School Choices Detailed and Rated Cleveland Heights, Lakeland, 33803

Cleveland Heights is a neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, within the 33803 ZIP code. This area is part of Polk County, and the schools serving this community are primarily under the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Cleveland Heights, including 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 checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33803 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options. Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within Cleveland Heights, you may want to confirm with the Polk County School District’s zoning tool or by contacting the district directly.

Public Schools Near Cleveland Heights, Lakeland, FL (33803)

Elementary Schools

1. Cleveland Court Elementary School

   • Address: 328 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Proximity: Located directly in or near the Cleveland Heights area.
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 6/10 (based on test scores and student progress as of recent data).
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade: Typically around a "B" or "C" in recent years (check the latest report card for 2023-2024).
   • Details: This is a neighborhood school with a focus on core academics. It serves many students from the Cleveland Heights area and has programs for student support and enrichment. Parent reviews often highlight the community feel but note varying experiences with class sizes and resources.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 400-500 students (varies yearly).
   • Contact: (863) 499-2929

2. Southwest Elementary School

   • Address: 2650 Southwest Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Proximity: A short drive from Cleveland Heights, still within the 33803 ZIP code.
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Florida School Grade: Often a "C" (based on recent state assessments).
   • Details: Another option for elementary students in the area, with a focus on foundational skills. Reviews mention a diverse student body and some concerns about facility updates.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-450 students.
   • Contact: (863) 499-2830

   Middle Schools

   1. Southwest Middle School
   2. Address: 2815 Eden Pkwy, Lakeland, FL 33803
   3. Proximity: Close to Cleveland Heights, within the 33803 area.
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating:
   6. GreatSchools.org: 4/10
   7. Florida School Grade: Typically a "C" in recent years.
   8. Details: This school serves many students from the local elementary schools like Cleveland Court and Southwest Elementary. It offers standard middle school curriculum with some extracurricular options. Parent feedback often mentions challenges with student engagement and class sizes.
   9. Enrollment: Approximately 800-900 students.
   10. Contact: (863) 499-2840

   High Schools

   1. Lakeland Senior High School
   2. Address: 726 Hollingsworth Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
   3. Proximity: Just outside the 33803 ZIP code but serves much of the Cleveland Heights area, about 2-3 miles away.
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating:
   6. GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   7. Florida School Grade: Often a "B" or "C" based on graduation rates and test scores.
   8. Details: Known as one of the main high schools for Lakeland, it offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports. It has a historic reputation in the community but faces challenges with large enrollment and varying student outcomes.
   9. Enrollment: Around 2,000-2,200 students.
   10. Contact: (863) 499-2900

   Charter Schools Near Cleveland Heights

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific focuses or teaching methods. Here are a couple of options nearby: 1. McKeel Academy of Technology (Charter) - Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (Central campus; other locations exist) - Proximity: About 3-5 miles from Cleveland Heights. - Grade Levels: K-12 (depending on campus) - Rating: - GreatSchools.org: 8/10 for various campuses. - Florida School Grade: Often an "A" or "B." - Details: A highly regarded charter school with a technology focus. Admission is by lottery due to high demand, and it’s known for strong academics and parent involvement. - Contact: (863) 499-2818 - Note: Check availability and application deadlines as spots are limited.

3. Lakeland Montessori School House (Charter)

   • Address: 1124 N Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Proximity: About 4-5 miles from Cleveland Heights.
   • Grade Levels: K-6
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 7/10
   • Florida School Grade: Typically a "B."
   • Details: Offers a Montessori approach with individualized learning. It’s a smaller school with a unique educational style, appealing to families seeking alternative methods.
   • Contact: (863) 413-0003

   Private Schools Near Cleveland Heights

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious or specialized focuses. Here are a few options in or near the 33803 area: 1. St. Joseph Academy - Address: 310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland, FL 33803 - Proximity: Within or very close to Cleveland Heights. - Grade Levels: PK-8 - Rating: Not typically rated on GreatSchools or state systems like public schools, but parent reviews on Niche often give it high marks (around 4/5) for community and faith-based education. - Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based curriculum with a focus on character development and academics. Tuition applies, and financial aid may be available. - Contact: (863) 686-6415

4. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Proximity: Within the 33803 ZIP code, near Cleveland Heights.
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents on Niche (often 4.5/5) for academics and extracurriculars.
   • Details: One of the largest private schools in Lakeland, offering a Christian-based education with strong sports programs and college prep. Tuition is significant but includes various grade levels.
   • Contact: (863) 688-2771

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific teacher quality). Florida’s school grades (A-F) focus heavily on standardized test performance and graduation rates. Always supplement ratings with school visits or conversations with current parents/students.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on exact addresses. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool online (available on their website, www.polkschoolsfl.com) to confirm which schools serve your specific location in Cleveland Heights.
   • School Choice: Polk County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available, including magnet programs or charters like McKeel Academy.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: www.polkschoolsfl.com for zoning, enrollment, and updated school grades.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33803) for parent reviews and detailed ratings.
   • Niche.com: Offers user reviews and rankings for both public and private schools.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private or charter options.

   If you have a specific address in Cleveland Heights or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources in the area, I can provide that information as well.