Local Schools Near Highland Towers, Sebring, 33870

Highland Towers is a community located in Sebring, FL, within the 33870 ZIP code. Sebring is part of Highlands County, and the schools in this area are primarily managed by the School Board of Highlands County. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Highland Towers, including public schools zoned for this area, their ratings, and some additional context. Ratings are typically based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools 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 Highland Towers (based on general location data for Sebring, FL 33870) and mention private school options if applicable.

Public Schools Near Highland Towers, Sebring, FL 33870

Highland Towers is centrally located in Sebring, so the schools listed below are likely within a reasonable distance (under 5-10 miles). The zoning for specific addresses can vary, so I recommend confirming with the School Board of Highlands County (https://www.highlands.k12.fl.us/) for exact assignments based on your address.

Elementary Schools

1. Cracker Trail Elementary School

   • Location: 8200 Sparta Rd, Sebring, FL 33872 (approximately 5-6 miles from central Sebring/Highland Towers)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Cracker Trail Elementary focuses on core academics with an emphasis on reading and math proficiency. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs like gifted education.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)
   • Performance: Generally average to above-average test scores compared to state benchmarks.

2. Fred Wild Elementary School

   • Location: 3550 Youth Care Ln, Sebring, FL 33870 (approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Towers)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located closer to central Sebring, this school provides a standard elementary curriculum with additional support for students needing intervention.
   • Student Population: Approximately 500-600 students
   • Performance: Test scores are near the state average, with some variation in math and reading proficiency.

   Middle Schools

   1. Sebring Middle School
   2. Location: 500 E Center Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 (approximately 1-2 miles from Highland Towers)
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the primary middle school serving central Sebring. It offers electives, sports, and extracurricular activities alongside core academics.
   6. Student Population: Around 700-800 students
   7. Performance: Average performance on state assessments, with strengths in certain elective programs.

   High Schools

   1. Sebring High School
   2. Location: 3514 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870 (approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Towers)
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: As the main high school for the area, Sebring High offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and extracurriculars like athletics and band.
   6. Student Population: Approximately 1,600-1,800 students
   7. Performance: Graduation rates are near the state average (around 85-90%), with mixed results in college readiness metrics.

   Private Schools Near Highland Towers, Sebring, FL 33870

   Private schools offer alternative education options and may have different admission processes and tuition costs. Here are a couple of notable ones in the Sebring area:

3. Heartland Christian School

   • Location: 1160 Persimmon Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 (approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Towers)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews are generally positive from parents for its faith-based education.
   • Details: A private, Christian school offering a curriculum rooted in biblical teachings alongside standard academics. Smaller class sizes are a common feature.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school directly for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000 per year depending on grade level).

4. St. Catherine Catholic School

   • Location: 2835 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870 (approximately 2 miles from Highland Towers)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for a nurturing environment and religious focus.
   • Details: A Catholic elementary school emphasizing moral values and academic basics. It’s smaller in size compared to public schools.
   • Tuition: Around $4,000-$6,000 annually (confirm with the school).

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings (on a scale of 1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and sometimes equity factors. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while 6-7/10 is above average for Florida schools in similar demographics. Keep in mind that ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter.
   • Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments (FSA, EOC exams) and other metrics like graduation rates. You can check the latest grades at https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/. As of recent years, most Sebring-area schools have received C or B grades.
   • Zoning and Choice: Public school assignments are based on residential zoning, but Highlands County may offer school choice options or magnet programs. Contact the district office at (863) 471-5000 for specifics on Highland Towers’ zoning.
   • Charter Schools: There are limited charter school options directly in Sebring, but some families explore nearby areas or virtual programs if seeking alternatives.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment at schools like Sebring Middle or Fred Wild Elementary.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com often have parent feedback on local schools.
   • District Resources: The School Board of Highlands County website (https://www.highlands.k12.fl.us/) provides zoning maps, bus routes, and registration info.
   • Florida DOE Report Cards: Detailed performance data for each school is available through the state’s education portal.

   If you have a specific address within Highland Towers or want details on a particular school (like programs for special needs or extracurriculars), let me know, and I can refine the information further! Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or after-school programs near 33870, I can assist with that as well.