Local Schools Near Kensington Heights, Medulla, 33811

Kensington Heights is a community located in the Medulla area of Lakeland, Florida, with the ZIP code 33811. This area falls within Polk County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Kensington Heights/Medulla, FL, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like parent reviews. Note 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 public schools zoned for or near the 33811 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Distances are approximate based on the general location of Medulla/Kensington Heights, near the intersection of County Line Road and Medulla Road.

Public Schools Near Kensington Heights, Medulla, FL (33811)

1. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Road, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Kensington Heights
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is likely the zoned elementary school for much of the Kensington Heights area. It serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though test scores are around average for the state.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3515
   • Website: Check Polk County Public Schools (polkschoolsfl.com) for more info.

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Drive, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Kensington Heights
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school typically serves students from Medulla Elementary and nearby areas. It offers a range of extracurricular activities and has slightly above-average test scores compared to other Polk County middle schools. Some reviews highlight strong teacher involvement.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3500

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Kensington Heights
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida Department of Education, recent years)
   • Details: This is the likely zoned high school for the area. George Jenkins High offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a variety of sports and clubs. It has a decent graduation rate (around 90% based on recent data) and mixed reviews on student engagement and facilities.
   • Contact: (863) 648-3566

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Alternative or Magnet Options)

   • R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School
   • Address: 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland, FL 33811
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another elementary option in the 33811 area, though zoning may depend on exact address. Similar performance to Medulla Elementary with a focus on foundational skills.

   • Contact: (863) 648-3525

   • Polk State College Collegiate High School (Charter)

   • Address: 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 11-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A grade (Florida DOE)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school option for juniors and seniors, offering dual enrollment with Polk State College. Admission is selective, and it’s ideal for college-bound students.
   • Contact: (863) 669-2322

   Private Schools Near Kensington Heights, Medulla, FL

   1. Resurrection Catholic School
   2. Address: 3720 Old Highway 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
   4. Grade Levels: PreK-8
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   6. Details: A faith-based option with a focus on Catholic values and academics. Tuition applies, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   7. Contact: (863) 644-3931
   8. Tuition: Approx. $6,000-$8,000/year (varies; contact school for current rates)

4. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded in parent reviews (Niche) for classical education approach
   • Details: A private Christian school emphasizing classical education (logic, rhetoric, grammar). Smaller enrollment with a rigorous curriculum.
   • Contact: (863) 644-1408
   • Tuition: Approx. $7,000-$10,000/year (contact for specifics)

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and academic progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Florida DOE grades (A-F) are another metric, often aligned with state testing (FSA/FAST). Check both for a fuller picture.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on your exact address within Kensington Heights. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool on their website (polkschoolsfl.com) to confirm zoning.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Polk County has several charter and magnet schools (e.g., McKeel Academy of Technology, ~7 miles away, rated 8/10). These often require applications and may have waitlists.
   • Performance Trends: Polk County schools, on average, perform slightly below state averages on standardized tests, but individual schools like George Jenkins High have strong programs in specific areas (e.g., AP courses).

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like Niche.com or GreatSchools.org have user feedback.
   • Polk County Public Schools: Their website offers detailed reports, zoning maps, and contact info.
   • Florida DOE: Access school report cards at fldoe.org for state-assigned grades and data.

   If you have a specific address in Kensington Heights or prefer details on a particular school type (e.g., private, special needs programs), let me know, and I can refine the search. Also, if you’re looking for preschools or after-school programs, I can include those as well. What else would you like to know?