Local Schools Near Lake Charlotte Shores, Sebring, 33875

Lake Charlotte Shores is a small community located near Sebring, FL, in Highlands County, with the ZIP code 33875. This area is primarily residential and rural, and while there may not be schools directly within the immediate vicinity of Lake Charlotte Shores, there are several schools in and around Sebring that serve the surrounding communities. Below, I’ll provide information on nearby schools, their ratings, and other relevant details. The ratings are based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on factors such as test scores, student progress, and equity. Note that ratings and data may vary depending on the source and can change over time, so I recommend verifying the latest information through the Highlands County School District or the Florida Department of Education.

Overview of Highlands County School District

Lake Charlotte Shores falls under the Highlands County School District, which oversees public schools in the area. Sebring, the largest nearby city, is approximately 10-15 minutes away by car from Lake Charlotte Shores, and most schools serving this community are located there or in nearby areas. The district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and includes elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as alternative and charter options.

Nearby Schools and Ratings

Below is a list of schools near Lake Charlotte Shores, focusing on public schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-15 miles). I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) where available, as well as basic information about each school. If private or charter schools are of interest, I’ve noted some options as well. Distances are approximate and based on driving from the general area of Lake Charlotte Shores.

Elementary Schools

1. Cracker Trail Elementary School

   • Location: 8200 Sparta Rd, Sebring, FL 33875
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Cracker Trail Elementary is one of the closer schools to Lake Charlotte Shores. It focuses on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. The school has a moderate student-teacher ratio and serves a diverse student population.
   • Contact: (863) 471-5777
   • Website: Highlands County School District (highlands.k12.fl.us)

2. Fred Wild Elementary School

   • Location: 3550 Youth Care Ln, Sebring, FL 33870
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in central Sebring, Fred Wild Elementary serves a larger student population and offers standard elementary education with extracurricular activities. Test scores are slightly below the state average.
   • Contact: (863) 471-5400

3. Woodlawn Elementary School

   • Location: 817 Woodlawn Dr, Sebring, FL 33870
   • Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another option in Sebring, Woodlawn Elementary provides a traditional elementary curriculum with an emphasis on reading and math proficiency.
   • Contact: (863) 471-5444

   Middle Schools

   1. Sebring Middle School
   2. Location: 500 E Center Ave, Sebring, FL 33870
   3. Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Sebring area. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, including sports and clubs. Test scores are near the state average.
   7. Contact: (863) 471-5700

4. Hill-Gustat Middle School

   • Location: 4700 Schumacher Rd, Sebring, FL 33872
   • Distance: Approximately 15-18 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly farther south of Sebring, this middle school has a reputation for strong student progress and offers various extracurriculars.
   • Contact: (863) 471-5437

   High Schools

   1. Sebring High School
   2. Location: 3514 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870
   3. Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Sebring High School is the main public high school for the area, offering a comprehensive curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and athletics. Graduation rates are close to the state average.
   7. Contact: (863) 471-5500

   Charter and Alternative Schools

   1. Highlands Virtual School
   2. Location: Operates online with administrative offices in Sebring, FL
   3. Distance: N/A (online program)
   4. Grade Levels: K-12
   5. Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org due to its virtual nature
   6. Details: This is an option for families seeking a flexible, online learning environment. It is part of the Highlands County School District and follows state standards.
   7. Contact: (863) 471-5610

   Private Schools

   1. Heartland Christian School
   2. Location: 1160 Persimmon Ave, Sebring, FL 33870
   3. Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   4. Grade Levels: PK-12
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org (private schools often lack public ratings)
   6. Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.
   7. Contact: (863) 385-3850

5. St. Catherine Catholic School

   • Location: 2835 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870
   • Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Lake Charlotte Shores
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: A Catholic elementary school providing religious education alongside academics.
   • Contact: (863) 385-7300

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, academic progress, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 5-6 is considered average compared to other Florida schools, while higher ratings (7-10) indicate above-average performance. Keep in mind that ratings don’t capture every aspect of a school, such as teacher quality, community involvement, or specific programs that might suit a student’s needs.
   • School Assignment: Public school assignments in Highlands County are typically based on residential zoning. Families near Lake Charlotte Shores are likely zoned for Cracker Trail Elementary, Sebring Middle, and Sebring High, but this should be confirmed with the Highlands County School District. The district also offers school choice options under certain conditions.
   • Transportation: Since Lake Charlotte Shores is a rural area, school bus services are generally available for public school students, though routes and pickup points should be verified with the district. Private school transportation varies by institution.
   • Extracurriculars and Special Programs: Many of the listed schools offer sports, arts, and STEM programs. Sebring High School, for instance, has a strong athletics program and career academies. For students with special needs, the district provides Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and support services.

   How to Get More Information

   • Highlands County School District: Visit their website at highlands.k12.fl.us or call (863) 471-5555 for zoning information, enrollment procedures, and updates on school performance.
   • GreatSchools.org: A useful resource for detailed ratings, reviews from parents, and comparisons of schools in the Sebring area.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check flDOE.org for state-level data on school performance and accountability reports.
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Contact individual schools to arrange visits or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.

   Conclusion

   For families in Lake Charlotte Shores, Sebring, FL 33875, the most accessible public schools are Cracker Trail Elementary, Sebring Middle, and Sebring High, with ratings ranging from 5 to 6 out of 10 on GreatSchools.org, indicating average performance compared to state standards. Private and virtual options like Heartland Christian School and Highlands Virtual School provide alternatives for those seeking different educational environments. Given the rural nature of the area, driving distances to schools are typically 5-15 miles, and bus services are available for public school students. I recommend reaching out to the Highlands County School District to confirm zoning and explore specific programs or needs