School Choices Detailed and Rated Lake Leta Trace, Northdale, 33625

The community of Lake Leta Trace in Northdale, FL, falls within the 33625 ZIP code area, which is part of Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Lake Leta Trace, including public schools zoned for this area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 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 and visiting schools for a firsthand impression.

Public Schools Near Lake Leta Trace, Northdale, FL (33625)

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Lake Leta Trace community in Northdale. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (www.hillsboroughschools.org) by entering your specific address.

1. Northwest Elementary School

   • Address: 16438 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Leta Trace
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: Northwest Elementary is known for a strong focus on foundational skills in reading and math. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities. Parent reviews often highlight the supportive teachers and community involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)
   • Contact: (813) 975-7315

2. Hill Middle School

   • Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Leta Trace
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: Hill Middle School offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced placement options for high-achieving students. The school has a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs and extracurriculars like band and sports. Some parents note variability in teacher engagement, but many appreciate the school’s resources.
   • Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students
   • Contact: (813) 975-7325

3. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Leta Trace
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: Gaither High School is a large public high school with a variety of academic tracks, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a strong athletics program. The school also has a notable ROTC program. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the opportunities for college prep and others citing challenges with class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,000-2,200 students
   • Contact: (813) 975-7340

   Nearby Private Schools

   For families considering private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Lake Leta Trace. Private school ratings are less standardized, but I’ve included general feedback and information where available.

4. Citrus Park Christian School

   • Address: 7705 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Leta Trace
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; parent reviews are generally positive (4.5/5 on niche.com)
   • Overview: This faith-based school offers a Christian curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It has smaller class sizes compared to public schools and offers sports and fine arts programs. Tuition varies by grade level, typically ranging from $8,000-$12,000 per year.
   • Contact: (813) 920-3960

5. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grade Levels: 1-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lake Leta Trace
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; specialized focus
   • Overview: Tampa Day School specializes in supporting students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia. It provides individualized instruction and a supportive environment. Tuition is higher due to specialized services, often around $20,000+ per year.
   • Contact: (813) 269-2100

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lake Leta Trace
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; highly regarded in the community (5/5 on niche.com)
   • Overview: An independent, college-preparatory school with an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Known for rigorous academics, small class sizes, and extensive extracurriculars. Tuition ranges from $15,000-$25,000+ per year depending on grade level.
   • Contact: (813) 920-2288

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on test scores, academic progress, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 6-7/10 is considered above average, though it’s important to look beyond numbers and consider factors like school culture, teacher quality, and specific programs that match your child’s needs.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments can change due to rezoning or capacity issues. Use the Hillsborough County School Locator tool (available on their website) to confirm current zoning for your address in Lake Leta Trace.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Hillsborough County offers several charter and magnet schools that may be accessible via application or lottery. Examples include nearby magnet programs for STEM or performing arts at schools like Walker Middle Magnet School (about 5 miles away, rated 8/10 on GreatSchools).
   • Parent and Community Feedback: Websites like Niche.com and local parent groups on social media (e.g., Northdale or Tampa-area Facebook groups) can provide more personal insights into these schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check Florida Department of Education: The state provides detailed school report cards with performance metrics (www.fldoe.org).
   • Contact Hillsborough County Public Schools: Call the district office at (813) 272-4000 for zoning questions or choice program information.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, extracurricular priorities, or a preference for private vs. public), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Additionally, if you’d like details on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources near Lake Leta Trace, I’m happy to assist!