School Choices Detailed and Rated Ashton Oaks, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

Ashton Oaks is a community located in the Lakeland Highlands area of Lakeland, Florida, with the ZIP code 33813. This area falls within Polk County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) that are likely to serve the Ashton Oaks community, along with their ratings and some additional details. Note that school zoning can vary, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the Polk County School District for the most current assignments. Ratings are based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which uses test scores, student progress, and other factors to assign ratings out of 10. These ratings are current as of the latest available data (2023), but they may change over time.

How School Assignments Work

School assignments in Polk County are typically based on residential zoning. The Ashton Oaks community in Lakeland Highlands (33813) is generally zoned for specific schools, but boundaries can shift, and some areas may have school choice options. I’ve identified the most likely schools based on proximity and zoning maps. If you have a specific address, you can use the Polk County School District’s “School Zone Locator” tool online for confirmation.

Schools Near Ashton Oaks, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

Elementary Schools

1. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Address: 2900 State Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Ashton Oaks: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Valleyview Elementary is a well-regarded school in the Lakeland Highlands area. It has a focus on academic achievement and offers programs like gifted education. The school has a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1, and test scores are generally above the district average in math and reading.
   • Enrollment: Around 700-800 students
   • Parent Feedback: Parents often praise the school for its dedicated teachers and community involvement, though some mention occasional overcrowding concerns.

2. Scott Lake Elementary School (Alternative Option)

   • Address: 1140 County Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Ashton Oaks: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Scott Lake Elementary serves some nearby areas and focuses on a supportive learning environment. Test scores are closer to the district average, with room for improvement in some areas.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating the smaller feel and others noting inconsistent academic performance.

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Ashton Oaks: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Lakeland Highlands area. It offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Test scores are slightly above the district average.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,300 students
   8. Parent Feedback: Many parents appreciate the school’s programs and facilities, though some mention challenges with class sizes and communication.

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Ashton Oaks: Approximately 1-2 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, George W. Jenkins High School is a large public high school with a variety of academic and extracurricular offerings, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career academies. Graduation rates are around 90%, and test scores are near or slightly above the district average.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,200-2,400 students
   8. Parent Feedback: The school is often praised for its community feel and diverse programs, though some parents note concerns about overcrowding and varying teacher quality.

   Private and Charter School Options

   In addition to public schools, there are private and charter options near Ashton Oaks for families seeking alternatives: 1. Resurrection Catholic School (Private) - Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813 - Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles - Grade Levels: PK-8 - Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools, but generally well-regarded in the community - Details: A faith-based school offering a curriculum rooted in Catholic values with a focus on academics and character development. Tuition applies. - Enrollment: Around 400-500 students

3. Lakeland Montessori School House (Charter)

   • Address: 1124 N Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805 (slightly farther out)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-6
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public charter school with a Montessori approach, focusing on individualized learning. Admission may require an application or lottery.
   • Enrollment: Around 100-150 students

   Additional Notes on Ratings

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, student academic growth, college readiness (for high schools), and equity in serving disadvantaged students. A rating of 6 or above is generally considered average to above average compared to other Florida schools.
   • State Assessments: Polk County schools are evaluated using Florida’s school grading system (A-F), based on standardized test performance (FSA, EOC exams), graduation rates, and other metrics. You can check the Florida Department of Education’s website for the most recent letter grades for these schools.
   • Variability: Ratings can fluctuate year to year based on test performance and demographic changes. Parent reviews on platforms like GreatSchools or Niche.com can provide additional context.

   How to Verify School Zoning

   Since Ashton Oaks is a specific community, the exact zoning may depend on your street or lot. To confirm which schools your address is zoned for: - Visit the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) and use the “School Zone Search” tool. - Contact the district office at (863) 534-0500 for assistance. - Note that Polk County offers school choice programs, including magnet schools and charter schools, which may allow enrollment outside your zoned school if space is available.

   Other Considerations

   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for students within zoned areas, typically if they live more than 2 miles from the school. Check with the district for specific bus routes near Ashton Oaks.
   • After-School Programs: Many of these schools offer after-school care or extracurricular activities, but availability varies.
   • Community Feedback: Lakeland Highlands is known for being a family-friendly area with access to decent schools. Local forums or neighborhood groups (e.g., on Nextdoor or Facebook) can provide firsthand insights from other parents in Ashton Oaks.

   If you’d like more detailed information about a specific school, such as test score breakdowns, extracurriculars, or special programs, or if you have a specific address to verify zoning, let me know, and I can assist further!