Local Schools Near Harbor Hills, Lady Lake, 32159

Harbor Hills is a gated, upscale community located in Lady Lake, Florida, within the ZIP code 32159. This area is part of Lake County, and families in Harbor Hills have access to several schools in the vicinity, including public and private options. Below is a detailed overview of the schools near Harbor Hills, Lady Lake, FL 32159, 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. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data for accuracy.

Public Schools Near Harbor Hills, Lady Lake, FL 32159

Public schools in this area are part of the Lake County School District. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the Harbor Hills community, though boundaries can shift, so it's wise to confirm with the Lake County School District (https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/) for the most up-to-date assignments.

1. The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake School

   • Address: 695 Rolling Acres Rd, Lady Lake, FL 32159
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance from Harbor Hills: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This elementary school serves students in the Lady Lake area, including parts of Harbor Hills. It has a reputation for solid academic performance with a focus on core subjects and extracurricular activities. The school often scores above the state average in reading and math proficiency.
   • Student Population: Around 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Offers programs for gifted students and has a strong community involvement focus.

2. Carver Middle School

   • Address: 1200 N Beecher St, Leesburg, FL 34748
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Harbor Hills: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Carver Middle School serves students in the greater Lady Lake and Leesburg areas. Test scores are somewhat below the state average, but the school offers various support programs to help students improve academically.
   • Student Population: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: Features extracurriculars like sports and clubs, though resources may be more limited compared to higher-rated schools.

3. Leesburg High School

   • Address: 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg, FL 34748
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Harbor Hills: Approximately 8-9 miles
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This is the primary high school serving the Harbor Hills area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a focus on career and technical education. Graduation rates are close to the state average, but test scores lag slightly behind.
   • Student Population: Around 1,500-1,600 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its athletic programs and community engagement, though some parents note concerns about class sizes.

   Charter Schools Near Harbor Hills, Lady Lake, FL 32159

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.

4. The Villages Charter School (Multiple Campuses)

   • Address (Elementary): 521 Old School Rd, The Villages, FL 32162
   • Address (Middle/High): 251 Buffalo Trail, The Villages, FL 32162
   • Grade Levels: K-12 (split across campuses)
   • Distance from Harbor Hills: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org for Elementary/Middle); High School often rated similarly high
   • Overview: This highly regarded charter school system serves students in The Villages and surrounding areas, including Lady Lake. It consistently outperforms state averages in test scores and college readiness. The school emphasizes a rigorous curriculum and has a strong reputation for preparing students for higher education.
   • Student Population: Over 3,000 across all campuses
   • Additional Info: Enrollment is competitive and often prioritizes residents of The Villages, though students from nearby areas like Harbor Hills may apply. There’s a waiting list in many cases.

   Private Schools Near Harbor Hills, Lady Lake, FL 32159

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized programs, though they require tuition.

5. Holy Trinity Episcopal School

   • Address: 2201 Spring Lake Rd, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Distance from Harbor Hills: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded based on parent reviews on Niche.com (A- rating)
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a college-preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on character development and academics. Class sizes are small, allowing for personalized attention.
   • Student Population: Around 100-150 students
   • Additional Info: Tuition is required, and financial aid may be available. The school also offers extracurriculars like sports and arts.

6. First Academy-Leesburg

   • Address: 219 N 13th St, Leesburg, FL 34748
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance from Harbor Hills: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; parent reviews on Niche.com suggest a B+ rating
   • Overview: A Christian school providing a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth. It offers a range of programs from elementary through high school.
   • Student Population: Around 300-400 students
   • Additional Info: Tuition-based with potential scholarships. Known for a supportive community environment.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com, which aggregate data on test scores, student-teacher ratios, and parent feedback. The Florida Department of Education also provides school grades (A-F) based on state assessments, which can be accessed at https://www.fldoe.org/.
   • Zoning and Enrollment: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Use the Lake County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve Harbor Hills specifically. Charter and private schools often have separate enrollment processes.
   • The Villages Influence: Due to the proximity to The Villages, a large retirement community, some schools (like The Villages Charter School) cater heavily to that area but are accessible to Lady Lake residents with the right application process.
   • Transportation: Harbor Hills is a private community, and school bus services may or may not extend directly into the neighborhood for public schools. Check with the district for bus stop locations or transportation options.

   Conclusion

   Families in Harbor Hills, Lady Lake, FL 32159, have access to a mix of public, charter, and private schools. The Villages Charter School stands out for its high ratings and academic performance, though enrollment can be competitive. Public schools like The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake are solid options for younger students, while middle and high schools in Leesburg have more mixed reviews. Private schools offer faith-based and personalized education for those seeking alternatives.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports, or arts focus), let me know, and I can dig deeper into particular schools. Additionally, visiting schools or attending open houses can provide firsthand insight beyond ratings. Would you like me to look into a specific school or provide more details on any of the above?