Local Schools Near Carrollwood South, Greater Carrollwood, 33618

The community of Carrollwood South, located in the Greater Carrollwood area of Tampa, FL, with the ZIP code 33618, is served by several schools in the Hillsborough County Public School District. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including their ratings and some additional details. School ratings are often based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 using factors such as test scores, student progress, and equity data. 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, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the center of the 33618 ZIP code area (near Carrollwood Village) for reference.

Public Schools Near Carrollwood South (33618)

1. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Public (K-5)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: This school is well-regarded for its academic performance and community involvement. It serves younger students in the Carrollwood area and often receives positive feedback for its teachers and programs.

2. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (just outside 33618 but serves nearby areas)
   • Type: Public (K-5)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and offers various support programs. Test scores are around average for the state.

3. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (near 33618)
   • Type: Public (6-8)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: Buchanan Middle School serves students in the greater Carrollwood area. It has mixed reviews, with some concerns about student progress, though it offers extracurricular activities.

4. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: Gaither High School is one of the primary high schools serving the Carrollwood area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a variety of sports and clubs. Test scores are slightly above average for the district.

5. Chamberlain High School (Alternative High School Option)

   • Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: Chamberlain serves some students in the Carrollwood area depending on zoning. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs, though academic performance is below the state average.

   Private Schools Near Carrollwood South (33618)

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Type: Private (PK-12)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded on Niche.com (often A or A- range)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: This is a prestigious private school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It’s known for strong academics, small class sizes, and a focus on global education. Tuition is significant, often exceeding $20,000 per year.

7. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

   • Address: 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Private (PK-8)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly reviewed on Niche.com (A range)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: Known for its innovative teaching methods and focus on individualized learning, this school is a popular choice for families seeking a private education. Tuition is also in the higher range.

8. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Type: Private (K-8, Jewish Day School)
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but well-regarded in the community
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: This school offers a faith-based education with a focus on Jewish values alongside a strong academic curriculum.

   Charter Schools Near Carrollwood South (33618)

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (just north of 33618)
   • Type: Charter (K-8)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Carrollwood South
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It’s a popular choice for families in the greater Tampa area, though admission may involve a lottery system.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity (how well schools serve disadvantaged students). A rating of 6 or above is generally considered average to above average in Florida. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within 33618. You can verify zoning and bus routes through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hillsboroughschools.org) by entering your address into their school locator tool.
   • Application Schools: Some schools, like magnet or charter options, may require applications or lotteries. Check deadlines and requirements if interested.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like Niche.com and GreatSchools.org include parent and student reviews, which can provide insight beyond numerical ratings.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit hillsboroughschools.org for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33618) for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed profiles, including parent feedback and rankings for both public and private schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides official report cards and performance data for public schools at fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Carrollwood South, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific academic focuses (e.g., STEM or arts), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information!