The community of Cierra Oaks in Lady Lake, FL (ZIP code 32159) is located in Lake County, near the border of Sumter County. This area is part of a region that includes The Villages, a large retirement community, and has access to several schools in the Lake County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Cierra Oaks, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically 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 checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.
Public Schools Near Cierra Oaks, Lady Lake, FL (32159)
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The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake School
- Address: 695 Rolling Acres Rd, Lady Lake, FL 32159
- Grade Levels: PreK-5
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Cierra Oaks
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: This elementary school serves students in the Lady Lake area, including parts of The Villages. It has a reputation for solid academic performance, with test scores generally above the state average in reading and math. The school also offers extracurricular activities and has a focus on community involvement.
- Student Population: Around 800-900 students
- Additional Info: Known for a supportive environment and parental involvement, often praised in reviews for its teachers and facilities.
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Carver Middle School
- Address: 1200 N Beecher St, Leesburg, FL 34748
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Cierra Oaks
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: As one of the closer middle schools to Lady Lake, Carver Middle serves students in the broader Lake County area. Its ratings reflect challenges with test scores compared to state averages, though it has programs aimed at student improvement and engagement.
- Student Population: Around 800 students
- Additional Info: Offers various extracurriculars like sports and clubs, but some reviews mention concerns about class sizes and resources.
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Leesburg High School
- Address: 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg, FL 34748
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Cierra Oaks
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: This is the primary high school serving the Lady Lake and Leesburg areas. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a focus on career and technical education. Test scores and graduation rates are below the state average, but the school has been working on improvement initiatives.
- Student Population: Around 1,500-1,600 students
- Additional Info: Known for its sports programs and community events, though some parents note concerns about academic rigor in reviews.
Charter Schools Near Cierra Oaks
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Villages Charter School
- Address: 521 Old School Rd, The Villages, FL 32162
- Grade Levels: K-12 (divided into elementary, middle, and high school campuses)
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Cierra Oaks
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org for Elementary/Middle); High School often rated similarly high on Niche.com
- Overview: This charter school is highly regarded and serves families in The Villages and surrounding areas, including Lady Lake. It consistently scores above state averages on standardized tests and has a strong reputation for academic excellence, college preparation, and extracurricular offerings.
- Student Population: Over 3,000 students across all campuses
- Additional Info: Admission is lottery-based and prioritized for children of Villages residents or employees, which may affect availability for Cierra Oaks families. It’s often praised for small class sizes and individualized attention. Note that there may be a waitlist due to high demand.
Private Schools Near Cierra Oaks
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Holy Trinity Episcopal School
- Address: 2201 Spring Lake Rd, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
- Grade Levels: PreK-6
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Cierra Oaks
- Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms like GreatSchools, but often well-regarded in local reviews
- Overview: A private, faith-based school offering a curriculum rooted in Episcopal values with an emphasis on academics and character development. Tuition costs apply, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
- Student Population: Around 100-150 students
- Additional Info: Known for a nurturing environment and strong community focus, though it serves a smaller grade range.
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First Academy-Leesburg
- Address: 219 N 13th St, Leesburg, FL 34748
- Grade Levels: K-12
- Distance: Approximately 8 miles from Cierra Oaks
- Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but receives positive local feedback
- Overview: A private Christian school offering a comprehensive K-12 education with a focus on biblical teachings alongside academics. It provides extracurricular activities and smaller class sizes. Tuition costs apply.
- Student Population: Around 300-400 students
- Additional Info: Often praised for its family-oriented atmosphere and personalized education approach.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on factors like test scores, student growth, and equity. However, they don’t always capture the full picture of a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
- School Boundaries: Since Cierra Oaks is near The Villages and Leesburg, school zoning may vary. I recommend using the Lake County Schools website (www.lake.k12.fl.us) and entering your specific address to confirm which public schools your child is zoned for.
- Transportation: Public schools in Lake County typically offer bus services within zoned areas, but distances (especially to middle and high schools) may require personal transportation for some families in Cierra Oaks. Charter and private schools may have limited or no bus services.
- Special Programs: Some schools, like Villages Charter, offer specialized programs (e.g., STEM, arts), while others, like Leesburg High, have career academies. If your child has specific interests or needs (e.g., special education, gifted programs), check with individual schools for availability.
How to Research Further
- Lake County Schools Website: For zoning maps, school calendars, and registration details.
- GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: For updated ratings, reviews, and detailed statistics.
- School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially for prospective families.
- Florida Department of Education: Provides report cards for each school with data on performance and demographics (www.fldoe.org).
If you have specific needs (e.g., a focus on special education, sports, or a particular grade level), or if you’d like me to dig deeper into one of these schools, let me know! I can also help with contact information or directions if needed.