School Choices Detailed and Rated Brooker Ridge, Brandon, 33511

Brooker Ridge is a community located in Brandon, FL, within the 33511 ZIP code. Brandon is a suburban area in Hillsborough County, just east of Tampa, and 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 Brooker Ridge, including public and private options, along with 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, college readiness, and other factors. 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 schools within a reasonable proximity to the Brooker Ridge community, generally within a 5-10 mile radius, as this is typical for school zoning and commuting distance in suburban areas like Brandon. If you have a specific radius or preference (e.g., only elementary schools), let me know!

Public Schools Near Brooker Ridge, Brandon, FL 33511

Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns students to schools based on zoning, which can be confirmed using the district’s school locator tool (available on their website). Below are schools likely to serve the Brooker Ridge area based on general proximity to the 33511 ZIP code.

Elementary Schools

1. Brooker Elementary School

   • Address: 812 Dewolf Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Brooker Ridge
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Brooker Elementary is a neighborhood school with a focus on core academics. It has a diverse student body and offers programs like after-school care. Parent reviews often mention a supportive community but note occasional concerns about class sizes.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C (based on state assessments)

2. Mintz Elementary School

   • Address: 1510 Heather Lakes Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Brooker Ridge
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Mintz Elementary serves a diverse population and emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives. It has mixed reviews, with some parents praising teacher dedication and others citing resource limitations.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

   Middle Schools

   1. Burns Middle School
   2. Address: 615 Brooker Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
   3. Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Brooker Ridge
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Burns Middle School offers a variety of electives and extracurriculars, including sports and music programs. It has a reputation for strong academic preparation for high school, though some reviews mention challenges with student behavior.
   7. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

3. McLane Middle School

   • Address: 306 N Knights Ave, Brandon, FL 33510 (nearby ZIP code)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Brooker Ridge
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: McLane serves a larger student population and offers programs like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) for college readiness. Reviews are mixed, with some concerns about overcrowding.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C

   High Schools

   1. Brandon High School
   2. Address: 1101 Victoria St, Brandon, FL 33510
   3. Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Brooker Ridge
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Brandon High School is a traditional public high school with a wide range of AP (Advanced Placement) courses, sports, and clubs. It has a decent graduation rate (around 90% based on recent data), but test scores are average compared to state benchmarks.
   7. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

4. Bloomingdale High School (if outside immediate zoning, still nearby)

   • Address: 1700 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Brooker Ridge
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Bloomingdale is known for strong academics and extracurriculars, including a competitive athletics program. It often ranks higher than other local high schools in college readiness metrics.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

   Private Schools Near Brooker Ridge, Brandon, FL 33511

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in the Brandon area. These schools often have smaller class sizes but may come with tuition costs.

5. Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

   • Address: 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Brooker Ridge
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on parent reviews
   • Details: A faith-based school affiliated with Bell Shoals Baptist Church, offering a Christian curriculum with an emphasis on moral values alongside academics. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.

6. Foundation Christian Academy

   • Address: 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Brooker Ridge
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: B+ on Niche
   • Details: A private Christian school with a focus on college preparatory education. It has smaller class sizes and offers sports and arts programs. Tuition varies by grade level but is generally in the $8,000-$12,000 range annually (verify with school for current rates).

   Charter Schools Near Brooker Ridge, Brandon, FL 33511

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Enrollment may require a lottery system.

7. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578 (nearby area)
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Brooker Ridge
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Winthrop Charter is highly regarded for its academic rigor and structured environment. It often has a waitlist due to high demand.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida School Grades (A-F) are issued by the state based on standardized test performance, graduation rates, and other metrics. Niche ratings (A-F) incorporate parent and student reviews alongside academic data.
   • Zoning Verification: School assignments can vary even within the same ZIP code due to specific boundaries. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools locator tool (available at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/) by entering your exact address to confirm zoned schools for Brooker Ridge.
   • School Choice Options: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, school choice, and virtual learning options. For example, students might apply to magnet schools like Strawberry Crest High School (IB program) if they meet criteria, even if outside their zoned area.
   • Updates and Visits: Ratings and school performance can change yearly. I recommend visiting schools, attending open houses, and reviewing recent parent feedback on platforms like GreatSchools or Niche for the most current insights.

   Summary of Schools and Ratings Near Brooker Ridge, Brandon, FL 33511

   School Name	Type	Grade Levels	Rating (GreatSchools/Niche)	FL Grade	Approx. Distance
   Brooker Elementary	Public	K-5	5/10	C	1-2 miles
   Mintz Elementary	Public	K-5	6/10	B	2-3 miles
   Burns Middle School	Public	6-8	6/10	B	1-2 miles
   McLane Middle School	Public	6-8	4/10	C	3-4 miles
   Brandon High School	Public	9-12	5/10	B	3-4 miles
   Bloomingdale High School