Duncan Groves is a community located in Valrico, FL, within the 33594 ZIP code. Valrico is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Duncan Groves, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that school ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, graduation rates), and they are subject to change. I recommend verifying the most current information and zoning with the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or by contacting the schools directly.
Public Schools Near Duncan Groves, Valrico, FL 33594
Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Duncan Groves area. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) and supplemented with information from Niche or other public data where available. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to central Valrico.
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Buckhorn Elementary School
- Address: 2420 Buckhorn School Ct, Valrico, FL 33594
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Distance from Duncan Groves: Approximately 1-2 miles
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Buckhorn Elementary is known for a strong academic program with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives. It has a diverse student body and offers extracurricular activities like chorus and art clubs. Parent reviews often highlight the supportive teachers and active PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization).
- Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)
- Contact: (813) 744-8240
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Mulrennan Middle School
- Address: 4215 Durant Rd, Valrico, FL 33596 (nearby ZIP code but serves 33594)
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Distance from Duncan Groves: Approximately 2-3 miles
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Mulrennan Middle offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced classes for high-achieving students. The school has sports teams and clubs like robotics and drama. Reviews mention a focus on preparing students for high school, though some parents note concerns about class sizes.
- Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,300 students
- Contact: (813) 651-2140
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Durant High School
- Address: 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, FL 33567 (serves parts of Valrico 33594)
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Distance from Duncan Groves: Approximately 3-5 miles
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating on Niche
- Details: Durant High School is a large public high school with a variety of AP (Advanced Placement) courses, career academies (e.g., veterinary assisting), and a strong athletics program, including football and track. The school has a graduation rate of around 90% (based on recent Florida DOE data). Reviews are mixed, with praise for extracurriculars but some concerns about overcrowding.
- Enrollment: Around 2,400-2,500 students
- Contact: (813) 757-9075
Private Schools Near Duncan Groves, Valrico, FL 33594
For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in or near Valrico. Below are a few notable ones within a reasonable driving distance.
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Foundation Christian Academy
- Address: 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- Distance from Duncan Groves: Approximately 3-4 miles
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally positive reviews on Niche (A- for academics)
- Details: A private Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with small class sizes and a focus on college preparation. The school emphasizes character development alongside academics and offers sports and fine arts programs. Tuition varies by grade level, typically ranging from $7,000 to $10,000 annually (check with the school for current rates).
- Enrollment: Around 300-400 students
- Contact: (813) 654-2969
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Bell Shoals Baptist Academy
- Address: 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon, FL 33511 (near Valrico)
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Distance from Duncan Groves: Approximately 5-6 miles
- Rating: Limited public ratings; parent feedback on Niche is generally positive
- Details: A private Baptist school providing a religious education with a focus on core academics and spiritual growth. The school offers a nurturing environment with extracurriculars like music and sports. Tuition information is available upon request but is typically in the $5,000-$8,000 range annually.
- Enrollment: Around 200-300 students
- Contact: (813) 689-9183
Charter Schools Near Duncan Groves, Valrico, FL 33594
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have different enrollment processes (e.g., lotteries). Here’s one nearby option:
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Valrico Lake Advantage Academy
- Address: 1330 N Valrico Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Distance from Duncan Groves: Approximately 2-3 miles
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A charter school managed by Charter Schools USA, focusing on a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on character education and technology integration. It’s a popular choice in the area, with strong test scores compared to state averages. Enrollment is via application and lottery if spaces are limited.
- Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
- Contact: (813) 699-5049
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, and equity data. Niche ratings (A-F) often incorporate parent and student reviews alongside academic metrics. Ratings should be one of many factors in choosing a school—consider visiting schools, meeting with staff, and reviewing specific programs that match your child’s needs.
- Zoning Verification: School assignments can change due to redistricting or capacity issues. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online (https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/) or call the district at (813) 272-4000 to confirm zoning for your specific address in Duncan Groves.
- School Performance Reports: The Florida Department of Education (https://www.fldoe.org/) provides detailed school report cards, including test scores, graduation rates, and accountability grades (A-F) for public and charter schools.
Other Educational Resources in the Area
- Preschools/Daycares: For younger children, options like Primrose School of Bloomingdale (nearby in Brandon) or local church-based preschools are available. Check reviews on platforms like Care.com for specifics.
- After-School Programs: Many schools offer on-site aftercare, and local organizations like the YMCA in Brandon provide additional programs.
- Special Needs Services: Hillsborough County Public Schools offers programs for students with disabilities, including ESE (Exceptional Student Education) services at zoned schools. Contact the district for evaluations or IEPs (Individualized Education Plans).
If you have a specific address within Duncan Groves, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more details on a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, class sizes, or recent news), let me know! Would you like me to search for the most recent parent reviews or provide contact information for the district’s transportation or enrollment offices?