School Choices Detailed and Rated Barbour Acres`, Medulla, 33811

Barbour Acres is a community located in Medulla, FL, with the ZIP code 33811, which falls within Polk County. Medulla is a small, unincorporated area near Lakeland, FL, and families in this region typically have access to schools in the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Barbour Acres community, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like parent reviews. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33811 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within Barbour Acres, I’ll list schools that are geographically close or commonly associated with Medulla. Distances are approximate based on mapping tools, and I’ll use GreatSchools.org ratings (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary reference where available, supplemented by other data.

Public Schools Near Barbour Acres, Medulla, FL (33811)

1. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Medulla/Barbour Acres
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is the closest elementary school for many residents in Medulla. It serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though test scores are average compared to state benchmarks. Enrollment is around 600-700 students.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3515 or check the Polk County Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com).

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Barbour Acres
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school often serves students from Medulla Elementary. It has a reputation for decent academic programs and extracurriculars like sports and band. Test scores are slightly above average for the district, though some reviews note concerns about class sizes. Enrollment is around 1,200 students.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3500.

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Barbour Acres
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Named after the founder of Publix, this high school serves much of the Medulla area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports programs. Graduation rates are solid (around 90%), and test scores are near state averages. Enrollment is approximately 2,200 students. Some parents note a strong community feel, while others mention challenges with overcrowding.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3566.

   Alternative Public/Charter Schools

   1. McKeel Academy of Technology (Charter)
   2. Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   3. Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Barbour Acres
   4. Type: Public Charter (Grades 7-12)
   5. Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: A highly rated charter school in the Lakeland area, McKeel Academy focuses on technology and academics. It has strong test scores and a good reputation for college preparation. However, admission is lottery-based, and there may be a waitlist. Enrollment is around 1,500 students.
   7. Contact: (863) 499-2818 or visit mckeelacademy.com.

   Private Schools Near Barbour Acres

   1. Resurrection Catholic School
   2. Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Barbour Acres
   4. Type: Private Catholic (Grades PK-8)
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   6. Details: A faith-based option for families seeking a private education. Tuition is typically around $6,000-$8,000 per year, though financial aid may be available. Class sizes are smaller than public schools, and the curriculum includes religious instruction. Enrollment is under 500 students.
   7. Contact: (863) 644-3931.

4. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Barbour Acres
   • Type: Private Christian (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Not widely rated; Niche gives it an A- based on academics and parent feedback
   • Details: This school offers a classical education model with a Christian worldview. Tuition varies by grade but can range from $7,000 to $10,000 annually. It’s smaller, with a focus on rigorous academics and character development. Enrollment is around 200-300 students.
   • Contact: (863) 644-1408 or genevaclassicalacademy.com.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., teacher quality or specific programs). Niche ratings (letter grades) often incorporate parent and student reviews. Always visit schools or attend open houses to get a personal feel.
   • Zoning: School assignments in Polk County depend on exact addresses. You can use the Polk County Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool on their website (polkschoolsfl.com) by entering your Barbour Acres address to confirm zoned schools.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Check with the district for routes near Barbour Acres. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation or may charge extra.
   • Other Options: If the above schools don’t meet your needs, consider looking into magnet programs in Lakeland (e.g., Harrison School for the Arts for high schoolers) or additional charter schools like Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy. These often require applications or lotteries.

   Summary of Ratings for Quick Reference

   • Medulla Elementary: 5/10
   • Lakeland Highlands Middle: 6/10
   • George W. Jenkins High: 6/10
   • McKeel Academy (Charter): 9/10
   • Resurrection Catholic: B- (Niche)
   • Geneva Classical: A- (Niche)

   If you have a specific address in Barbour Acres, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, specific programs (e.g., special needs or gifted), or more detailed reviews, let me know! You can also contact the Polk County School Board at (863) 534-0500 for the latest zoning or enrollment information. Would you like me to dig deeper into any particular school or aspect?