School Choices Detailed and Rated Cypress Lakes Village, Lakeland, 33809

Cypress Lakes Village is a community located in Lakeland, FL, with the ZIP code 33809. This area is part of Polk County, and the schools serving this region are primarily under the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Cypress Lakes Village, 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 33809 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Distances are approximate and based on the general vicinity of Cypress Lakes Village in North Lakeland.

Public Schools Near Cypress Lakes Village (33809)

1. Wendell Watson Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School
   • Grades: PK-5
   • Address: 6800 Walt Williams Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Cypress Lakes Village
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Wendell Watson Elementary serves students in the North Lakeland area. It has a focus on foundational education with programs for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school’s rating reflects average performance on state assessments, with some areas of strength in student progress.
   • Additional Info: Check the Polk County Public Schools website for zoning details, as boundaries can shift.

2. Lake Gibson Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School
   • Grades: 6-8
   • Address: 6901 N Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Cypress Lakes Village
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: Lake Gibson Middle School serves the middle school population in the area. Its rating indicates average performance, with test scores near the state average. The school offers various extracurricular activities and support programs.
   • Additional Info: Parent reviews often mention the school’s efforts in student engagement, though academic performance varies by subject.

3. Lake Gibson Senior High School

   • Type: Public High School
   • Grades: 9-12
   • Address: 7007 N Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Cypress Lakes Village
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: Lake Gibson Senior High is the primary high school for the area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like sports and clubs. The rating reflects moderate performance in college readiness and graduation rates.
   • Additional Info: The school has a diverse student body and mixed reviews on academic rigor and school culture.

   Other Nearby Schools (Public, Charter, or Private)

4. R. Clem Churchwell Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School
   • Grades: PK-5
   • Address: 8201 Park Byrd Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810 (slightly outside 33809 but nearby)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Cypress Lakes Village
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Another elementary option for families near the northern edge of 33809, this school has comparable ratings to Wendell Watson and serves a similar demographic.

5. Victory Christian Academy

   • Type: Private Christian School
   • Grades: PK-12
   • Address: 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
   • Approximate Distance: 4-5 miles from Cypress Lakes Village
   • Rating (Niche): B (based on parent reviews and limited data)
   • Overview: This private school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academics and character development. Tuition costs apply, and enrollment may require an application process.
   • Additional Info: Smaller class sizes and a religious curriculum are key features.

6. Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse (Charter Option)

   • Type: Public Charter School
   • Grades: K-6
   • Address: 1124 N Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805 (a bit farther but accessible)
   • Approximate Distance: 6-7 miles from Cypress Lakes Village
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Overview: This charter school follows the Montessori method, emphasizing individualized learning. It’s a popular choice for families seeking alternative education, though spots may be limited and often require a lottery for admission.
   • Additional Info: Check with Polk County Public Schools for application details.

   School Ratings Summary

   • Elementary: Wendell Watson (6/10), R. Clem Churchwell (6/10)
   • Middle: Lake Gibson Middle (5/10)
   • High: Lake Gibson Senior High (5/10)
   • Private/Charter: Victory Christian Academy (B), Lakeland Montessori (8/10)

   Additional Notes

   • Zoning: School assignments depend on specific addresses within 33809. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ zoning tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve your exact location in Cypress Lakes Village.
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, equity, and parent feedback but may not fully capture a school’s environment or specific programs. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Check eligibility on their website.
   • Other Options: If the local schools don’t meet your needs, Polk County offers school choice programs, including magnet schools and additional charter options in Lakeland, though these may require applications or lotteries.

   Resources for Further Information

   • Polk County Public Schools: www.polkschoolsfl.com (for zoning, enrollment, and district updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings and parent reviews
   • Niche.com: For additional school rankings and community feedback
   • Florida Department of Education: For state assessment data and school report cards

   If you have a specific address within Cypress Lakes Village or are looking for details on a particular type of school (e.g., special needs programs, preschools), let me know, and I can refine the search further!