School Choices Detailed and Rated Le Clare Shores, Northdale, 33624

I'm the community of Lake Clare Shores in Northdale, FL (ZIP code 33624), I'll provide information on nearby schools, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Northdale is a suburban area in Hillsborough County, near Tampa, and is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below is a list of schools within or near the 33624 ZIP code, focusing on elementary, middle, and high schools. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like parent reviews.

Public Schools Near Lake Clare Shores, Northdale, FL (33624)

Hillsborough County Public Schools operates the public schools in this area. Here are the schools closest to the Northdale community:

1. Claywell Elementary School

   • Address: 4500 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Northdale/Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Claywell Elementary is well-regarded for its academic performance and parent involvement. It often scores above the district average on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments). The school offers programs for gifted students and has a focus on STEM education.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1

2. Northwest Elementary School

   • Address: 16438 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625 (near 33624 border)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Northwest Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on individualized learning plans. Test scores are near the state average, with strengths in reading proficiency.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 13:1

3. Ben Hill Middle School

   • Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Ben Hill Middle School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Academic performance is average compared to state standards, with ongoing efforts to improve math and science scores.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

4. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 (near 33624)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida DOE School Grades 2022-2023)
   • Details: Gaither High School is the primary high school serving the Northdale area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong athletics program. Graduation rates are above the district average at around 90%.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 18:1

   Private Schools Near Lake Clare Shores, Northdale, FL (33624)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance:

5. Hillsdale Christian Academy

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche give it a B-
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with small class sizes. It emphasizes moral development alongside academics. Tuition varies by grade level, typically ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 annually.
   • Enrollment: Around 200 students

6. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grade Levels: 1-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for specialized education
   • Details: This school caters to students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, offering tailored instruction. Tuition is higher, often exceeding $20,000 per year.
   • Enrollment: Around 100 students

7. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (near 33624)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: A- on Niche; highly regarded in the area
   • Details: An independent, college-preparatory school with an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It has strong academic and extracurricular offerings. Tuition ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 annually.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students

   Charter Schools Near Lake Clare Shores, Northdale, FL (33624)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula:

8. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (near 33624)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Clare Shores
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school with an environmental education focus, offering hands-on learning experiences. It consistently performs above state averages on standardized tests. Admission is lottery-based.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which aggregate test scores, parent feedback, and other metrics. The Florida Department of Education also assigns letter grades (A-F) to public schools based on performance metrics like student achievement and learning gains. These ratings are snapshots and may not fully reflect a school’s culture or fit for a specific child.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. You can confirm zoning for a specific address using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website: hcps.net).
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services within designated zones. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation or may charge additional fees for it.
   • Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, Gaither High School has a strong AP program, and some elementary schools like Claywell have gifted tracks.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit School Websites: Most schools have detailed websites with information on curricula, extracurriculars, and enrollment processes.
   • Schedule Tours: Contact schools directly to arrange visits or attend open houses, especially for private and charter options.
   • Check Florida DOE Reports: The Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org) provides detailed school performance reports and grades.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche include parent and student feedback, which can offer insights beyond numerical ratings.

   If you have a specific address within Lake Clare Shores or Northdale, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific educational needs (e.g., special education or gifted programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information.