Local Schools Near Lake Ellen Woods, Greater Carrollwood, 33618

Lake Ellen Woods is a neighborhood within the Greater Carrollwood area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33618. This area falls under Hillsborough County Public Schools, and there are several schools serving the community. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, a widely used platform for school evaluations, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. I’ll also note if other sources like Niche.com provide additional context. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Overview of the Area

• Location: Lake Ellen Woods, Greater Carrollwood, FL 33618, is a suburban community in northwest Tampa, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to amenities.
• School District: Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), one of the largest districts in Florida, oversees public schools in this area.
• School Assignment: School assignments are based on zoning, and you can confirm specific assignments for an address using the HCPS School Locator tool (available on the district website). Below, I’ve listed schools commonly associated with the 33618 area near Lake Ellen Woods.

Nearby Schools and Ratings

Elementary Schools

1. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Ellen Woods
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Carrollwood Elementary is well-regarded for its academic programs and community involvement. It has a focus on student growth and offers various extracurricular activities. Test scores are above the state average in several areas.
   • Enrollment: ~700 students (approximate, based on recent data)
   • Reviews: Parents often praise the school for its dedicated teachers and supportive environment, though some note occasional overcrowding concerns.

2. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (just outside 33618 but serves nearby areas)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Ellen Woods
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. Test scores are near or slightly below state averages, but the school has programs for student support and improvement.
   • Enrollment: ~800 students (approximate)
   • Reviews: Mixed feedback from parents; some appreciate the diversity and staff, while others mention challenges with resources.

   Middle Schools

   1. Buchanan Middle School
   2. Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Ellen Woods
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Buchanan Middle School offers a range of academic and elective courses. Test scores are somewhat below state averages, but the school has initiatives for student engagement and improvement.
   7. Enrollment: ~700 students (approximate)
   8. Reviews: Parents note a mix of experiences; some highlight supportive teachers, while others mention concerns about discipline or class sizes.

   High Schools

   1. Gaither High School
   2. Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Lake Ellen Woods
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating on Niche.com
   6. Details: Gaither High School is one of the primary high schools serving the Greater Carrollwood area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. Test scores are around or slightly above state averages, with a decent graduation rate (around 90% based on recent data).
   7. Enrollment: ~2,000 students (approximate)
   8. Reviews: Students and parents often commend the school for its extracurricular opportunities and some strong academic programs, though there are occasional mentions of overcrowding or inconsistent teacher quality.

   Private and Charter Schools

   In addition to public schools, there are private and charter options near Lake Ellen Woods for families seeking alternatives: 1. Carrollwood Day School (Private) - Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 - Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Ellen Woods - Grade Levels: PK-12 - Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org but highly regarded on Niche.com (A rating) - Details: A private, college-preparatory school affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It emphasizes academic excellence and individualized learning. - Tuition: Varies by grade, generally $15,000–$25,000 per year (check the school website for current rates) - Reviews: Known for strong academics and small class sizes, though the cost can be a barrier for some families.

3. Learning Gate Community School (Charter)

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (serves nearby areas)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Ellen Woods
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public charter school with an environmental education focus. It often has a waiting list due to high demand.
   • Enrollment: ~800 students (approximate)
   • Reviews: Highly praised for its unique curriculum and community feel, though some parents note limited extracurriculars compared to larger schools.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 7 or above generally indicates above-average performance compared to other Florida schools.
   • Niche.com: Provides letter grades (A-F) based on similar metrics plus parent and student reviews. It often includes private schools not rated on GreatSchools.
   • State Assessments: Florida schools are also graded by the state (A-F) based on standardized test performance (FSA, EOC exams). You can find these grades on the Florida Department of Education website.
   • Variability: Ratings can differ across platforms due to methodology. Visiting schools, attending open houses, or speaking with local parents can provide a fuller picture beyond numerical scores.

   How to Verify School Zoning

   Since school assignments depend on specific addresses, I recommend using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/schoollocator) by entering your exact address in Lake Ellen Woods. This will confirm the zoned schools for your location. Boundaries can shift due to population changes or district decisions, so it’s worth checking annually.

   Other Educational Resources in the Area

   • Preschools: Several preschools and daycares are available near Lake Ellen Woods, such as Primrose School of Carrollwood and Creative World School.
   • After-School Programs: Many local schools and community centers, like the Carrollwood Cultural Center, offer after-school care or enrichment activities.
   • Tutoring and Learning Centers: Options like Kumon and Huntington Learning Center have locations nearby for additional academic support.

   Community Context

   Greater Carrollwood, including Lake Ellen Woods, is considered a desirable area for families due to its access to decent schools, parks, and amenities. However, some schools in the broader Tampa area face challenges like overcrowding or varying performance levels, so researching specific schools and considering private or charter options may be worthwhile depending on your priorities.

   If you have a specific address in Lake Ellen Woods or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports focus, etc.), I can refine this list further. Would you like me to dive deeper into a particular school, provide contact information, or explore other nearby communities? Let me know!