School Choices Detailed and Rated Griffin Landing, Bartow, 33830

Griffin Landing is a community located in Bartow, FL, within the 33830 ZIP code. Bartow is a small city in Polk County, Florida, and it falls under the Polk County Public Schools district, which oversees the public schools in the area. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Griffin Landing, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand look.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Bartow, FL, as Griffin Landing is a localized community within this area. If you have a specific address within Griffin Landing, I can refine the search further based on exact proximity.

Public Schools Near Griffin Landing, Bartow, FL (33830)

Polk County Public Schools serve the Bartow area. Here are the primary public schools zoned for or near the 33830 area:

1. Griffin Elementary School

   • Address: 3310 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805 (approximately 10 miles from central Bartow)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves elementary students and is one of the closer options for families in the Bartow area, though it may not be the primary zoned school for Griffin Landing (zoning depends on exact address). It has a focus on foundational education but struggles with lower test scores compared to state averages. Check the Polk County Schools zoning map for confirmation of assignment.

2. Bartow Elementary Academy

   • Address: 590 S Wilson Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 (central Bartow, likely within 5 miles of Griffin Landing)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); often praised for its magnet program
   • Details: This is a magnet school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It tends to have better reviews and performance compared to other local elementary schools. Admission may require an application or lottery system.

3. Floral Avenue Elementary School

   • Address: 1530 S Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 (central Bartow, likely within 5 miles)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A traditional public elementary school in Bartow with mixed reviews. It serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics, though test scores are below state averages in some areas.

4. Bartow Middle School

   • Address: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830 (central Bartow, likely within 5 miles)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the primary middle school for Bartow residents. It offers standard middle school curriculum and extracurriculars but faces challenges with student performance metrics compared to state standards.

5. Bartow Senior High School

   • Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 (central Bartow, likely within 5 miles)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org); Graduation Rate: ~85% (based on recent Florida DOE data)
   • Details: The main high school for Bartow students, offering a range of academic programs, sports, and career-focused tracks through its International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Performance is average, with some areas of strength in college readiness.

   Private Schools Near Griffin Landing, Bartow, FL (33830)

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes or religious affiliations. Here are a few within or near Bartow:

6. First Methodist School

   • Address: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 (central Bartow, likely within 5 miles)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche are generally positive.
   • Details: A faith-based school affiliated with the First United Methodist Church in Bartow. It emphasizes Christian values alongside academics. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

7. Word of Life Christian School

   • Address: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830 (central Bartow, likely within 5 miles)
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive feedback from local families on community forums.
   • Details: Another faith-based option offering a full K-12 curriculum with a focus on biblical teachings. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools. Contact the school for tuition and admission processes.

   Charter Schools Near Griffin Landing, Bartow, FL (33830)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. Options in or near Bartow include:

8. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy

   • Address: Located at Bartow High School campus, 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Limited specific ratings; tied to Bartow High’s performance (4/10 on GreatSchools)
   • Details: A smaller, focused program within Bartow High for students seeking a rigorous academic track. Admission may be selective or lottery-based.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are often based on standardized test scores, which may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Griffin Landing. You can verify zoning through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) by entering your address into their school locator tool.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provide bus services for zoned students, but distances and routes vary. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation.
   • Other Nearby Options: If you’re willing to consider schools slightly farther away (e.g., in Lakeland, about 10-15 miles north), there are additional high-performing public, charter, and private schools, such as Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse or McKeel Academy of Technology (rated 8/10 or higher on GreatSchools).

   How to Research Further

   1. Polk County Public Schools Website: Visit polkschoolsfl.com for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   2. GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: These sites provide detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data for schools.
   3. Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at fldoe.org for state-assessed performance metrics.
   4. School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the school culture and facilities.

   If you have a specific address in Griffin Landing or prefer a focus on a particular grade level or school type (e.g., only high schools or private options), let me know, and I can narrow down the information further. Additionally, if you’d like details on after-school programs, special education services, or other educational resources in Bartow, I’m happy to assist!