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Local Schools Near Highland Woods, Dunedin, 34698

Highland Woods is a community located in Dunedin, FL, within the 34698 ZIP code. Dunedin is a charming city in Pinellas County, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to excellent schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Highland Woods, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational resources. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, 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 personal assessment.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles) of Highland Woods, Dunedin, FL 34698, as this is a typical radius for local school attendance zones or commuting for private schools. The schools are divided into public (assigned based on zoning or magnet programs) and private options.

Public Schools Near Highland Woods, Dunedin, FL 34698

Public schools in this area are part of the Pinellas County Schools district, which serves the region. School assignments are generally based on residential zoning, so I’ll list schools likely to serve the Highland Woods community or nearby areas. You can confirm zoning through the Pinellas County Schools website (www.pcsb.org) by entering your specific address.

Elementary Schools

  1. San Jose Elementary School

    • Address: 1670 San Helen Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698
    • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Highland Woods
    • Grade Levels: K-5
    • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
    • Details: San Jose Elementary is a neighborhood school with a focus on foundational learning. It offers programs like gifted education and has a diverse student body. Parent reviews often highlight the supportive teachers and community involvement.
    • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students (varies yearly)
    • Contact: (727) 469-5956

  2. Dunedin Elementary School

    • Address: 900 Union St, Dunedin, FL 34698
    • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Woods
    • Grade Levels: K-5
    • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: Located in the heart of Dunedin, this school emphasizes a nurturing environment with extracurricular activities. It has a slightly lower rating due to test scores but is praised for its small-town feel and dedicated staff.
    • Enrollment: Around 350-450 students
    • Contact: (727) 738-2990

    Middle Schools

    1. Dunedin Highland Middle School
    2. Address: 70 Patricia Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
    3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Woods
    4. Grade Levels: 6-8
    5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Dunedin area. It offers various academic tracks, including advanced courses, and has extracurriculars like sports and arts. Reviews mention a mix of experiences, with some concerns about class sizes but appreciation for engaged teachers.
    7. Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
    8. Contact: (727) 469-4112

    High Schools

    1. Dunedin High School
    2. Address: 1651 Pinehurst Rd, Dunedin, FL 34698
    3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Highland Woods
    4. Grade Levels: 9-12
    5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    6. Details: Dunedin High School is the zoned high school for much of the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies (like culinary arts and technology), and a strong athletics program. Test scores are average for the state, but the school is known for community spirit and events like the Dunedin Highland Games.
    7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,400 students
    8. Contact: (727) 469-4100

    Note on Public School Choice: Pinellas County Schools offers a school choice program, allowing families to apply to magnet schools, fundamental schools, or other programs outside their zoned area if space is available. Examples include: - Palm Harbor University High School (about 5 miles away, Rating: 9/10), known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and medical magnet. - Osceola Fundamental High School (about 6-7 miles away, Rating: 7/10), which emphasizes a back-to-basics curriculum with strong parent involvement.

    Private Schools Near Highland Woods, Dunedin, FL 34698

    Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes or specific religious or pedagogical focuses. Here are some notable ones within a 5-10 mile radius.

  3. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

    • Address: 730 San Salvador Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698
    • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highland Woods
    • Grade Levels: PK-8
    • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in local reviews
    • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academics and character development. It has a strong community reputation and smaller class sizes.
    • Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies; contact school for current rates)
    • Contact: (727) 733-3776

  4. Cornerstone Christian School

    • Address: 317 Milwaukee Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
    • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Highland Woods
    • Grade Levels: K-12
    • Rating: Limited data; parent reviews are generally positive
    • Details: A smaller Christian school providing individualized attention and a curriculum rooted in biblical principles. It’s a more affordable private option compared to larger institutions.
    • Tuition: Around $5,000-$7,000 per year (estimated)
    • Contact: (727) 733-1438

  5. Shorecrest Preparatory School (Farther Option)

    • Address: 5101 1st St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
    • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Highland Woods
    • Grade Levels: PK-12
    • Rating: Highly rated in private school rankings (often 9/10 or higher on niche.com)
    • Details: An elite college-preparatory school with rigorous academics, arts, and athletics. It’s a significant drive but popular among families seeking top-tier private education in the region.
    • Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$25,000 per year depending on grade level
    • Contact: (727) 522-2111

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while 8-10 is above average. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, specific programs, or teacher quality may matter more to your family.
    • Zoning Verification: Since Highland Woods is a specific community, I recommend using the Pinellas County Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool online to confirm exact assignments for your address.
    • Charter Schools: Pinellas County has several charter schools, such as Plato Academy Charter School (multiple locations, K-8, Rating: 8/10), which may be an option through application. The nearest location is in Clearwater, about 5-6 miles away.
    • Special Needs and Programs: If your child requires specific services (e.g., ESE, gifted programs), contact the schools or district directly to discuss accommodations or specialized programs.

    How to Research Further

    1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have detailed websites with information on curriculum, events, and enrollment processes.
    2. Schedule Tours: Many schools, especially private ones, offer open houses or private tours to prospective families.
    3. Check Florida Department of Education: The state provides report cards for public schools at www.fldoe.org.
    4. Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent feedback that can offer insights beyond numerical ratings.

    If you have specific needs (e.g., a focus on STEM, arts, or a particular grade level), or if you’d like me to narrow down options or provide more details on a specific school, please let me know! I can also help with information on extracurriculars, transportation, or after-school programs if needed.