Local Schools Near Highland Park, Citrus Park, 33626

Highland Park is a community within the Citrus Park area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33626. This area falls within Hillsborough County, which has a variety of public, private, and charter school options. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Highland Park/Citrus Park, FL (33626), including their ratings based on 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 visiting the schools or checking the most current data for the latest information.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to the 33626 ZIP code, particularly those serving the Citrus Park/Highland Park area. The schools are categorized into public, charter, and private options, and I’ll include elementary, middle, and high schools.

Public Schools Near Highland Park, Citrus Park, FL (33626)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. The schools listed below are zoned for or near the 33626 area, particularly around Highland Park.

Elementary Schools

1. Westchase Elementary School

   • Address: 9514 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Westchase Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and active parent involvement. It often ranks high in test scores for reading and math within Hillsborough County.
   • Enrollment: ~900 students
   • Notable Features: Offers gifted programs and a focus on STEM education.

2. Deer Park Elementary School

   • Address: 11605 Citrus Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Deer Park Elementary serves a diverse student body and is known for its supportive environment and extracurricular activities. It has solid test scores and a focus on student growth.
   • Enrollment: ~800 students
   • Notable Features: Strong community involvement and after-school programs.

3. Bryant Elementary School

   • Address: 13910 Nine Eagles Dr, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located near the West Park Village area, Bryant Elementary is praised for its academic rigor and family-friendly atmosphere.
   • Enrollment: ~1,000 students
   • Notable Features: Offers a variety of enrichment programs and has a high parent satisfaction rate.

   Middle Schools

   1. Davidsen Middle School
   2. Address: 10501 Montague St, Tampa, FL 33626
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Park
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Davidsen Middle School serves many students from the Citrus Park and Westchase areas. It offers a range of electives and extracurriculars, including sports and clubs.
   7. Enrollment: ~1,100 students
   8. Notable Features: Known for its AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to prepare students for college.

4. Farnell Middle School

   • Address: 13912 Nine Eagles Dr, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Farnell Middle School is well-regarded for its academic programs and student support services. It often feeds into Sickles High School.
   • Enrollment: ~1,200 students
   • Notable Features: Strong focus on technology integration and STEM education.

   High Schools

   1. Sickles High School
   2. Address: 7950 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33626
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highland Park
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Sickles High School is the primary high school for the Citrus Park and Westchase areas. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities.
   7. Enrollment: ~2,300 students
   8. Notable Features: Strong athletics programs and a high graduation rate (around 95% as of recent data).

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   Charter Schools Near Highland Park, Citrus Park, FL (33626)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. There are a few charter options near the 33626 area.

5. Horizon Charter School of Tampa

   • Address: 7235 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33625 (near 33626)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Horizon Charter focuses on personalized learning and smaller class sizes. It’s an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Enrollment: ~300 students
   • Notable Features: Emphasis on character education and community service.

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   Private Schools Near Highland Park, Citrus Park, FL (33626)

   Private schools in the area offer alternative education options, often with a religious affiliation or specialized curriculum. Below are some notable private schools near 33626.

6. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625 (near 33626)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: 1-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; highly reviewed by parents on Niche (A-)
   • Details: Tampa Day School specializes in supporting students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, while providing a rigorous academic program.
   • Enrollment: ~150 students
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes and individualized attention.

7. Citrus Park Christian School

   • Address: 7705 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625 (near 33626)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian education with a focus on academics, arts, and athletics.
   • Enrollment: ~300 students
   • Notable Features: Affordable tuition compared to other private schools and a family-oriented environment.

8. Hillsdale Christian Academy

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625 (near 33626)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Highland Park
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive reviews from families
   • Details: Another faith-based option with a focus on biblical teachings alongside academics.
   • Enrollment: ~200 students
   • Notable Features: Small community feel and emphasis on moral development.

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   School Ratings Summary

   • Highest-Rated Public Schools: Westchase Elementary (9/10), Bryant Elementary (9/10), Sickles High School (8/10)
   • Charter Schools: Horizon Charter School of Tampa (6/10, but a good alternative for personalized learning)
   • Private Schools: Tampa Day School (highly reviewed for specialized learning needs); Citrus Park Christian and Hillsdale Christian for faith-based education.

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   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on residential address. You can confirm zoning for a specific address using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “School Locator” tool on their website (hcpsweb.sdhc.k12.fl.us/schoollocator).
   • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers a school choice program, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available (including magnet programs for arts, STEM, etc.).
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other sources may differ based on criteria. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with other parents can provide a fuller picture.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.

   If you have a specific address in Highland Park or Citrus Park, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific magnet programs, let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you