The community of Lake Byrd in Lake Magdalene, FL, falls within the 33618 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, and there are several schools nearby that cater to different grade levels. Below is a list of schools near the Lake Magdalene area (33618), along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, a widely used platform for school evaluations, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. I’ve also included some additional context where possible. 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.
Public Schools Near Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)
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Lake Magdalene Elementary School
- Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (close to 33618)
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
- Details: This school serves the local community and focuses on foundational education for younger students. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs to support student growth. Parent reviews often mention the caring staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lake Magdalene/Lake Byrd area.
- Enrollment: Around 800 students (varies annually).
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Carrollwood Elementary School
- Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
- Details: Known for strong academic performance and a supportive environment, Carrollwood Elementary is a popular choice for families in the 33618 area. It often receives praise for its teachers and extracurricular activities.
- Distance: Roughly 2-3 miles from Lake Byrd.
- Enrollment: Approximately 700-800 students.
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Buchanan Middle School
- Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (near 33618)
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
- Details: This middle school serves students transitioning from elementary to high school. While test scores are average, the school offers various programs, including electives and sports. Some parents mention a need for more resources.
- Distance: About 2-3 miles from Lake Magdalene.
- Enrollment: Around 700 students.
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Gaither High School
- Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
- Details: Gaither High School is one of the primary high schools for the area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Reviews highlight a strong sense of community but note occasional challenges with overcrowding.
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Byrd.
- Enrollment: Over 2,000 students.
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Chamberlain High School (Alternative High School Option)
- Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 (near 33618)
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
- Details: Another high school option for some families in the area, Chamberlain offers various academic and extracurricular opportunities. It has a diverse student population but lower test scores compared to Gaither.
- Distance: About 3-4 miles from Lake Magdalene.
- Enrollment: Around 1,600 students.
Private Schools Near Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)
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Carrollwood Day School
- Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack public ratings), but highly regarded in the community.
- Details: This is an independent, co-educational day school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It’s known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and strong college preparatory focus. Tuition is significant, often ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year depending on grade level.
- Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Lake Byrd.
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Hillel Academy of Tampa
- Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
- Grade Levels: K-8
- GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.
- Details: A Jewish day school providing a blend of secular and religious education. It emphasizes character development and academic excellence. Tuition varies but is generally in the range of $10,000-$15,000 annually.
- Distance: About 1-2 miles from Lake Magdalene.
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Corbett Preparatory School of IDS
- Address: 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.
- Details: A private school known for its innovative teaching methods and focus on individualized learning. It’s part of the International Dyslexia Association network and caters to a range of learners. Tuition is around $15,000-$20,000 per year.
- Distance: Roughly 2-3 miles from Lake Byrd.
Charter Schools Near Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)
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Learning Gate Community School
- Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (near 33618)
- Grade Levels: K-8
- GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
- Details: A public charter school with an environmental education focus. It’s highly rated for its unique curriculum and community involvement. Admission is often lottery-based due to high demand.
- Distance: About 4-5 miles from Lake Magdalene.
- Enrollment: Around 800 students.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. However, they don’t capture every aspect of a school, such as teacher quality, extracurriculars, or specific student needs. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
- School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. You can confirm which schools serve your exact address using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website: hcps.net).
- Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education also assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments. For the most recent grades, check the FLDOE website (fldoe.org). For example, Carrollwood Elementary often receives a B or higher, while some other local schools may vary between C and B.
- Private and Charter Options: These schools often require applications, entrance exams, or lotteries, and costs can be a factor for private institutions. Many families in the area opt for these for smaller class sizes or specialized programs.
How to Research Further
- Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
- Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent feedback that can highlight strengths and weaknesses not captured in ratings.
- Hillsborough County Public Schools: Their website (hcps.net) provides detailed information on zoning, transportation, and special programs (e.g., magnet schools).
- Florida Department of Education: For state-specific data and school report cards (fldoe.org).
If you have a specific address within Lake Byrd or Lake Magdalene, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or sports), let me know, and I can provide more targeted information. Are there any specific schools or aspects you’d like to explore further?