School Choices Detailed and Rated Churchill, Lutz, 33558

The community of Churchill in Lutz, FL, falls within the 33558 ZIP code, which is part of Hillsborough County. This 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 the Churchill community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically 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 or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Churchill, Lutz, FL (33558)

Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns students to schools based on zoning, so the schools listed below are those most likely to serve the Churchill community. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering your address.

Elementary Schools

1. McKitrick Elementary School

   • Address: 5503 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from the Churchill community
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida Department of Education, based on recent school grades)
   • Overview: McKitrick Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and active parent involvement. It often ranks among the top elementary schools in the area, with high test scores in math and reading.
   • Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students
   • Notable Features: Offers gifted programs, extracurricular activities, and a focus on STEM education.

2. Schwarzkopf Elementary School

   • Address: 18333 Calusa Trace Blvd, Lutz, FL 33558
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Churchill
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida Department of Education)
   • Overview: Another strong elementary option in the area, Schwarzkopf is known for its welcoming environment and solid academic programs.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Notable Features: Emphasis on community involvement and student support services.

   Middle Schools

   1. Martinez Middle School
   2. Address: 5601 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Churchill
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida Department of Education)
   6. Overview: Martinez Middle School serves students in the Lutz area and is praised for its academic rigor, extracurricular offerings, and preparation for high school.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,100-1,200 students
   8. Notable Features: Offers advanced courses, sports programs, and clubs like robotics and band.

   High Schools

   1. Steinbrenner High School
   2. Address: 5575 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Churchill
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida Department of Education)
   6. Overview: Steinbrenner High School is one of the top-rated high schools in Hillsborough County, known for its strong academics, competitive sports teams, and college preparatory programs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,300-2,500 students
   8. Notable Features: Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment options with local colleges, and a variety of extracurriculars including a renowned marching band.

   Private Schools Near Churchill, Lutz, FL (33558)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of the Churchill community. Private school ratings are often less standardized but can be found on platforms like Niche or through parent reviews.

3. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Churchill
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A+); known for academic excellence
   • Overview: A private, non-denominational school offering a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a focus on individualized learning.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$25,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Notable Features: Strong arts and athletics programs, college counseling, and small class sizes.

4. Tampa Preparatory School

   • Address: 727 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33606
   • Distance: Approximately 15-18 miles from Churchill
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: A+ on Niche; highly regarded in the Tampa Bay area
   • Overview: An independent school with a focus on college preparation, critical thinking, and leadership development.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$25,000 per year
   • Notable Features: Offers a wide range of AP courses, global studies programs, and state-of-the-art facilities.

5. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School

   • Address: 17524 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Churchill
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Well-reviewed by parents; specific ratings vary
   • Overview: A faith-based school providing a Catholic education with an emphasis on moral values and academic achievement.
   • Tuition: Around $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies based on parish membership)
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes and a close-knit community.

   Charter Schools Near Churchill, Lutz, FL (33558)

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

6. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Churchill
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida Department of Education)
   • Overview: A charter school with an environmental education focus, promoting sustainability and hands-on learning.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Notable Features: Outdoor learning spaces and a unique curriculum centered on ecological awareness.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida Department of Education grades (A-F) are derived from state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments) and other performance metrics. Niche ratings (A+ to D-) incorporate parent and student reviews along with academic data.
   • Zoning Confirmation: School assignments can change due to rezoning or capacity issues. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online to confirm which schools serve your specific address in Churchill.
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Visiting schools and attending open houses can provide insight into the culture, facilities, and programs that ratings may not capture.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services within zoned areas, while private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.

   Conclusion

   The Churchill community in Lutz, FL (33558), benefits from access to highly rated public schools like McKitrick Elementary, Martinez Middle, and Steinbrenner High, all of which consistently receive strong marks for academic performance. Private and charter options are also available within a short drive, catering to families seeking alternative educational environments. If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, religious instruction, or extracurricular focus), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Additionally, I recommend contacting the schools directly or visiting the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for the most up-to-date zoning and enrollment details. Would you like me to dive deeper into a specific school or type of education?