School Choices Detailed and Rated Hickory Lakes, Brandon, 33511

Hickory Lakes is a community located in Brandon, FL, within the 33511 ZIP code. Brandon is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Hickory Lakes, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically 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 schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Hickory Lakes, as this is a typical range for families in suburban areas like Brandon. If you have a specific radius or preference (e.g., only elementary schools), let me know!

Public Schools Near Hickory Lakes, Brandon, FL 33511

Public schools in this area are zoned based on address, so you’ll need to confirm zoning for a specific property in Hickory Lakes using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website). Below are schools commonly associated with the 33511 area near Hickory Lakes.

Elementary Schools

1. Mintz Elementary School

   • Address: 1510 Heather Lakes Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Hickory Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: Mintz Elementary is a neighborhood school with a focus on core academics and some extracurricular activities. It has a diverse student body and offers programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Parent reviews often mention the supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies yearly)
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C (based on state assessments)

2. Brooker Elementary School

   • Address: 812 Dewolf Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Hickory Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Brooker Elementary emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education and has a reputation for strong community involvement. Test scores are slightly above average for the district in some areas.
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

   Middle Schools

   1. Burns Middle School
   2. Address: 615 Brooker Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Hickory Lakes
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Burns Middle School offers a variety of electives and extracurriculars, including band and sports. It serves a diverse population, and while test scores are average, the school has programs to support student growth.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,300 students
   8. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C

   High Schools

   1. Brandon High School
   2. Address: 1101 Victoria St, Brandon, FL 33510
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Hickory Lakes
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Brandon High School is a large public school with a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-technical education. It also has strong athletic programs. College readiness metrics are slightly below state averages.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,800-2,000 students
   8. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   9. Graduation Rate: Approximately 85-90% (based on recent data)

   Private Schools Near Hickory Lakes, Brandon, FL 33511

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in the Brandon area. These schools often have smaller class sizes and may offer religious or specialized curricula.

3. Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

   • Address: 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Hickory Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche gives it a B- based on parent reviews
   • Details: A faith-based school affiliated with Bell Shoals Baptist Church, offering a Christian education with a focus on academics and moral development. Tuition varies by grade level (typically $5,000-$8,000 per year).
   • Enrollment: Around 300-400 students

4. Providence Christian School

   • Address: 5416 Providence Rd, Riverview, FL 33578 (just south of Brandon)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Hickory Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: B on Niche; limited data on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: A private Christian school with a focus on college preparatory education. It offers small class sizes and a family-oriented environment. Tuition ranges from $6,000-$10,000 annually depending on grade.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students

   Charter Schools Near Hickory Lakes, Brandon, FL 33511

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Enrollment is typically open via lottery or application.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Hickory Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly regarded charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It often has a waitlist due to high demand. Test scores are above state averages.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,300 students
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche ratings (A-F scale) incorporate parent and student reviews alongside academic data. Florida School Grades (A-F) are issued by the state based on standardized test performance, graduation rates, and other metrics.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address in Hickory Lakes. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ online locator tool or contact the district at (813) 272-4000 to confirm zoning.
   • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs (e.g., for arts or STEM) are also an option at select schools.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance can change yearly. Check the Florida Department of Education website or individual school websites for the latest reports.

   Conclusion

   Near Hickory Lakes in Brandon, FL 33511, you have access to a mix of public, private, and charter schools. Public schools like Mintz Elementary and Winthrop Charter School stand out for their proximity and ratings, while private options like Bell Shoals Baptist Academy offer faith-based education. If academic performance is a priority, consider schools with higher ratings or state grades (e.g., Winthrop Charter with an A). For a more personalized fit, visiting schools, attending open houses, or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.

   If you’d like me to narrow this down by grade level, specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted), or a tighter radius, or if you have an exact address in Hickory Lakes for zoning confirmation, just let me know! I can also help with contact information or links to school websites if needed.