Local Schools Near Hillside, Lake Alfred, 33850

Hillside is a community in Lake Alfred, FL, with the ZIP code 33850. Lake Alfred is a small city in Polk County, Florida, and is part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Hillside community in Lake Alfred, including 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 impression.

I’ll focus on public schools within or near Lake Alfred, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Since "Hillside" is a specific neighborhood, I’ll include schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) that residents of this community might attend. Distances are approximate based on Lake Alfred’s central location.

Public Schools Near Hillside, Lake Alfred, FL (ZIP 33850)

1. Lake Alfred Elementary School

   • Address: 550 E Cummings St, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from the Hillside community (central Lake Alfred)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school serving Lake Alfred. It focuses on foundational education with programs for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. Test scores are near the state average, with some variation in math and reading proficiency.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students (varies by year)
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and community involvement activities.

2. Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred

   • Address: 1000 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Hillside
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a public charter middle school in Lake Alfred. It serves as an alternative to traditional middle schools in the area, with a focus on individualized learning. Test scores are slightly below the state average, but the school emphasizes student engagement and character development.
   • Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students
   • Additional Info: As a charter school, it may have a different curriculum focus and application process compared to traditional public schools.

3. Lake Alfred Polytech Academy (formerly Lake Alfred-Addair Middle School)

   • Address: 925 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Hillside
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school has transitioned into a polytechnic academy with a focus on career and technical education alongside standard middle school curriculum. Test scores are below the state average, but the school is working on improving student outcomes through specialized programs.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Offers unique pathways for students interested in technical skills.

4. Auburndale Senior High School

   • Address: 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Hillside, Lake Alfred
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the nearest traditional public high school for many Lake Alfred residents, including those in Hillside. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Test scores and graduation rates are near the state average.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,600-1,800 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its community involvement and athletic programs.

   Nearby Alternative or Charter Schools

5. Berkley Accelerated Middle School (Charter)

   • Address: 5316 Berkley Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Hillside
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school offering an accelerated curriculum for middle school students. It has higher test scores compared to some local traditional schools and focuses on preparing students for advanced high school coursework.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students
   • Additional Info: Requires an application process for enrollment.

6. Berkley Charter School (Elementary)

   • Address: 5240 Berkley Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Hillside
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A high-performing charter elementary school with strong test scores and a focus on academic excellence. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Like other charter schools, it may have a lottery or application system.

   Private Schools Near Hillside, Lake Alfred, FL

7. St. Joseph Catholic School

   • Address: 532 Ave M NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Hillside
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-regarded in the community (based on parent reviews on Niche)
   • Details: A private Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic rigor and moral development. Tuition applies, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students
   • Additional Info: Part of the Diocese of Orlando, with a strong emphasis on community service.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Rating Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche.com and the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards may provide additional perspectives (e.g., letter grades like A-F). Always check multiple sources as methodologies differ.
   • Zoning: School assignments in Polk County are based on residential zoning. Families in Hillside, Lake Alfred, are typically zoned for Lake Alfred Elementary, Discovery Academy or Lake Alfred Polytech for middle school, and Auburndale Senior High. However, charter schools and school choice programs may allow attendance outside zoned areas with approval.
   • Charter and Private Options: Charter schools like Discovery Academy and Berkley schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique focuses. Private schools like St. Joseph require tuition and may have religious affiliations.
   • Performance Trends: Some schools in the Lake Alfred area have test scores below the state average, reflecting broader challenges in Polk County. However, schools like Berkley Charter show stronger performance, and individual student experiences can vary widely based on teachers, programs, and family involvement.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: Visit www.polkschoolsfl.com for zoning maps, school choice options, and updated report cards.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: These sites offer parent reviews and detailed breakdowns of test scores and demographics.
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school grades and performance data at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Hillside, I can help confirm exact zoning. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or schools with specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education), let me know, and I can dig deeper. Are there any particular grade levels or types of schools you’re most interested in?