School Choices Detailed and Rated Highlands Grace, Highland City, 33812

The community of Highlands Grace in Highland City, FL, falls within the 33812 ZIP code in Polk County. This area is served by the Polk County Public Schools district, and there are several schools in proximity to Highland City. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including their ratings and some additional details. School ratings are typically based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates 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, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from Highland City for context.

Elementary Schools

1. Highland City Elementary School

   • Location: 5355 9th St SE, Highland City, FL 33846
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Highlands Grace
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This is the closest elementary school to the Highlands Grace community. It serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. Parents often note the small community feel and dedicated teachers, though some mention concerns about class sizes.

2. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Location: 2900 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 4-5 miles from Highlands Grace
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly further away in Lakeland, Valleyview has a strong reputation for academic performance and parent involvement. It offers various programs, including gifted education, and has generally positive reviews for its supportive environment.

   Middle Schools

   1. Bartow Middle School
   2. Location: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Approximate Distance: 6-7 miles from Highlands Grace
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school serves students in the Highland City area and nearby Bartow. It has a focus on preparing students for high school with a range of elective courses. Reviews are mixed, with some parents appreciating the staff while others note challenges with student engagement.

3. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Location: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Highlands Grace
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in Lakeland, this middle school is known for its academic programs and extracurricular offerings, including sports and clubs. It tends to receive positive feedback for its facilities and teacher involvement, though some parents mention overcrowding.

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Location: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Highlands Grace
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary high school serving the Highland City area. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurricular activities like sports and band. It generally receives positive reviews for its academic opportunities and school spirit, though some note challenges with large class sizes.

4. Bartow Senior High School

   • Location: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Approximate Distance: 6-8 miles from Highlands Grace
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another option for high school students in the area, Bartow Senior High offers a range of programs, including International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. It has a historic reputation in the community and mixed reviews, with strengths in academics and some concerns about facilities.

   Private and Charter Schools

   1. Resurrection Catholic School
   2. Location: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Highlands Grace
   4. Grade Levels: PK-8
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche.com are generally positive
   6. Details: A private Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition applies, and enrollment may require adherence to religious guidelines.

5. McKeel Academy of Technology (Charter)

   • Location: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Approximate Distance: 10-12 miles from Highlands Grace
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school in Lakeland with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is lottery-based, and it’s known for strong test scores and college preparation. It’s a bit farther from Highland City but a popular choice for families willing to commute.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: School assignments in Polk County are based on residential zoning, so it’s important to confirm which schools serve the specific address within Highlands Grace by using the Polk County Public Schools’ zoning tool (available on their website: polkschoolsfl.com).
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., culture, specific programs). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for students within zoning areas, but availability depends on distance and specific routes. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation.
   • Other Options: There are additional private schools, homeschooling networks, and online learning options in the broader Lakeland and Bartow areas. For example, Victory Christian Academy in Lakeland (about 8-10 miles away) is another private option with a strong reputation.

   If you have a specific address within Highlands Grace, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more detailed information on a particular school (e.g., programs, reviews, or enrollment processes), let me know! You can also explore the Polk County Public Schools website or contact their office at (863) 534-0500 for the most up-to-date zoning and enrollment information.