Local Schools Near Lake Carroll, Greater Carrollwood, 33612

The community of Lake Carroll is located in the Greater Carrollwood area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33612. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Florida Department of Education or individual school websites. I’ll also focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to the 33612 ZIP code, particularly those serving the Greater Carrollwood and Lake Carroll areas.

Public Schools Near Lake Carroll, Greater Carrollwood, FL (33612)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below are some of the schools zoned for or near the 33612 area, along with their approximate GreatSchools ratings (as of the latest available data in 2023). Distances are approximate from the center of the Lake Carroll area.

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Type: Public (K-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Carroll
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Details: This school serves elementary students in the Lake Magdalene and Carrollwood areas. It has a focus on academic achievement and offers programs like gifted education. Parent reviews often highlight the supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.

2. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Public (K-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Carroll
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Details: Located slightly north of Lake Carroll, this school is well-regarded in the Carrollwood area for its strong academic performance and community involvement. It often receives positive feedback for its teachers and extracurricular activities.

3. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Type: Public (6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Carroll
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Greater Carrollwood area. It offers a range of academic and elective programs, though test scores are average compared to state standards. Some parents mention a need for more resources or updated facilities.

4. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Lake Carroll
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Details: Gaither High School is one of the primary high schools serving the Carrollwood area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a variety of sports and clubs. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the opportunities and others noting challenges with overcrowding.

5. Chamberlain High School

   • Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Carroll
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Details: Located closer to the heart of the 33612 ZIP code, Chamberlain High School serves a diverse student population. It offers AP courses and extracurriculars but struggles with lower test scores and graduation rates compared to state averages.

   Private Schools Near Lake Carroll, Greater Carrollwood, FL (33612)

   Private schools in the area offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but may be based on parent reviews or niche.com data.

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Type: Private (PK-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Carroll
   • Rating: Highly regarded (often rated 4.5/5 on niche.com)
   • Details: This is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school offering a rigorous academic program from preschool through high school. It’s known for its strong college preparatory focus, small class sizes, and excellent facilities. Tuition is significant, often exceeding $20,000 per year.

7. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Type: Private (K-8, Jewish Day School)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Carroll
   • Rating: Positive parent feedback (specific ratings vary)
   • Details: This school provides a Jewish education alongside a general studies curriculum. It emphasizes community values and individualized learning. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.

8. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

   • Address: 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Type: Private (PK-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Carroll
   • Rating: Highly rated (often 5/5 on parent reviews)
   • Details: Known for its innovative teaching methods and focus on emotional intelligence alongside academics, this school is a popular choice in Carrollwood. It’s also an IB school with a strong reputation, though tuition is on the higher end.

   Charter Schools Near Lake Carroll, Greater Carrollwood, FL (33612)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. They can be an option for families seeking alternative public education.

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (K-8 Campus)
   • Type: Charter (K-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Carroll
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It’s a popular choice for families in the North Tampa area, with a lottery system for enrollment due to high demand.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning: School assignments for public schools depend on specific addresses within the 33612 ZIP code. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hillsboroughschools.org) by entering your address into their school locator tool.
   • Ratings Variability: GreatSchools ratings are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., culture, specific programs). Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public schools may offer bus services based on distance from the school, while private and charter schools often 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, Gaither High School has career-focused academies, and some elementary schools have gifted programs.

   How to Research Further

   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings, reviews, and test score data.
   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: For zoning maps, enrollment information, and district updates.
   • Niche.com: For detailed reviews and rankings of both public and private schools.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or virtual open houses, especially for private and charter options.

   If you have a specific address in the Lake Carroll or Greater Carrollwood area, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with specific programs (e.g., STEM, arts, special needs), let me know, and I can tailor the information further!