Local Schools Near Dorman Acres, Medulla, 33813

Dorman Acres is a community located in the Medulla area of Lakeland, Florida, with the ZIP code 33813. This area falls within Polk County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Dorman Acres/Medulla, FL 33813, including their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 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 Medulla area (using a central point in ZIP 33813) and mention if the school is directly zoned for this area based on typical attendance boundaries.

Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within Dorman Acres, I suggest verifying the assigned schools for a particular property using the Polk County Public Schools’ School Zone Locator tool (available on their website). The schools listed below are those closest to or commonly associated with the Medulla/33813 area.

Elementary Schools

1. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from central Medulla/Dorman Acres
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress as of recent data)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school serving the Medulla area and is likely the zoned school for most of Dorman Acres. It serves grades PK-5 and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. Parents often note its community feel, though some reviews mention concerns about class sizes.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3515
   • Website: Available through Polk County Public Schools (polkschoolsfl.com)

2. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from central Medulla
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly southeast of Medulla, this school serves grades PK-5 and may be an option for some parts of the 33813 area depending on zoning. It has slightly higher test scores in some areas compared to Medulla Elementary.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3520

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from central Medulla
   4. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the primary middle school for the Medulla area, serving grades 6-8. It offers a range of academic programs and electives, including sports and clubs. Reviews highlight a mix of strong teachers and some challenges with student behavior or resources.
   6. Contact: (863) 648-3500

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Approximate Distance: 3-5 miles from central Medulla
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the zoned high school for most of the 33813 area, including Medulla/Dorman Acres. Serving grades 9-12, it’s known for strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a variety of extracurriculars like athletics and arts. It generally receives positive feedback for college preparation.
   6. Contact: (863) 648-3566

   Alternative and Charter Schools

   1. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (Charter)
   2. Address: Near Lakeland, specific location varies (often hosted at other campuses)
   3. Approximate Distance: Varies, within 5-10 miles
   4. Rating: Not consistently rated on GreatSchools due to its structure, but often praised for academics
   5. Details: A charter option for middle and high school students focusing on college readiness. Admission may require an application or lottery.
   6. Contact: Check Polk County Public Schools for details

3. McKeel Academy of Technology (Charter)

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Approximate Distance: 8-10 miles from Medulla
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school serving grades 7-12 with a focus on technology and academics. It’s competitive to get into, requiring an application process, but it’s a popular choice for families in the broader Lakeland area.
   • Contact: (863) 499-2818

   Private Schools

   1. Resurrection Catholic School
   2. Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from central Medulla
   4. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; private school ratings often depend on parent reviews
   5. Details: A private Catholic school serving grades PK-8, offering a faith-based education with smaller class sizes. Tuition applies, and admission may require an application.
   6. Contact: (863) 644-3931

4. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Medulla
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for rigorous academics
   • Details: A private Christian school offering a classical education model for grades PK-12. It emphasizes critical thinking and traditional learning methods. Tuition and application required.
   • Contact: (863) 644-1408

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on test scores (like Florida Standards Assessments), student progress, and sometimes equity or college readiness metrics. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, 7-8 above average, and 9-10 exceptional. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, or specific programs may matter more to some families.
   • Zoning: While I’ve listed the most likely zoned schools (Medulla Elementary, Lakeland Highlands Middle, and George W. Jenkins High) for Dorman Acres, boundaries can shift, and specific streets may be assigned differently. Use the Polk County School Board’s zoning tool or call the district at (863) 534-0500 to confirm.
   • Charter and Private Options: These provide alternatives to public schools but often involve applications, lotteries, or tuition costs. They can be a good fit for specialized needs or preferences.
   • School Performance Reports: For more detailed data, including graduation rates, teacher qualifications, and demographics, visit the Florida Department of Education’s website (fldoe.org) or the individual school websites.

   Community Context

   Medulla, FL, in the 33813 ZIP code, is a suburban area south of central Lakeland, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to amenities. The schools here reflect a mix of average to above-average performance within Polk County, with options for families seeking public, charter, or private education. If you’re considering moving to Dorman Acres or already live there, visiting the schools or attending open houses can provide insight beyond ratings.

   If you have a specific address in Dorman Acres or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports, or arts focus), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Would you like me to look into a particular school or provide more details on programs offered?