School Choices Detailed and Rated Groveland South, Medulla, 33811

The there! I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the Groveland South community in Medulla, FL, within the 33811 ZIP code. Medulla is located in Polk County, Florida, and falls under the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I'll provide a list of schools in or near the 33811 area, along with their ratings and some additional details. Ratings are typically sourced from platforms like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may not fully reflect the quality of a school—visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.

Location Context

Medulla, FL, is a small unincorporated community in Polk County, just southwest of Lakeland. The 33811 ZIP code covers parts of Medulla and surrounding areas. Schools listed below are within or near this ZIP code, focusing on proximity to the Medulla/Groveland South area. Distances are approximate and based on mapping data.

Schools Near Groveland South, Medulla, FL (33811)

Here are the primary public and private schools serving the area, along with their ratings (based on GreatSchools.org as of the latest available data), addresses, and key details. I'll categorize them by level (elementary, middle, high) and include both public and private options where applicable.

Elementary Schools

1. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Medulla
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the closest public elementary school to Medulla. It serves grades PK-5 with a student population of around 600. The school focuses on core academics and offers some extracurricular activities. Test scores are near the state average, with some variation in math and reading proficiency.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3515

2. R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School

   • Address: 5500 Yates Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Medulla
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another nearby public elementary school serving grades PK-5. It has a slightly higher rating than Medulla Elementary, with stronger performance in reading. Enrollment is around 700 students.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3525

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Medulla
   4. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This public middle school serves grades 6-8 and has an enrollment of about 1,200 students. It offers a range of academic programs and extracurriculars, including sports and clubs. Test scores are slightly above the district average.
   6. Contact: (863) 648-3500

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-6 miles from Medulla
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the primary public high school serving the area, with grades 9-12 and an enrollment of around 2,200 students. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academ - Details: vocational programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. It has a solid reputation in the district, with test scores above the state average.
   6. Contact: (863) 648-3566

   Private Schools

   1. Resurrection Catholic School
   2. Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Medulla
   4. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org (private schools often lack standardized ratings)
   5. Details: A private Catholic school serving grades PK-8 with a focus on faith-based education alongside academics. Enrollment is smaller, typically under 500 students, allowing for more individualized attention.
   6. Contact: (863) 644-3931

3. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Medulla
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: A private Christian school offering a classical education model for grades K-12. It emphasizes logic, rhetoric, and traditional learning methods. Class sizes are small, and the curriculum is rigorous.
   • Contact: (863) 644-1402

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity data where available. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, 7-8 above average, and 9-10 exceptional. However, ratings don’t account for school culture, teacher quality, or specific programs that might be a better fit for your child.
   • School Boundaries: Polk County Public Schools assigns students based on zoning, which can change. You can verify your zoned schools using the district’s website (polkschoolsfl.com) by entering your address.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Polk County has several charter and magnet schools, such as McKeel Academy of Technology (a high-performing charter in Lakeland, about 8-10 miles away, rated 9/10). These often require applications or lotteries for admission.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like Niche.com or local Facebook groups (e.g., Lakeland Moms) can provide parent feedback on schools in the area.

   How to Learn More

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Polk County Public Schools Website: Check polkschoolsfl.com for updated zoning, calendars, and program information.
   • Florida Department of Education: Their site (fldoe.org) offers detailed school report cards with performance data.
   • Local Community Input: Neighbors in Groveland South or Medulla can share firsthand experiences about schools.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports focus, or a particular grade level), let me know, and I can dig deeper into those aspects. Also, if you’re looking at a specific address within 33811, I can refine the distance estimates. What are you prioritizing in a school—academics, proximity, extracurriculars, or something else?