School Choices Detailed and Rated Country Lakes, Lake Magdalene, 33613

The community of Country Lakes in Lake Magdalene, FL, falls within the 33613 ZIP code area in Hillsborough County. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, 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. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend visiting the schools or checking the most current data for confirmation. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the general Lake Magdalene/Country Lakes area.

Public Schools Near Country Lakes, Lake Magdalene, FL (33613)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the area and has a focus on foundational skills. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs, including exceptional student education (ESE). Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1

2. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Buchanan Middle School serves the local middle school population and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school has initiatives for student support and improvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

3. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating (Florida DOE)
   • Details: Gaither High School is one of the zoned high schools for the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. The school has a decent reputation for college readiness, though some reviews mention variability in teacher quality.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 19:1

4. Carrollwood Elementary School (Alternative Elementary Option)

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: While slightly farther, this school is highly rated for its academic performance and parent involvement. It may require boundary verification or a school choice application to attend if outside the zoned area.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 13:1

   Private Schools Near Country Lakes, Lake Magdalene, FL (33613)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in the vicinity with varying religious and secular focuses.

5. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A-); often praised for academics and facilities
   • Details: This is a well-regarded private school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It emphasizes college preparatory education with strong extracurriculars. Tuition is significant, often in the range of $15,000-$25,000 per year depending on grade level.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 9:1

6. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Private Jewish Day School (Grades K-8)
   • Rating: Positive parent feedback on Niche; specific ratings vary
   • Details: This school combines Jewish studies with a general academic curriculum. It’s smaller in size, offering a close-knit community. Tuition information is available upon request but is generally in the mid-range for private schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 200 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 8:1

7. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

   • Address: 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: A on Niche; highly regarded for innovative teaching
   • Details: Known for its progressive approach and small class sizes, this school focuses on individualized learning. Tuition is on the higher end, often around $15,000-$20,000 annually.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 10:1

   Charter Schools Near Country Lakes, Lake Magdalene, FL (33613)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific educational focuses. Availability depends on enrollment lotteries or application processes.

8. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (K-8 Campus)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Country Lakes
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools, but admission often involves a lottery due to high demand.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1

   Additional Notes:

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within Country Lakes. You can verify zoning and apply for school choice options through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) using their School Locator tool.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other platforms may differ due to methodology. For example, GreatSchools focuses heavily on test scores, while Niche includes parent and student reviews.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically offer bus services within zoned areas, while private and charter schools may have limited or fee-based transportation options.
   • Extracurriculars and Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer sports, arts, and STEM programs. Gaither High School, for instance, has a strong athletics program, while Carrollwood Day School offers unique IB coursework.

   If you have a specific address within Country Lakes, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific needs (e.g., special education or gifted programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. You can also visit the schools’ websites or schedule tours for firsthand insights. Would you like me to dive deeper into any particular school or aspect?