School Choices Detailed and Rated La Collina, Brandon, 33511

La Collina is a residential community located in Brandon, FL, within the 33511 ZIP code. This area falls under Hillsborough County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near the La Collina community, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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 firsthand impression.

Zoned Schools for La Collina, Brandon, FL 33511

The specific schools assigned to a neighborhood can depend on exact zoning boundaries, which are determined by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Based on the location of La Collina near Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue, the following schools are likely zoned for this area. You can confirm exact zoning by using the district’s school locator tool (available on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website) or by contacting the district directly.

Elementary School

• Brooker Elementary School
• Address: 812 Dewolf Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
• Distance from La Collina: Approximately 1-2 miles
• Grade Levels: K-5
• GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (as of recent data)
• Niche Rating: B- (based on academics, teachers, and diversity)
• Overview: Brooker Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. The school offers various programs, including exceptional student education (ESE) services. Parent reviews often mention the supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.
• Florida Department of Education School Grade: C (based on recent state assessments)

Middle School

• Burns Middle School
• Address: 615 Brooker Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
• Distance from La Collina: Approximately 1.5-2.5 miles
• Grade Levels: 6-8
• GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
• Niche Rating: B
• Overview: Burns Middle School offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced courses and sports. It has a reputation for a strong sense of community, though some parents have mixed reviews about student discipline and academic rigor.
• Florida Department of Education School Grade: B

High School

• Bloomingdale High School
• Address: 1700 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL 33596 (just outside 33511 but serves parts of Brandon)
• Distance from La Collina: Approximately 3-4 miles
• Grade Levels: 9-12
• GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
• Niche Rating: A-
• Overview: Bloomingdale High School is well-regarded for its academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a strong athletics program. It has a diverse student body and offers various clubs and extracurriculars. Reviews often highlight college preparedness and teacher dedication, though some mention overcrowding as a concern.
• Florida Department of Education School Grade: A

Other Nearby Schools (Public, Charter, and Private Options)

In addition to zoned public schools, families in La Collina may have access to other educational options nearby, including magnet schools, charter schools, and private institutions. Here are some notable ones within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles):

Public Charter Schools

• Winthrop Charter School
• Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
• Distance from La Collina: About 5 miles
• Grade Levels: K-8
• GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
• Niche Rating: A-
• Overview: A tuition-free public charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It often has a waitlist due to high demand.
• Florida Department of Education School Grade: A

Private Schools

• Bell Shoals Baptist Academy
• Address: 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
• Distance from La Collina: About 2-3 miles
• Grade Levels: PK-8
• Niche Rating: Not widely rated, but parent reviews are generally positive
• Overview: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with an emphasis on small class sizes and individualized attention. Tuition costs apply, and financial aid may be available.

• Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for current rates)

• Immanuel Lutheran School

• Address: 2913 John Moore Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
• Distance from La Collina: About 3 miles
• Grade Levels: PK-8
• Niche Rating: B
• Overview: Another faith-based option with a focus on Christian values and academic preparation. Known for a family-oriented environment.
• Tuition: Around $5,000-$7,000 per year (contact school for specifics)

Magnet Programs

Hillsborough County offers magnet programs for students interested in specialized curricula (e.g., STEM, arts, International Baccalaureate). These programs often require applications and may involve transportation outside the immediate area. Examples include: - Newsome High School (IB Program) in Lithia, FL (about 8-10 miles away) - Strawberry Crest High School (IB and STEM focus) in Dover, FL (about 10 miles away)

Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

• Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, while Niche ratings (letter grades) incorporate parent and student reviews, diversity, and extracurriculars. Florida DOE grades (A-F) focus on state assessment results and graduation rates. Discrepancies between ratings can occur due to differing methodologies.
• School Choice: Hillsborough County offers a school choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Applications are typically submitted during an open enrollment period.
• Transportation: Public school students within zoning typically qualify for bus transportation if they live beyond a certain distance (often 2 miles) from the school. Check with the district for specific routes near La Collina.
• Updates: School zones and ratings can change due to redistricting or performance fluctuations. Visit the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (www.hillsboroughschools.org) or call their office at (813) 272-4000 for the latest information.

Conclusion

The La Collina community in Brandon, FL (33511) is served by Brooker Elementary, Burns Middle, and Bloomingdale High as the primary zoned public schools, with ratings ranging from average to above average. Families also have access to nearby charter and private schools like Winthrop Charter and Bell Shoals Baptist Academy for alternative options. If you’re considering a specific school, I recommend scheduling a tour, attending open houses, or reviewing recent parent feedback on platforms like GreatSchools or Niche. Additionally, confirm zoning and explore school choice options through the Hillsborough County Public Schools district.

If you have a specific address within La Collina or need more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can assist further!