The community of Avila in Lake Magdalene, FL, falls within the 33613 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. Avila is a prestigious, gated community known for its luxury homes and proximity to excellent amenities, including schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on school websites or platforms like GreatSchools.org for updates.
Public Schools Near Avila, Lake Magdalene, FL (33613)
Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. The schools listed below are assigned based on proximity to the 33613 ZIP code and zoning for the Avila community. Zoning can vary, so it’s best to confirm with the Hillsborough County School Locator tool (available on the district website) for exact assignments.
Elementary Schools
-
Lake Magdalene Elementary School
- Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (approximately 2-3 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
- Details: This school serves a diverse student population and offers programs focused on core academics. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment but note room for improvement in facilities and advanced programs.
- Enrollment: Approximately 800 students
-
Claywell Elementary School
- Address: 4500 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624 (approximately 4-5 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Known for stronger academic performance compared to other nearby elementary schools, Claywell has a focus on STEM education and extracurricular activities. The student-teacher ratio is around 15:1.
- Enrollment: Approximately 700 students
Middle Schools
- Buchanan Middle School
- Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (approximately 3 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Buchanan serves students in the Lake Magdalene area and offers a range of academic and elective courses. Reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some concerns about class sizes (student-teacher ratio around 18:1) and varying teacher quality.
- Enrollment: Approximately 700 students
-
Hill Middle School
- Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624 (approximately 5-6 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Hill Middle School is known for its magnet program in International Baccalaureate (IB) studies, which attracts families seeking a more rigorous curriculum. The student-teacher ratio is about 17:1.
- Enrollment: Approximately 900 students
High Schools
- Gaither High School
- Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 (approximately 4-5 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Gaither is the primary high school for many students in the Lake Magdalene area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. The graduation rate is around 90%, and the student-teacher ratio is approximately 19:1.
- Enrollment: Approximately 2,000 students
-
Chamberlain High School
- Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 (approximately 5 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Chamberlain offers AP courses and has a diverse student body. It also has programs for career readiness. However, test scores and college readiness metrics are below state averages. The student-teacher ratio is around 18:1.
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,600 students
Private Schools Near Avila, Lake Magdalene, FL (33613)
Given Avila’s upscale nature, many families in the area opt for private schools, which often provide smaller class sizes and specialized programs. Below are some notable private schools within a reasonable distance.
-
Carrollwood Day School
- Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (approximately 2-3 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A+), often praised for academics and facilities
- Details: This is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering a rigorous curriculum, small class sizes (average student-teacher ratio of 9:1), and a focus on global education. Tuition is significant, often exceeding $20,000 per year depending on grade level.
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
-
Tampa Preparatory School
- Address: 727 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33606 (approximately 10-12 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: 6-12
- Rating: A+ on Niche, consistently ranked among the best private schools in Tampa
- Details: Known for its college-preparatory focus, Tampa Prep offers a wide range of AP courses, arts, and athletics. The student-teacher ratio is about 10:1. Tuition is around $25,000-$30,000 annually.
- Enrollment: Approximately 700 students
-
Hillel Academy of Tampa
- Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 (approximately 3-4 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating: Well-regarded in the community, though specific ratings vary
- Details: A Jewish day school offering a blend of secular and religious education. It emphasizes character development and academic excellence with a student-teacher ratio of about 8:1. Tuition varies but is generally in the $10,000-$15,000 range.
- Enrollment: Approximately 200 students
Charter Schools Near Avila, Lake Magdalene, FL (33613)
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Here are a couple of options nearby:
-
Learning Gate Community School
- Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (approximately 6-7 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: K-8
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This charter school focuses on environmental education and project-based learning. It has a strong community reputation and a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1. Admission is often lottery-based due to high demand.
- Enrollment: Approximately 800 students
-
Lutz Preparatory School
- Address: 17951 N US Hwy 41, Lutz, FL 33549 (approximately 7-8 miles from Avila)
- Grade Levels: K-8
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A highly rated charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character education. It often has a waitlist for enrollment. The student-teacher ratio is around 14:1.
- Enrollment: Approximately 500 students
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on factors like test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and college readiness. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture or specific programs that might suit your child’s needs. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or current parents can provide deeper insight.
- Zoning: Public school assignments depend on exact address within Avila. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available online) to confirm zoning.
- Transportation: For private and charter schools, transportation may not be provided, so consider proximity and commuting logistics.
- Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer magnet programs (e.g., IB at Hill Middle School) or special needs services. Contact schools directly for information on gifted programs, ESOL, or exceptional student education (ESE).
Conclusion
The Avila community in Lake Magdalene, FL (33613), has access to a mix of public, private, and charter schools. Public schools like Claywell Elementary and Gaither High School offer decent options with moderate ratings, while private schools like Carrollwood Day School provide premium education with higher costs. Charter schools such as Lutz Preparatory offer high-rated alternatives with specialized focuses. I recommend narrowing down your choices based on your child’s needs (e.g., academic rigor, extracurriculars, or religious