School Choices Detailed and Rated Crenshaw Lakes, Lutz, 33548

Crenshaw Lakes is a small community located in Lutz, FL, with the ZIP code 33548. Lutz is a suburban area in Hillsborough County, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to Tampa. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Crenshaw Lakes, 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.

Since Crenshaw Lakes is a specific neighborhood, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) in the Lutz area. I’ll categorize the schools by level (elementary, middle, and high) and include both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near Crenshaw Lakes, Lutz, FL 33548

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. School assignments are typically based on zoning, so it’s a good idea to confirm with the district which schools serve the Crenshaw Lakes community specifically.

Elementary Schools

1. Lutz K-8 School (formerly Lutz Elementary)

   • Address: 202 5th Ave SE, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-8 (serves as both elementary and middle)
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school has a strong community reputation and offers a smaller, more personalized environment since it serves both elementary and middle school students. It emphasizes core academics and has various extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students
   • Note: As a K-8 school, it may be a convenient option for families wanting continuity through middle school.

2. Lake Myrtle Elementary School

   • Address: 22944 Weeks Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639 (nearby in Pasco County, as Lutz borders Pasco)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: Located just north of Lutz in Land O' Lakes, this school is known for high test scores and a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Lutz K-8 School (as mentioned above)
   2. Covers grades 6-8 for middle school students in the Lutz area.
   3. See details under Elementary Schools.

3. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student body and offers various academic and extracurricular programs, though test scores are average compared to state standards.
   • Student Population: Around 700-800 students

   High Schools

   1. Steinbrenner High School
   2. Address: 5575 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   3. Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; often ranked highly on Niche (A- or better)
   6. Details: George M. Steinbrenner High School is one of the top-rated high schools in the area, known for strong academics, athletics, and college readiness programs. It has a large student body and a wide range of AP (Advanced Placement) courses.
   7. Student Population: Around 2,400 students

4. Gaither High School (alternative option depending on zoning)

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: Gaither offers a variety of programs, including career and technical education, and has a solid reputation for extracurriculars like sports and band.
   • Student Population: Around 2,000 students

   Private Schools Near Crenshaw Lakes, Lutz, FL 33548

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in and around Lutz. These schools often have smaller class sizes and may offer religious or specialized curricula.

5. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A grade); known for academic excellence
   • Details: This is an independent, co-educational day school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It focuses on college preparatory education with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and global perspectives.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$25,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students

6. Tampa Bay Christian Academy

   • Address: 10940 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 8 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Moderately rated on Niche (B range)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian education with a focus on biblical values alongside academics.
   • Tuition: Approximately $6,000–$10,000 per year
   • Student Population: Around 300 students

7. Center Academy – Lutz

   • Address: 1520 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Crenshaw Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 4-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to its specialized focus, but well-regarded for its niche
   • Details: This private school caters to students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, offering individualized learning plans.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact school for details
   • Student Population: Small, typically under 100 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture or specific programs. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Crenshaw Lakes. You can use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online to confirm zoning.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Hillsborough County offers several charter and magnet schools that may be accessible via application or lottery. Examples include nearby magnet programs for arts or STEM, though they may require transportation.
   • Pasco County Schools: Since Lutz borders Pasco County, some families near Crenshaw Lakes may have access to Pasco schools (like Lake Myrtle Elementary), which often have strong ratings.

   Conclusion

   The Crenshaw Lakes community in Lutz, FL, is served by a mix of well-rated public schools like Steinbrenner High School and Lutz K-8, as well as private options such as Carrollwood Day School. Ratings range from average (5/10) to excellent (8-9/10) for public schools, with private schools often catering to specific needs or offering premium programs at a higher cost. I recommend checking the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (www.hillsboroughschools.org) for the most up-to-date zoning and enrollment information, and visiting schools of interest to get a feel for their environment.

   If you have a specific address within Crenshaw Lakes or prefer more details on a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can refine the information further!