School Choices Detailed and Rated Hillcrest Manor, Largo, 33770

Hillcrest Manor is a community located in Largo, FL, with the ZIP code 33770. This area falls within Pinellas County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide information on public and private schools in the vicinity, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates 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 or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Hillcrest Manor area (central Largo, near ZIP 33770).

Public Schools Near Hillcrest Manor, Largo, FL 33770

Public schools in this area are part of the Pinellas County Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Largo Middle School

   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Address: 155 8th Ave SE, Largo, FL 33771
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Largo Middle School serves students in the central Largo area. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student progress. The school offers various programs, including advanced courses and extracurricular activities.

2. Largo High School

   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Address: 410 Missouri Ave N, Largo, FL 33770
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This is the primary high school for the Largo area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like sports and arts. The rating indicates moderate performance compared to state averages.

3. Mildred Helms Elementary School

   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Address: 561 Clearwater Largo Rd S, Largo, FL 33770
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This elementary school serves younger students in the Largo area. It focuses on foundational education with programs for student support and enrichment. The rating suggests average performance in academics and student growth.

4. Ridgecrest Elementary School

   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Address: 1901 119th St N, Largo, FL 33778
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Slightly farther from central Largo, Ridgecrest Elementary has a slightly above-average rating, reflecting better performance in test scores and student progress compared to other local elementary schools.

5. Ponce de Leon Elementary School

   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Address: 1301 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33756 (just outside Largo)
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves students near the Largo-Clearwater border. It has a diverse student body and offers standard elementary education programs, though its rating indicates below-average performance in some metrics.

   Private Schools Near Hillcrest Manor, Largo, FL 33770

   There are also several private school options in and around Largo for families seeking alternatives to public education. These schools may have different rating systems or limited public data, but I’ve included general information and feedback where available.

6. St. Patrick Catholic School

   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Address: 1501 Trotter Rd, Largo, FL 33770
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack standardized ratings)
   • Details: This Catholic school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Reviews from parents often highlight small class sizes and a supportive community. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website or by contacting the school directly.

7. Westside Christian School

   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Address: 11633 137th St N, Largo, FL 33774
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools
   • Details: A private Christian school offering education from kindergarten through high school. It emphasizes biblical teachings alongside academics. Parent reviews often mention a strong sense of community, though class sizes and facilities may be smaller compared to public schools.

8. Pinellas Academy of Math and Science (Charter School)

   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Address: 1775 S Highland Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756 (near Largo border)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Hillcrest Manor
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: While technically a public charter school, it operates with more autonomy than traditional public schools. It focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education and has a higher rating than many nearby traditional public schools.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student academic growth, college readiness (for high schools), and sometimes equity data. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, while 7+ is above average. Ratings below 5 may indicate areas of concern, but they don’t tell the whole story—schools may excel in specific programs or community engagement not reflected in scores.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be confirmed through the Pinellas County Schools website (pcsb.org) using your specific address in Hillcrest Manor. Some schools allow for choice programs or magnet options outside zoned areas.
   • Other Factors: When choosing a school, consider factors beyond ratings, such as extracurricular offerings, teacher-to-student ratios, special needs support, and parent reviews. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide valuable insight.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance data can change yearly. For the most current information, check GreatSchools.org, the Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org), or contact the schools directly.

   How to Research Further

   • Pinellas County Schools Website: pcsb.org – Use the “School Locator” tool to confirm zoned schools for your address.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33770) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards and performance data at fldoe.org.
   • School Tours: Contact schools to schedule visits or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.

   If you have a specific address within Hillcrest Manor or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special education, gifted programs, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, daycares, or higher education options nearby, I’m happy to assist!