School Choices Detailed and Rated Indian Lakes, Citrus Park, 33625

The community of Indian Lakes in Citrus Park, FL, falls within the 33625 ZIP code area, which is part of Hillsborough County. This 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 Indian Lakes, including public schools zoned for this area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

Public Schools Near Indian Lakes, Citrus Park, FL (33625)

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Indian Lakes community in Citrus Park. I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (out of 10) and some additional context from Niche.com or other sources where available. These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors.

Elementary Schools

1. Northwest Elementary School

   • Address: 16438 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Niche Rating: B+
   • Details: Northwest Elementary is known for a strong focus on student achievement and offers programs like gifted education. It has a diverse student body and generally positive parent reviews for its supportive environment. Enrollment is around 600-700 students.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1
   • Additional Info: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for specific zoning maps, as boundaries can shift.

2. Citrus Park Elementary School (Alternative or nearby option)

   • Address: 7700 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Details: Located close to the heart of Citrus Park, this school serves many families in the area. It has a focus on community involvement and offers after-school programs. Enrollment is around 600 students.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 13:1

   Middle Schools

   1. Sergeant Paul R. Smith Middle School
   2. Address: 14303 Citrus Pointe Dr, Tampa, FL 33625
   3. Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   6. Niche Rating: B-
   7. Details: This middle school serves a large portion of the Citrus Park area and offers various extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. It has a diverse student population of around 800-900 students. Some reviews mention a need for improvement in academic rigor, but others praise the staff’s dedication.
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

   High Schools

   1. Sickles High School
   2. Address: 7950 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33626
   3. Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   6. Niche Rating: A-
   7. Details: Sickles High School is one of the higher-rated public high schools in the area, known for strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a competitive athletics program. It has an enrollment of around 2,300 students. Parent and student reviews often highlight the school’s college preparatory focus and extracurricular opportunities.
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 19:1
   9. Graduation Rate: Around 95% (based on recent Florida DOE data)

   Private Schools Near Indian Lakes, Citrus Park, FL (33625)

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options within a reasonable distance of Indian Lakes. Below are a few notable ones with ratings or reviews where available.

3. Citrus Park Christian School

   • Address: 7705 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated (private schools often lack standardized ratings)
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Details: This faith-based school offers a Christian curriculum with a focus on small class sizes and individualized attention. Enrollment is around 300-400 students across all grades. Tuition varies by grade level but is generally in the range of $8,000-$12,000 per year (verify with the school for current rates).
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 10:1

4. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 1-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated
   • Niche Rating: Not widely rated, but positive parent feedback
   • Details: This private school specializes in supporting students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia. It offers a tailored educational approach with small class sizes. Tuition is higher due to specialized services, often exceeding $20,000 annually (confirm with the school).
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 6:1

5. Hillsdale Christian Academy

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated
   • Niche Rating: Limited data, generally positive reviews
   • Details: Another faith-based option, Hillsdale provides a Christian education with an emphasis on moral development alongside academics. Enrollment is smaller, fostering a close-knit community. Tuition is typically around $7,000-$10,000 per year (subject to change).
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 12:1

   Charter Schools Near Indian Lakes

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Here are a couple of options nearby:

6. Horizon Charter School of Tampa

   • Address: 7235 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from Indian Lakes: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes a personalized learning approach and has a smaller student population of around 300-400. Admission is often lottery-based, so check availability with the school.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning Verification: School assignments in Hillsborough County can depend on specific addresses within the 33625 ZIP code. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve the exact address in Indian Lakes.
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools or Niche are useful but not definitive. They often rely heavily on standardized test scores, which may not reflect the full quality of a school. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and reading parent reviews can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically offer bus services for zoned students, while private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Special Programs: Some schools in the area offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, Sickles High School has a strong AP program, and some elementary schools have before- and after-care options.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org – For zoning maps, school calendars, and enrollment information.
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings, test scores, and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: For additional ratings and community feedback.
   • Florida Department of Education: For official school performance reports and graduation rates.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for private or charter options.

   If you have a specific address within Indian Lakes or additional criteria (e.g., focus on special needs, sports, or arts programs), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you’d like more details on any particular school!