School Choices Detailed and Rated Colony Park, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

Colony Park is a community located in the Lakeland Highlands area of Lakeland, Florida, with the ZIP code 33813. This area is part of Polk County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide information on the available public and private schools near Colony Park, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Lakeland Highlands/Colony Park area.

Public Schools Near Colony Park, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

Public schools in this area are managed by the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are the schools zoned for or near the 33813 area:

1. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Address: 2900 State Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Colony Park
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Valleyview Elementary is known for a strong academic focus and community involvement. It serves many students in the Lakeland Highlands area and has generally positive reviews for its teachers and programs.

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Drive, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Colony Park
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves the local area and offers a range of extracurricular activities. Test scores are around average for the state, with some areas of strength in student progress.

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Colony Park
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, this high school is well-regarded in the community. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a variety of sports and clubs. Graduation rates are above the district average.

   Other Nearby Public Schools

   If families are open to schools slightly farther away or have specific zoning considerations, these options may also be relevant: - Scott Lake Elementary School (Grades K-5) - Address: 1140 County Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813 - Distance: ~3-4 miles - Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org) - Lawton Chiles Middle Academy (Grades 6-8, Magnet School) - Address: 400 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 - Distance: ~6-7 miles - Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org) - Details: A magnet school with a focus on leadership and academics, though it may require an application.

   Private Schools Near Colony Park, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in or near the 33813 area, often with a religious or specialized focus:

4. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Address: 3720 Old Highway 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Colony Park
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in the community
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website.

5. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Colony Park
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for a rigorous classical curriculum
   • Details: This school emphasizes a classical Christian education model with small class sizes and a focus on critical thinking. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to public schooling.

6. Lakeland Christian School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Approximate Distance: 4-5 miles from Colony Park
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly regarded locally
   • Details: One of the largest and oldest private schools in the area, offering a comprehensive Christian education with strong academics, athletics, and arts programs.

   Charter Schools Near Colony Park

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific educational focuses. Here are a couple of options: 1. McKeel Academy of Technology (Grades 7-12) - Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 - Distance: ~7-8 miles - Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org) - Details: A highly rated charter school with a technology focus. Admission is lottery-based, and it’s competitive due to strong academic performance.

7. McKeel Academy Central (Grades K-6)

   • Address: 411 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Distance: ~6-7 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: The elementary counterpart to McKeel Academy, also lottery-based with a strong reputation.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: The exact schools a child attends depend on the specific address within Colony Park or Lakeland Highlands. You can verify zoning through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) by entering your address into their school locator tool.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Visiting schools or reading parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com can provide more insight.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically offer bus services for zoned students, while private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.
   • Preschools/Daycares: There are numerous preschools and daycare centers in the 33813 area, such as Primrose School of Lakeland and local church-based programs. These are not rated in the same way but can be researched via parent reviews or state licensing records.

   If you have a specific address within Colony Park, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more detailed information on a particular school (e.g., programs, enrollment, or recent performance data), let me know, and I can assist further! You can also contact the Polk County School District at (863) 534-0500 for the most up-to-date zoning and enrollment information.