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
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?
As a K-8 Cambridge International School, R.W. Blake Academy provides students with unique and early access to the Cambridge curriculum and instructional process. Students have the opportunity to cultivate the 5 LEARNER ATTRIBUTES: Responsible, Reflective, Innovative, Confident, and Engaged at age-appropriate levels through a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for demanding high school programs. Through Global Perspectives, students develop 6 SUCCESS SKILLS: Research, Analysis, Reflection, Evaluation, Communication, Collaboration. These were identified by Cambridge University as the most commonly held skills among successful students and early-career adults.
R.W. Blake Academy is focused on helping students build the internal characteristics and skills necessary for success across a wide variety of future endeavors.