs. Blake graduated from high school in Miami, Florida, and received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degrees from Florida A&M University. She began teaching in Mulberry, Florida where she was recognized for her successful and creative ideas. A short time later, she was made principal. The program then expanded to include junior high curriculum.
In 1938, Mrs. Blake was asked to join the faculty of Union Academy High School where she served as coordinator of the elementary grades. The following year, she was appointed Supervisor of Polk County Negro Schools. She retained this position through the administration four superintendents, at which time the title of her role was changed to Supervisor of Public Instruction and Migrant Activities, Polk County Schools. She continued to serve in this position until her retirement in 1973.
Taken from: Roberts, N. (2013). The Evolution of African-Americans Lakeland, Fl 1883-2014. Winter Haven, FL: Power of One Publishing.
Rosabelle W. Blake Elementary began in 1991 as a kindergarten through fifth grade elementary school. In 2002, Rosabelle W. Blake Elementary transitioned to Rosabelle W. Blake Academy, which became a school of choice, serving the whole geographical area of Lakeland. The school also expanded by adding middle school grades.
What Makes Us Different?
We now are known as a school of Leadership, Citizenship, and Service. Elementary students in 1-5 will be involved in weekly character education lessons and will focus on the 7 Caring Habits (grades 1-3) and/or the Leader in Me 7 Habits of Happy Kids (grades 4-5). Incoming sixth graders will take a semester leadership course as an elective class and will complete a book study on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Homeroom classes will also participate in a year-long school or community service project.
We are the only public school in Polk County who has a charter for K-Kids Club for elementary students, and Builders Club for Middle School students. We are working on Service Projects that not only serve the community, but national and international projects. This is in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland.
Lower Elementary classes are focusing on the Seven Caring Habits; Respect, Accepting, Listening, Encouraging, Trusting, Supporting, and Negotiating Differences.