Local Schools Near Carrollwood Springs, Northdale, 33624

Carrollwood Springs is a community located in the Northdale area of Tampa, Florida, within the 33624 ZIP code. This area falls under Hillsborough County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near the Carrollwood Springs/Northdale area, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (test scores, parent reviews, etc.), so I’ll note the general consensus and provide a brief overview of each school. Keep in mind that school zoning can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district (https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/) for the most current assignments.

Overview of Schools Near Carrollwood Springs, Northdale, FL (33624)

Elementary Schools

1. Claywell Elementary School

   • Address: 4500 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Distance from Carrollwood Springs: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10 (as of recent data)
   • Niche Rating: B+
   • Overview: Claywell Elementary serves students in grades K-5 and is often zoned for the Northdale/Carrollwood Springs area. It has a reputation for strong academic performance, with test scores above the district average in math and reading. The school also offers programs like gifted education and has positive parent feedback for its community involvement and teacher quality.
   • Student Population: Around 700-800 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a supportive environment and extracurricular activities like art and music.

2. Northwest Elementary School

   • Address: 16438 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625 (nearby, just outside 33624)
   • Distance from Carrollwood Springs: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Overview: Northwest Elementary serves K-5 students and may be an option for some families in the broader Northdale area depending on zoning boundaries. It has average test scores compared to the state and district but is praised for its diversity and family engagement.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and a focus on STEM activities.

   Middle Schools

   1. Ben Hill Middle School
   2. Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   3. Distance from Carrollwood Springs: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   5. Niche Rating: B-
   6. Overview: Ben Hill Middle School serves grades 6-8 and is the primary middle school for much of the Northdale/Carrollwood Springs area. Test scores are near or slightly below the district average, but the school offers a variety of electives, sports, and clubs. Parent reviews are mixed, with some citing concerns about class sizes and others appreciating the staff.
   7. Student Population: Around 900-1,000 students
   8. Additional Info: Features programs like band, chorus, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) for college readiness.

   High Schools

   1. Gaither High School
   2. Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 (just south of 33624)
   3. Distance from Carrollwood Springs: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   5. Niche Rating: B+
   6. Overview: Gaither High School serves grades 9-12 and is the zoned high school for most of the Northdale/Carrollwood Springs community. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurriculars like sports and performing arts. Test scores and graduation rates are above the district average, and it has a generally positive reputation among families.
   7. Student Population: Around 2,000-2,200 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its strong athletics programs and community involvement.

   Private and Charter Schools in or Near 33624

   In addition to public schools, there are several private and charter options for families in the Carrollwood Springs/Northdale area:

3. Carrollwood Day School (Private)

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (near 33624)
   • Distance from Carrollwood Springs: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated (private schools often lack public ratings)
   • Niche Rating: A+
   • Overview: A prestigious private school serving PreK-12, Carrollwood Day School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a focus on rigorous academics and global education. Tuition is significant, but it’s highly regarded for college preparation.
   • Additional Info: Offers small class sizes and extensive extracurriculars.

4. Hillsdale Christian Academy (Private)

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from Carrollwood Springs: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Overview: A smaller Christian school serving PreK-12, focusing on faith-based education alongside academics. It’s a more affordable private option compared to larger institutions.
   • Additional Info: Emphasizes character development and biblical teachings.

5. Learning Gate Community School (Charter)

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (just north of 33624)
   • Distance from Carrollwood Springs: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Niche Rating: A-
   • Overview: A public charter school for K-8 students, Learning Gate emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It often has a waitlist due to high demand.
   • Additional Info: Known for its outdoor learning spaces and innovative curriculum.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are primarily based on test scores, equity, and college readiness, while Niche ratings (letter grades) incorporate parent and student reviews, diversity, and other factors. Ratings should be one of many factors in choosing a school—visiting campuses, talking to other parents, and considering your child’s specific needs are also important.
   • School Choice Options: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. For example, nearby magnet schools like Walker Middle Magnet School (for IB) or Steinbrenner High School (strong academics and athletics) might be options with an application.
   • Zoning Verification: Since Carrollwood Springs is a specific community within Northdale, exact zoning can vary by street. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) by entering your address to confirm assigned schools.

   Conclusion

   The Carrollwood Springs/Northdale area in ZIP code 33624 has access to a range of educational options, with public schools like Claywell Elementary and Gaither High School being well-regarded within the community. Private and charter schools provide alternatives for families seeking specialized or faith-based education. If you’re considering a move or need specific details about a school (e.g., special programs, enrollment processes), let me know, and I can help further! Additionally, I recommend checking recent reviews and contacting the schools directly for the most up-to-date information on performance and zoning.