School Choices Detailed and Rated Farm at Varrea, Plant City, 33565

The community of Farm at Varrea is located in Plant City, FL, with the ZIP code 33565. This area falls within Hillsborough County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near the Farm at Varrea community, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note 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.

Location Context

Farm at Varrea is a newer residential development in Plant City, located near the intersection of North Park Road and Sam Allen Road, in the northern part of Plant City. The ZIP code 33565 generally covers areas north of I-4, and schools serving this area are often located within a reasonable driving distance, though some may be closer to central Plant City or neighboring areas.

School Zoning and Nearby Schools

Based on the location of Farm at Varrea, the following schools are likely zoned for or near this community. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools, along with their ratings and some key details. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and supplemented with information from Niche.com and Florida’s school accountability reports where available. Distances are approximate based on mapping tools.

Elementary Schools

1. Knights Elementary School

   • Address: 4815 North Keene Road, Plant City, FL 33565
   • Distance from Farm at Varrea: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Details: Knights Elementary serves students in grades K-5. It has a focus on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. Test scores are near the state average, with some variation in math and reading proficiency.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a supportive community environment, though some reviews mention concerns about class sizes.

2. Cork Elementary School (Alternative Option)

   • Address: 3501 North Cork Road, Plant City, FL 33565
   • Distance from Farm at Varrea: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Details: Another nearby elementary school serving K-5 students. It has slightly better test scores than Knights in some areas, particularly in reading.
   • Student Population: Around 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers extracurricular activities and has a reputation for strong parent involvement.

   Middle Schools

   1. Marshall Middle Magnet School
   2. Address: 18 South Maryland Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563
   3. Distance from Farm at Varrea: Approximately 6-7 miles
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   5. Details: Serves grades 6-8 and operates as a magnet school with a focus on International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the IB program is a draw for some families.
   6. Student Population: Around 800-900 students
   7. Additional Info: Mixed reviews; some parents appreciate the magnet focus, while others note challenges with school resources.

3. Tomlin Middle School (Alternative Option)

   • Address: 501 North Woodrow Wilson Street, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance from Farm at Varrea: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Details: Another middle school option for grades 6-8. It has average test scores and offers various extracurriculars like sports and clubs.
   • Student Population: Around 700-800 students
   • Additional Info: Generally considered a standard middle school with a focus on preparing students for high school.

   High Schools

   1. Plant City High School
   2. Address: 1 Raider Place, Plant City, FL 33563
   3. Distance from Farm at Varrea: Approximately 7-8 miles
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   5. Details: Serves grades 9-12 and is the primary high school for much of the Plant City area. It offers a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and athletics. Graduation rates are near the state average, and test scores are mixed.
   6. Student Population: Around 2,300-2,500 students
   7. Additional Info: Known for a strong sense of school spirit and community involvement, though some reviews mention overcrowding.

   School Ratings Summary

   • Elementary: Knights Elementary (5/10), Cork Elementary (6/10)
   • Middle: Marshall Middle Magnet (4/10), Tomlin Middle (5/10)
   • High: Plant City High (5/10)

   Additional Notes on Ratings

   • GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and college readiness. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, while below 5 indicates areas of concern.
   • Ratings can vary depending on the source. For example, Niche.com may provide letter grades (A-F) and often includes parent and student reviews, which can offer a more nuanced perspective.
   • Florida’s Department of Education also assigns school grades (A-F) based on state assessments. As of the latest data (2022-2023), most of these schools received a "C" grade, with some variation year to year.

   Private and Charter School Options

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are a few private and charter options near Plant City: 1. Hope Christian School (Private) - Address: 1146 East Alsobrook Street, Plant City, FL 33563 - Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles - Details: A private Christian school serving grades K-12. It has smaller class sizes and a faith-based curriculum. Ratings are not widely available on GreatSchools, but parent reviews on Niche are generally positive. - Tuition: Varies; contact the school for details.

4. Advantage Academy of Hillsborough (Charter)

   • Address: 350 West Prosser Drive, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 8 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Details: A public charter school serving K-8 with a focus on personalized learning. Test scores are slightly above average for the area.

   How to Verify School Zoning

   School boundaries can shift due to population growth, new developments like Farm at Varrea, or district decisions. To confirm which schools your address is zoned for: - Visit the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/) and use their "School Locator" tool. - Contact the district directly at (813) 272-4000. - Check with the Farm at Varrea community management or developer, as they may have specific information about assigned schools.

   Other Considerations

   • Transportation: Hillsborough County Public Schools provides bus services for students within zoned areas, but families should confirm bus routes and stops near Farm at Varrea.
   • School Performance Trends: Plant City schools generally perform at or slightly below state averages, reflecting the area’s diverse socioeconomic makeup. However, individual student success often depends on family involvement and specific programs.
   • Community Feedback: Online platforms like GreatSchools and Niche include parent reviews, which can provide insight into school culture, teacher quality, and facilities.

   If you have a specific address within Farm at Varrea or additional details (e.g., preference for private schools or specific programs), I can refine this information further. Let me know!