School Choices Detailed and Rated Lake Chase, Westchase, 33626

The community of Lake Chase in Westchase, FL (ZIP code 33626) is located in Hillsborough County and is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Westchase is a well-regarded area with access to several highly rated schools. Below is a list of schools near the Lake Chase community, including their ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school ratings) and other relevant information. Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. 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. I’ve also included approximate distances from the Lake Chase area in Westchase.

Public Schools Near Lake Chase, Westchase, FL (33626)

1. Westchase Elementary School

   • Address: 9517 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Chase
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
   • Overview: Westchase Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and active parent involvement. It serves many families in the Westchase community and often receives praise for its welcoming environment and extracurricular programs.
   • Student Enrollment: ~900 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Davidsen Middle School

   • Address: 10501 Montague St, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Chase
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: Davidsen Middle School serves students in the Westchase area and is known for its solid academic programs and a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Some parents note that the school has a supportive staff, though class sizes can be larger compared to elementary schools in the area.
   • Student Enrollment: ~1,100 students
   • Additional Info: Offers advanced coursework and magnet programs.

3. Alonso High School

   • Address: 8302 Montague St, Tampa, FL 33635
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Chase
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: Alonso High School is the primary high school serving the Westchase area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities like sports and arts. While its rating is slightly lower than the elementary and middle schools in the area, it still provides a comprehensive education with opportunities for college preparation.
   • Student Enrollment: ~2,600 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its strong athletic programs and community involvement.

   Private Schools Near Lake Chase, Westchase, FL (33626)

4. Berkeley Preparatory School

   • Address: 4811 Kelly Rd, Tampa, FL 33615
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Chase
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack public ratings), but widely regarded as one of the top private schools in the Tampa Bay area.
   • Overview: Berkeley Prep is an elite college-preparatory school with a rigorous academic curriculum, small class sizes, and a focus on leadership and character development. It has a competitive admissions process and a strong reputation for preparing students for top universities.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000–$30,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Additional Info: Offers extensive extracurriculars, including arts, athletics, and community service.

5. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Lake Chase
   • Grade Levels: 1-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools
   • Overview: Tampa Day School specializes in serving students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia. It provides individualized instruction in a supportive environment with small class sizes.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$20,000 per year
   • Additional Info: Focuses on academic and social-emotional growth for students who may struggle in traditional settings.

   Charter Schools Near Lake Chase, Westchase, FL (33626)

6. Horizon Charter School of Tampa

   • Address: 7235 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Chase
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Overview: Horizon Charter School offers a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on personalized learning and a strong academic curriculum. It often appeals to families seeking smaller class sizes and a community-oriented environment.
   • Student Enrollment: ~300 students
   • Additional Info: Admission is typically through a lottery system due to limited spots.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on factors like test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. However, they may not fully reflect the quality of a school’s environment, teacher dedication, or specific programs. Visiting schools and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on zoning, so it’s important to confirm with the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) that Lake Chase falls within the attendance zone for the listed public schools. Families can also apply for school choice or magnet programs if they prefer a different school.
   • Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on performance metrics. For the most recent grades:
   • Westchase Elementary: A
   • Davidsen Middle: B
   • Alonso High: B These grades are updated annually and can be found on the Florida DOE website (fldoe.org).

   Other Educational Resources in the Area

   • Preschools and Daycares: Westchase has several options for early childhood education, including Primrose School of Westchase and Creative World School, both of which are well-reviewed by local parents.
   • After-School Programs: Many schools and community centers in Westchase offer after-school care and enrichment activities.
   • Tutoring and Enrichment: Centers like Mathnasium and Kumon are available nearby for additional academic support.

   If you’re considering moving to or already live in Lake Chase and have specific needs (e.g., special education, gifted programs, or a preference for private schools), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Additionally, I recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses to get a firsthand look at the schools. You can also check community forums like the Westchase Community Association for parent reviews and local insights.

   Would you like me to dive deeper into a specific school or provide information on other nearby communities?