School Choices Detailed and Rated Country Club Village, Lake Wales, 33898

Country Club Village is a community located in Lake Wales, FL, with the ZIP code 33898. Lake Wales is a small city in Polk County, Florida, and the schools in this area are primarily part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the 33898 ZIP code, focusing on public schools, as well as any notable private or charter options if available. I’ll also include ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the general area of Country Club Village and the 33898 ZIP code.

Public Schools Near Country Club Village, Lake Wales, FL (33898)

The following schools are assigned to or near the 33898 area, particularly around Lake Wales. Since Country Club Village is in a more rural/suburban part of Lake Wales, some schools may be a few miles away.

Elementary Schools

1. Hillcrest Elementary School

   • Address: 1051 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Country Club Village (depending on exact location within 33898)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Hillcrest Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. It has a moderate student-teacher ratio and offers programs for student support.

2. Spook Hill Elementary School

   • Address: 321 Dr J A Wiltshire Ave E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Country Club Village
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Named after the local "Spook Hill" phenomenon, this school provides a traditional elementary education with an emphasis on reading and math proficiency. It serves many families in the Lake Wales area.

   Middle Schools

   1. McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy
   2. Address: 800 S 4th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   3. Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Country Club Village
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This middle school offers a fine arts academy program alongside standard middle school curriculum. It has faced challenges with test scores but provides opportunities for creative expression through arts programs.

   High Schools

   1. Lake Wales Senior High School
   2. Address: 1 Highlander Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Country Club Village
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Lake Wales Senior High is the primary public high school for the area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Graduation rates are near the state average.

   Charter Schools Near Country Club Village

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. There are a few charter options in or near Lake Wales.

3. Lake Wales Charter Schools (Multiple Campuses)

   • Overview: The Lake Wales Charter Schools system operates several schools in the area as an alternative to traditional public schools. These schools are part of a local initiative to improve education outcomes in Lake Wales.
   • Examples:
   • Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary: Grades K-5, located in Babson Park (about 10-12 miles from Country Club Village). Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org).
   • Edward W. Bok Academy North: Grades 6-8, located in Lake Wales (about 6-8 miles away). Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org).
   • Details: These charter schools often have smaller class sizes and a community-focused approach. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.

   Private Schools Near Country Club Village

   Private schools in the Lake Wales area are limited, and most are religiously affiliated. They may require tuition and have specific enrollment criteria.

4. Candlelight Christian Academy

   • Address: 209 E Sessoms Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Country Club Village
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews are mixed based on parent feedback.
   • Details: This is a small Christian school offering a faith-based education. Class sizes are typically smaller, and the curriculum integrates religious teachings.

5. The Vanguard School

   • Address: 22000 US-27, Lake Wales, FL 33859
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Country Club Village
   • Grade Levels: 6-12 (Boarding and Day School)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; specialized school with positive reviews for its focus.
   • Details: Vanguard is a private school specifically for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia or ADHD. It offers individualized education plans and a supportive environment. Tuition is significant, and it serves both local and out-of-state students.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, academic progress, and sometimes equity factors. A lower rating does not necessarily mean a school is "bad"—it may reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors in the community. Visiting schools, talking to parents, and reviewing recent performance data on the Florida Department of Education website (fldoe.org) can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Assignment: Public school assignments are based on zoning, which can vary within the 33898 ZIP code. To confirm which school your child is zoned for, contact the Polk County Public Schools district office or use their online school locator tool (polkschoolsfl.com).
   • Transportation: Given the rural nature of parts of 33898, school bus services are available for public schools, but distances may mean longer commutes. Private and charter schools may not always provide transportation.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: polkschoolsfl.com – Provides zoning information, school calendars, and performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33898) or school name for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org – Offers detailed school report cards and accountability data.
   • Visit Schools: Many schools in Lake Wales offer open houses or tours, especially charter and private schools.

   If you have a specific address within Country Club Village or need more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., programs for special needs, sports, or extracurriculars), let me know, and I can refine the search or provide additional resources. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools or daycare options, I can include those as well.