Local Schools Near Carillon Lakes, Lakeland, 33811

Carillon Lakes is a gated community located in Lakeland, Florida, within the 33811 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 Carillon Lakes, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, 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 personal assessment.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the Carillon Lakes community, as well as mention nearby private school options. Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within the community, I suggest confirming with the Polk County School District (via their school locator tool at polkschoolsfl.com) for the most accurate assignments. The schools listed below are based on proximity and typical zoning for the 33811 area.

Public Schools Near Carillon Lakes, Lakeland, FL 33811

1. R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School

   • Address: 5500 Yates Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance from Carillon Lakes: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Niche Rating: B- (based on academics, teachers, and diversity)
   • Overview: This is the likely zoned elementary school for much of the Carillon Lakes area. It serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though test scores are around average for the state.
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and after-school care. Check the Polk County Schools website for specific enrollment details.

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Carillon Lakes: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Overview: This middle school often serves students from the Carillon Lakes area after elementary school. It has a reputation for solid academics and extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Test scores are slightly above the district average.
   • Additional Info: Known for a strong band program and STEM initiatives. Parent feedback highlights engaged teachers but notes occasional overcrowding concerns.

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Carillon Lakes: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B+
   • Overview: This is the typical zoned high school for the Carillon Lakes community. Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, it offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies (like business and health sciences), and extracurriculars. Graduation rates are above the state average.
   • Additional Info: Strong athletics program and community involvement. Some reviews mention large class sizes as a drawback.

   Nearby Charter and Magnet Schools

   Polk County has several charter and magnet options that families in Carillon Lakes may consider. These often require applications or lotteries for admission.

4. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (Magnet)

   • Address: Located at various high schools, including George W. Jenkins High
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Varies (often hosted within zoned high schools)
   • Ratings: Not individually rated but generally high-performing due to selective admission
   • Overview: A magnet program focused on college preparation with rigorous academics. Students must apply and meet criteria.
   • Additional Info: Offers dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges.

5. McKeel Academy of Technology (Charter)

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Distance from Carillon Lakes: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
   • Niche Rating: A
   • Overview: A highly rated charter school with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is by lottery, and it’s known for strong test scores and college readiness.
   • Additional Info: Long waitlists are common due to high demand.

   Private Schools Near Carillon Lakes

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance from Carillon Lakes.

6. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Distance from Carillon Lakes: Approximately 5 miles
   • Niche Rating: A- (based on parent reviews and academics)
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Catholic education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Smaller class sizes are a plus.
   • Additional Info: Tuition applies; financial aid may be available. Strong community involvement.

7. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance from Carillon Lakes: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Niche Rating: A
   • Overview: One of the largest and most established private schools in Lakeland, offering a Christian-based curriculum with strong academics, arts, and athletics.
   • Additional Info: Competitive admissions process and tuition costs. Known for college placement success.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are heavily based on standardized test scores, while Niche.com incorporates broader factors like parent reviews and extracurriculars. Florida’s Department of Education also assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on performance metrics, which can be found on their website (fldoe.org).
   • Zoning Verification: Carillon Lakes’ exact zoning may vary by street or section of the community. Use the Polk County Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool online or call the district at (863) 534-0500 to confirm assignments for a specific address.
   • School Performance Trends: Polk County schools, including those near Carillon Lakes, often perform at or slightly above state averages, though they may lag behind top-performing districts in Florida like Hillsborough or Pinellas. Charter and private options tend to have higher ratings due to selective enrollment.
   • Visiting Schools: Ratings only tell part of the story. I recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses at schools of interest to assess the environment, meet staff, and ask about programs relevant to your child’s needs.

   Other Educational Resources

   • Early Learning: For preschool-aged children, there are local options like VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) programs at public schools or private daycares near Carillon Lakes, such as KinderCare Learning Center on South Florida Avenue.
   • After-School Programs: Many schools and local organizations (e.g., YMCA Lakeland) offer after-school care and enrichment activities.
   • Special Needs Services: Polk County Public Schools provide Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans for students with special needs. Contact the district’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department for details.

   If you have a specific address within Carillon Lakes or particular needs (e.g., gifted programs, special education, or a preference for private schools), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like more detailed reviews or data on a specific school, I’m happy to assist!