Local Schools Near Lake Mariana Acres, Lake Alfred, 33850

Lake Mariana Acres is a community located in Lake Alfred, FL, within the 33850 ZIP code. This area falls under Polk County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Lake Mariana Acres, including 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 change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Public Schools Near Lake Mariana Acres, Lake Alfred, FL (33850)

1. Lake Alfred Elementary School

   • Address: 550 E Cummings St, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Mariana Acres
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Overview: This is the primary elementary school serving the Lake Alfred area. It focuses on foundational education with programs for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The school has a diverse student population and offers various support services. Parental reviews often mention a supportive staff but note room for improvement in academic performance.

2. Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred

   • Address: 1000 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Mariana Acres
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 4/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Overview: This is a public charter middle school in Lake Alfred. It serves students in grades 6-8 and emphasizes a structured learning environment. Reviews highlight a focus on discipline and extracurricular activities, though academic performance is average compared to state standards.

3. Lake Alfred Polytech Academy

   • Address: 690 N 3rd St, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Mariana Acres
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: Not widely rated due to its specialized nature; limited data available.
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade: Not individually graded as it operates under alternative or career-focused programs.
   • Overview: This is a career and technical education-focused high school in Lake Alfred. It offers programs for students interested in vocational training alongside traditional academics. It may not be the primary high school for all students in the area, as some are zoned for nearby traditional high schools like Auburndale High School.

4. Auburndale Senior High School (Zoned for some Lake Alfred residents)

   • Address: 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Lake Mariana Acres
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Overview: This is the primary traditional high school for many students in the Lake Alfred area. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and sports. The school has shown improvement in graduation rates and college readiness metrics in recent years.

5. Karen M. Siegel Academy

   • Address: 6751 Holly Rd, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Grade Levels: PK-12 (Special Needs)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Mariana Acres
   • Rating: Not typically rated on standard scales due to its focus on special education.
   • Overview: This school serves students with exceptional needs across a wide age range. It provides individualized education plans and specialized support services. It’s an important resource for families in the area with children requiring tailored educational environments.

   Private Schools Near Lake Mariana Acres, Lake Alfred, FL (33850)

6. St. Joseph Catholic School

   • Address: 532 Ave M NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Lake Mariana Acres
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews.
   • Overview: A private Catholic school offering faith-based education with a focus on academic rigor and character development. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

7. Winter Haven Christian School

   • Address: 1700 Buckeye Loop Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33881
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Lake Mariana Acres
   • Rating: Limited data; Niche rates it as a B based on parent reviews.
   • Overview: A private Christian school providing education from preschool through high school with a biblical worldview integrated into the curriculum.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) and Florida DOE grades (A-F) are based on standardized test scores, student growth, graduation rates (for high schools), and other metrics. However, these ratings don’t always reflect the full picture of a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Exact school assignments depend on your specific address within Lake Mariana Acres. You can confirm zoning through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) by using their school locator tool or contacting the district office at (863) 534-0500.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Polk County has several charter and magnet schools that may be accessible to Lake Alfred residents, such as Discovery Academy (mentioned above) or others in nearby Winter Haven or Auburndale. These often require applications or lotteries for enrollment.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for zoned public schools, but availability depends on distance and specific routes. Private schools typically do not offer district transportation.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: polkschoolsfl.com – Check for zoning, school board updates, and performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33850) for parent reviews and detailed ratings.
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org – Access official school grades and accountability reports.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses to assess fit for your child.

   If you have a specific address within Lake Mariana Acres or additional criteria (e.g., focus on special needs, sports, or arts programs), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you'd like more details on a particular school or assistance with contacting the district!