School Choices Detailed and Rated Lakeland Junction, Lakeland, 33805

Lakeland Junction is a community in Lakeland, Florida, within the ZIP code 33805, which is located in Polk County. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student. I’ll also include approximate distances from the general area of Lakeland Junction (near the intersection of US-98 and W Memorial Blvd, a central point in 33805).

Public Schools Near Lakeland Junction (33805)

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools, with ratings primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and additional context where available.

1. North Lakeland Elementary School of Choice

   • Address: 410 Robson St, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the area and focuses on foundational education. The rating reflects challenges with test scores compared to state averages, but it may offer specialized programs as a "school of choice." Parent reviews often mention class size and teacher involvement as factors to consider.

2. Lincoln Avenue Academy

   • Address: 1330 N Lincoln Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a magnet school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It tends to have higher test scores than some surrounding schools and is well-regarded for its structured environment. It’s a popular choice for families in the area.

3. Rochelle School of the Arts

   • Address: 1501 Martin L King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Public Elementary/Middle (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A magnet school emphasizing arts education alongside academics. It serves a broader range of grades and has a reputation for creative programs. Test scores are above average for the district in some areas, though ratings vary by subject.

4. Kathleen Middle School

   • Address: 3627 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves students transitioning to high school. Ratings reflect lower-than-average test scores, but it offers extracurricular activities and support programs. Proximity may depend on the exact location within 33805.

5. Lakeland Senior High School

   • Address: 726 Hollingsworth Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: One of the main high schools serving the area, it offers a range of academic and vocational programs. College readiness metrics are moderate, and it has a diverse student body. Reviews highlight both strong sports programs and areas for academic improvement.

   Charter Schools Near Lakeland Junction

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. Here are a couple of options nearby:

6. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Charter (Grades 7-12)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school focusing on technology and academics. It has strong test scores and college readiness metrics. Admission is often competitive and may require an application or lottery.

7. Lakeland Montessori School House

   • Address: 1124 N Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Charter (Grades PK-6)
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to smaller size, but parent feedback is generally positive
   • Details: Focuses on Montessori methods, emphasizing individualized learning. It’s a smaller environment, which may appeal to families seeking alternative education styles.

   Private Schools Near Lakeland Junction

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies. Here are a few options:

8. Victory Christian Academy

   • Address: 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on parent reviews
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum alongside academics and sports. It’s known for a supportive community but may have smaller class sizes and fewer resources than public schools.

9. St. Joseph Academy

   • Address: 310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Lakeland Junction
   • Type: Private Catholic (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Details: A Catholic school focusing on faith-based education and strong academics. It’s a bit farther from 33805 but serves families in the broader Lakeland area.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are often based on standardized test scores, which may not capture the full picture of a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools, speaking with parents, and reviewing recent Florida Department of Education reports (available at fldoe.org) can provide more insight.
   • School Zones: Exact school assignments depend on your specific address within 33805. You can use the Polk County Public Schools’ zoning tool (available on their website, polkschoolsfl.com) to confirm which schools serve your location.
   • Transportation: Some schools, especially magnet and charter options, may not provide bus services, so consider proximity and commuting needs.
   • Demographics and Diversity: Schools in the 33805 area often reflect a diverse student population, with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. This can influence school resources and programs.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: polkschoolsfl.com – Offers detailed information on zoning, school performance, and enrollment.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33805) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org – Provides school report cards and accountability data.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially for magnet and private options.

   If you have a specific address within Lakeland Junction or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further! Additionally, if you’d like more details on a specific school, just ask.