School Choices Detailed and Rated Buckhorn Preserve, Valrico, 33596

Buckhorn Preserve is a community located in Valrico, FL, within the 33596 ZIP code. Valrico is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Buckhorn Preserve, including public schools zoned for the area and some private school options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org, a widely used resource for school ratings, as well as other relevant details. Note that school zoning and ratings can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify current information with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district or the schools themselves.

Public Schools Near Buckhorn Preserve, Valrico, FL 33596

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Buckhorn Preserve area. Ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org (as of the latest available data in 2023) and are on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. These ratings consider factors like test scores, student progress, and equity.

1. Buckhorn Elementary School

   • Address: 2420 Buckhorn School Ct, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance from Buckhorn Preserve: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Buckhorn Elementary is a well-regarded school in the area with a focus on academic achievement and community involvement. It often serves students in the Buckhorn Preserve neighborhood. The school has a diverse student body and offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1 (based on district averages)
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)

2. Mulrennan Middle School

   • Address: 4215 Durant Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Buckhorn Preserve: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Mulrennan Middle School serves many students from the Valrico area, including those from Buckhorn Preserve. The school offers a range of academic and elective courses, as well as sports and clubs. Test scores are generally around or slightly above state averages.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 18:1
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,400 students

3. Durant High School

   • Address: 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, FL 33567
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Buckhorn Preserve: Approximately 3-5 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Durant High School is the zoned high school for much of the Valrico area, including Buckhorn Preserve. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities like athletics and band. While its rating is average, it has a strong community reputation for certain programs.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 20:1
   • Enrollment: Around 2,400-2,600 students

   Private Schools Near Buckhorn Preserve, Valrico, FL 33596

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in or near Valrico. Below are a few notable ones within a reasonable driving distance (5-10 miles).

4. Foundation Christian Academy

   • Address: 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance from Buckhorn Preserve: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-reviewed by parents for its faith-based education
   • Overview: This private Christian school offers a curriculum rooted in biblical principles alongside standard academics. It has smaller class sizes and a focus on character development.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; approximately $6,000-$10,000 per year (contact school for current rates)
   • Enrollment: Around 300-400 students

5. Bell Shoals Academy

   • Address: 2100 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance from Buckhorn Preserve: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for a nurturing environment
   • Overview: Affiliated with Bell Shoals Baptist Church, this school provides a faith-based education with an emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual growth.
   • Tuition: Approximately $5,000-$8,000 per year (contact school for details)
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students

6. Winthrop Charter School (Public Charter)

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance from Buckhorn Preserve: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: As a public charter school, Winthrop offers an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on academic rigor and innovative teaching methods. Admission is often lottery-based due to high demand.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1
   • Enrollment: Around 1,300 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. However, they don’t capture every aspect of a school, such as teacher quality, extracurriculars, or parent satisfaction. Visiting schools or speaking with current families can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Buckhorn Preserve falls within specific attendance zones for Hillsborough County Public Schools. To confirm zoning for a specific address, use the district’s School Locator tool at HillsboroughSchools.org.
   • School Choice Options: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area. Application deadlines and processes vary, so check the district website for details.
   • Performance Trends: Some schools in the Valrico area, like Buckhorn Elementary, consistently perform above state averages on standardized tests (e.g., FSA scores), while others, like Durant High School, have mixed results but offer strong extracurriculars.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Visit HillsboroughSchools.org for up-to-date zoning maps, school calendars, and application information for magnet or choice programs.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search for individual schools to see detailed reviews, test score breakdowns, and parent feedback.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check FLDOE.org for state-issued school grades (A-F scale) based on performance metrics.
   • School Tours: Many schools offer open houses or virtual tours, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have a specific address within Buckhorn Preserve, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or specific programs (e.g., special needs or gifted education), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you like me to dive deeper into any particular school or aspect?