School Choices Detailed and Rated Lake Dexter Moorings, Winter Haven, 33884

The community of Lake Dexter Moorings in Winter Haven, FL (ZIP code 33884) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve this area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby public and private schools, along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are typically sourced from platforms like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale 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 checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the Lake Dexter Moorings area.

Public Schools Near Lake Dexter Moorings, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Garden Grove Elementary School

   • Address: 4599 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Dexter Moorings
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves elementary students in the immediate area and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. It has a diverse student body and a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1 (based on recent data). Parents often note the supportive staff, though some mention concerns about class sizes.

2. Chain of Lakes Elementary School

   • Address: 7001 Hwy 653, Winter Haven, FL 33884
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Dexter Moorings
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) focus, this school offers a modern curriculum and has received positive feedback for its innovative programs. It serves a mix of suburban and rural students in the area.

3. Denison Middle School

   • Address: 400 Avenue A SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Dexter Moorings
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students transitioning from elementary to high school. It offers various extracurriculars, including sports and clubs. Reviews are mixed, with some parents appreciating the teachers’ dedication and others citing challenges with student behavior or resources.

4. Winter Haven Senior High School

   • Address: 600 6th St SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Dexter Moorings
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: The primary high school for the area, it offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and athletics. Graduation rates are around the state average, and feedback varies regarding school culture and academic rigor.

   Private Schools Near Lake Dexter Moorings, Winter Haven, FL 33884

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are a few private schools in the Winter Haven area:

5. Winter Haven Christian School

   • Address: 1700 Buckeye Loop Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33881
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Lake Dexter Moorings
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche.com gives it a B- based on parent reviews and academics
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition varies by grade level, and the school emphasizes moral development alongside academics. Reviews highlight a close-knit community but note limited extracurricular options compared to larger schools.

6. All Saints Academy

   • Address: 5001 State Road 540 W, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Lake Dexter Moorings
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche.com gives it an A- for academics and overall experience
   • Details: This is an independent, college-preparatory school with an Episcopal affiliation. It offers a rigorous academic program, arts, and athletics. Tuition is higher than other local private schools, but it’s well-regarded for preparing students for higher education.

   Charter Schools Near Lake Dexter Moorings, Winter Haven, FL 33884

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

   1. Cypress Junction Montessori
   2. Address: 220 5th St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Dexter Moorings
   4. Grade Levels: PK-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This charter school follows the Montessori method, emphasizing hands-on, self-directed learning. It’s a smaller school with a focus on individualized education. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., culture, specific programs, or teacher quality). Niche.com provides letter grades (A-F) and incorporates parent and student reviews, which can offer a more holistic view.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. You can confirm which schools serve Lake Dexter Moorings by using the Polk County Public Schools’ school locator tool (available on their website) or by contacting the district directly at (863) 534-0500.
   • Visiting Schools: I recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities, meet staff, and ask about programs specific to your child’s needs (e.g., special education, gifted programs, or extracurriculars).
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check with individual schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: www.polkschoolsfl.com (for zoning, calendars, and district updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code 33884 for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed parent and student feedback on schools in Winter Haven.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and performance data at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., schools with strong special education programs, sports, or arts), or if you’d like me to dig deeper into a particular school, let me know! I can also help with information on preschools or after-school programs if needed.