Local Schools Near Lake Emerald, Lake Magdalene, 33618

The community of Lake Emerald in Lake Magdalene, FL, falls within the 33618 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, and there are several schools nearby that cater to different grade levels. Below is a list of schools near the Lake Magdalene/Lake Emerald area, along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school performance) and may include additional context from other platforms like Niche.com or state data when available. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, or graduation rates), and they are subject to change. I’ve also included approximate distances from the Lake Magdalene area (centered around Lake Emerald) for reference.

Public Schools Near Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)

These schools are assigned based on zoning by Hillsborough County Public Schools. You can confirm zoning for a specific address using the district’s school locator tool (available on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website).

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (based on test scores, equity, and academic progress)
   • Details: This is the likely zoned elementary school for much of the Lake Magdalene area. It serves a diverse student population and offers standard elementary education with some extracurricular activities. Parent reviews on GreatSchools note a supportive environment but mention occasional concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: ~800 students (varies annually)
   • Contact: (813) 975-7305

2. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (based on test scores and academic progress)
   • Details: This is a common middle school for students in the Lake Magdalene area. It offers a range of academic programs and extracurriculars like sports and clubs. Reviews highlight dedicated teachers but note challenges with student engagement in some areas.
   • Enrollment: ~700 students
   • Contact: (813) 975-7600

3. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10 (based on test scores, college readiness, and graduation rates)
   • Details: Gaither High School is the zoned high school for much of the 33618 area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. The graduation rate is around 90% (based on recent state data). Parent and student reviews on Niche.com give it a B rating, praising school spirit but citing occasional overcrowding.
   • Enrollment: ~2,000 students
   • Contact: (813) 975-7340

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Alternative or Magnet Options)

   Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, including magnet schools and charter schools, which may require applications or lotteries for admission.

4. Carrollwood Elementary School (Magnet Option Nearby)

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Details: While not necessarily the zoned school for Lake Emerald, Carrollwood Elementary is nearby and has a stronger academic reputation. It focuses on a nurturing environment with an emphasis on STEM programs. Admission may depend on zoning or choice program availability.
   • Enrollment: ~700 students
   • Contact: (813) 975-7366

5. Chamberlain High School (Alternative High School Option)

   • Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Details: Chamberlain serves some parts of the Lake Magdalene area depending on specific zoning. It offers AP courses and career programs but has lower test scores compared to Gaither. Reviews mention a diverse student body and active extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: ~1,600 students
   • Contact: (813) 975-7677

   Private Schools Near Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools in the vicinity. These often have tuition costs and may require entrance exams or interviews.

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack standardized ratings); however, Niche.com gives it an A rating.
   • Details: This is a well-regarded private school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It emphasizes college preparatory education with strong academics and extracurriculars. Tuition is significant, often ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year depending on grade level.
   • Enrollment: ~1,000 students
   • Contact: (813) 920-2288

7. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated; Niche.com reviews are positive.
   • Details: A Jewish day school providing a faith-based education alongside a strong academic curriculum. It’s smaller in size, offering personalized attention. Tuition information is available upon request but is typically in the $10,000-$15,000 range annually.
   • Enrollment: ~200 students
   • Contact: (813) 963-2242

8. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

   • Address: 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated; highly reviewed on Niche.com (A-).
   • Details: Known for its innovative teaching methods and small class sizes, this private school focuses on individualized learning. It’s a popular choice for families in the Carrollwood and Lake Magdalene areas. Tuition is around $15,000-$20,000 per year.
   • Enrollment: ~500 students
   • Contact: (813) 961-3087

   Charter Schools Near Lake Magdalene, FL

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and often require applications or lotteries for enrollment.

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (K-5 Campus); nearby campus for 6-8
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Emerald
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with an environmental education focus. It emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainability. Admission is via lottery, and there may be a waitlist due to high demand.
   • Enrollment: ~800 students across campuses
   • Contact: (813) 948-4190

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on a 1-10 scale, factoring in test scores, student progress, college readiness (for high schools), and equity. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered above average, 4-6 is average, and below 4 is below average. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, specific programs, or individual student needs may matter more.
   • Niche.com: Provides letter grades (A+ to F) based on academics, diversity, teachers, and parent/student reviews. It’s useful for private schools or subjective feedback.
   • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options. Deadlines for applications are typically in late fall or early winter for the following school year. Check the district website (hillsboroughschools.org) for details.
   • Zoning Verification: School assignments can vary by exact address within Lake Magdalene or near Lake Emerald. Use the Hillsborough County School Locator tool online to confirm zoned schools for a specific property.
   • Visiting Schools: Ratings aside, visiting schools or attending open houses can provide insight into the environment, teacher engagement, and facilities.

   Conclusion

   The Lake Magdalene/Lake Emerald area in ZIP code 33618