School Choices Detailed and Rated Carrollwood, Greater Carrollwood, 33618

The community of Carrollwood, located in the Greater Carrollwood area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33618, is served by several public and private schools. Below is a detailed overview of the schools near this area, including their ratings based on 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. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on the respective websites. I’ve also included approximate distances from the center of Carrollwood (near Dale Mabry Highway and Ehrlich Road) for reference.

Public Schools Near Carrollwood (33618)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Here are the notable public schools zoned for or near Carrollwood:

1. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Carrollwood Elementary is well-regarded for its academic programs and community involvement. It often scores above average on state assessments for reading and math. The school emphasizes a nurturing environment with extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for zoning details, as boundaries can shift.

2. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (just outside 33618 but serves some Carrollwood areas)
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This school serves a diverse student body and offers programs like gifted education. Test scores are near or slightly below state averages, but the school is noted for its supportive staff.
   • Student Population: Around 850 students

3. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (near Carrollwood)
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Buchanan Middle School serves students transitioning from elementary to high school with a focus on core academics and electives. Test scores are somewhat below state averages, but the school offers extracurriculars like sports and clubs.
   • Student Population: Around 700 students

4. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating (Florida Department of Education, recent years)
   • Overview: Gaither High School is one of the primary high schools serving Carrollwood residents. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a variety of sports and clubs. Graduation rates are above the district average.
   • Student Population: Around 2,000 students

5. Chamberlain High School (Alternative Option for Some Areas)

   • Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Chamberlain serves parts of the Carrollwood area and offers AP courses and extracurriculars. Test scores and graduation rates are slightly below state averages, but the school has programs for student support.
   • Student Population: Around 1,600 students

   Private Schools Near Carrollwood (33618)

   Carrollwood and the surrounding area also have several private and charter school options for families seeking alternatives to public education.

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A-); often praised for academics and facilities
   • Overview: This is a prestigious private school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It emphasizes college preparation, small class sizes, and a well-rounded education with arts and athletics.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$25,000 per year (varies by grade; check the school website for current rates)
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students

7. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

   • Address: 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A); known for strong academics
   • Overview: Corbett Prep focuses on individualized learning and innovative teaching methods. It’s well-regarded for its community feel and preparation for high school.
   • Tuition: Approximately $12,000–$18,000 per year
   • Student Population: Around 500 students

8. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625 (near Carrollwood)
   • Type: Private (Grades 1-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: Not widely rated on major platforms but has positive parent reviews for specialized education
   • Overview: This school caters to students with learning differences, such as ADHD or mild learning disabilities, offering small class sizes and tailored instruction.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for details
   • Student Population: Small, under 200 students

   Charter Schools Near Carrollwood (33618)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses.

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (just north of Carrollwood)
   • Type: Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Carrollwood
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It consistently scores above state averages on assessments. Admission is often by lottery due to high demand.
   • Student Population: Around 800 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics. Niche provides letter grades (A-F) based on academics, diversity, and parent reviews. The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to public schools based on state assessments.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within Carrollwood. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online to confirm zoning for your exact location.
   • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available (e.g., magnet programs or charters).
   • Updates: School ratings and performance can change yearly based on test results and other factors. Visit the school websites or the Florida Department of Education for the latest data.

   Conclusion

   Carrollwood (33618) offers a mix of public, private, and charter schools with varying ratings and focuses. For public schools, Carrollwood Elementary and Gaither High School are notable options with decent ratings, while private schools like Carrollwood Day School and Corbett Prep are excellent for families seeking smaller, specialized environments. If you have a specific address or need details on a particular school (e.g., programs, extracurriculars, or application processes), let me know, and I can help further! Additionally, visiting schools or attending open houses can provide valuable insight into their culture and fit for your family.