Local Schools Near Fairlington, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

Fairlington is a community in Lakeland Highlands, FL, with the ZIP code 33813. Lakeland Highlands is a suburban area south of Lakeland, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to good schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with 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 Lakeland Highlands area (specifically around the 33813 ZIP code).

Public Schools Near Fairlington, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest and most relevant schools:

1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: This school serves many students from the Lakeland Highlands area. It has a focus on academic achievement and offers various extracurricular activities. Parents often note the supportive teachers, though some mention concerns about class sizes.

2. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, this high school is well-regarded for its academic programs and sports teams. It has a diverse student body and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Reviews highlight strong community involvement but note occasional overcrowding.

3. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Address: 2900 State Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: A popular elementary school for families in the area, Valleyview is known for its welcoming environment and solid academic foundation. Parents often praise the dedicated staff, though some mention a need for updated facilities.

4. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 State Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: This school serves a diverse population and focuses on foundational skills. It has mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating the community feel and others citing concerns about academic performance.

   Private Schools Near Fairlington, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance:

5. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-regarded in local reviews
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a curriculum rooted in Catholic values alongside academics. Parents often highlight the small class sizes and personalized attention. Tuition information is available on their website or by contacting the school directly.

6. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but known for strong academics in the community
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: This school follows a classical education model, emphasizing logic, rhetoric, and traditional subjects. It’s a smaller school with a tight-knit community, often praised for its rigorous curriculum. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website.

   Charter Schools Near Fairlington, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of options nearby:

7. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (Central Campus for application purposes; other campuses may apply)
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: A highly rated charter school focusing on technology and academics. It’s competitive to get into, with a lottery system for admission. Parents rave about the innovative programs, though the distance might be a factor for some families.

8. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy

   • Address: Located on the Polk State College campus, 3425 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but associated with strong college preparatory outcomes
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lakeland Highlands
   • Details: This charter school offers a dual-enrollment program with Polk State College, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school. It’s ideal for academically motivated students.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be confirmed through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) by entering your specific address.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check with individual schools.
   • Extracurriculars and Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer sports, arts, and STEM programs. For example, George W. Jenkins High School has a strong athletics department, while McKeel Academy emphasizes technology.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: For zoning, enrollment, and district updates (polkschoolsfl.com).
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data.
   • School Visits: Most schools offer tours or open houses, especially during enrollment periods.
   • Florida Department of Education: For state-level data on school performance (fldoe.org).

   If you have a specific address within Fairlington or Lakeland Highlands, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, specific programs (e.g., special needs or gifted education), or more details on a particular school, let me know!