Local Schools Near Hallam, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

The community of Hallam in Lakeland Highlands, FL, falls within the 33813 ZIP code in Polk County. This area is served by the Polk County Public Schools district, and there are several schools nearby that cater to different grade levels. Below is a detailed overview of the available schools near this community, including their ratings, based on 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. Note 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 impression.

Elementary Schools

1. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 Scott Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Hallam/Lakeland Highlands: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Scott Lake Elementary is a public school with a focus on foundational education. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs to support student learning. Parent reviews often highlight the caring staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

2. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Address: 2900 State Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Hallam/Lakeland Highlands: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Valleyview Elementary is known for strong academic performance compared to other schools in the district. It emphasizes a supportive learning environment and has received positive feedback for its extracurricular activities.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Hallam/Lakeland Highlands: Approximately 1-2 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Lakeland Highlands area. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced programs for eligible students. Reviews mention a mix of experiences, with some praising the teachers and others noting challenges with student behavior.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 18:1

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Hallam/Lakeland Highlands: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, this high school is well-regarded in the area for its academic programs, sports, and extracurriculars. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has a strong graduation rate. Parent and student reviews often highlight the school spirit and opportunities for college preparation.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,300 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 20:1

   Private/Charter Schools

   1. Resurrection Catholic School
   2. Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Hallam/Lakeland Highlands: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: PreK-8
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-reviewed by parents (Niche)
   6. Details: This private Catholic school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition applies, and enrollment is smaller compared to public schools, allowing for more individualized attention.
   7. Enrollment: Around 400 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 12:1

3. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803 (nearby, just outside 33813)
   • Distance from Hallam/Lakeland Highlands: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents on Niche (A- overall)
   • Details: One of the oldest and most established private Christian schools in the area, offering a comprehensive curriculum with a biblical worldview. It is known for strong academics and athletics but requires tuition.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 10:1

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on a 1-10 scale, considering test scores, equity, and student progress. A rating of 6 or above is generally considered average to above average.
   • Niche Ratings: These often include parent and student feedback, giving a more qualitative perspective alongside academic data.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within Lakeland Highlands. You can confirm zoning through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) by entering your address into their school locator tool.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Polk County has several charter and magnet schools, such as McKeel Academy of Technology (a highly rated charter school about 6-8 miles away), which may require applications or lotteries for admission.

   Other Considerations

   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private schools may or may not offer transportation.
   • Extracurriculars: Schools like George W. Jenkins High and Lakeland Highlands Middle offer a variety of sports, clubs, and arts programs, which are often a draw for families.
   • Special Needs and Programs: If your child requires specific accommodations or programs (e.g., gifted education, ESOL, or special education), contact the individual schools or the Polk County district office for detailed information.

   If you have a specific address in Hallam or Lakeland Highlands, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more detailed or updated ratings, visiting the schools’ websites or scheduling tours can provide deeper insight. Let me know if you’d like assistance with contacting the district or finding more specific data!