Local Schools Near Lake Mariana Heights, Lake Alfred, 33850

Lake Mariana Heights is a community in Lake Alfred, FL, within the 33850 ZIP code. Lake Alfred is part of Polk County, and the schools serving this area are primarily under the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Lake Mariana Heights, 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, and other factors like parent reviews. 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 personal assessment.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near Lake Alfred, as well as any notable private or charter options within a reasonable distance. Distances are approximate, based on the general location of Lake Mariana Heights near Lake Alfred.

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

1. Lake Alfred Elementary School

   • Address: 550 E Cummings St, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Mariana Heights
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • 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 early learning. Test scores are around or slightly below state averages in reading and math.
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and has a diverse student population.

2. Lake Alfred Polytech Academy (Middle School)

   • Address: 925 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Mariana Heights
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 4/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Overview: This middle school serves students in the Lake Alfred area and emphasizes career and technical education alongside core academics. Test scores are slightly below state averages, with efforts in place to improve student achievement.
   • Additional Info: Offers elective courses and extracurricular activities.

3. Auburndale Senior High School

   • Address: 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Lake Mariana Heights
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Overview: This is the zoned high school for many students in Lake Alfred. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports. Graduation rates are near the state average, and test scores are mixed, with strengths in certain subjects.
   • Additional Info: Known for its community involvement and extracurricular options.

   Charter Schools Near Lake Mariana Heights

4. Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred

   • Address: 1000 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Lake Mariana Heights
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Overview: This charter school provides an alternative to traditional public middle schools with a focus on personalized learning. It serves a diverse population, and performance is comparable to nearby public schools.
   • Additional Info: Smaller class sizes and a focus on student engagement are often highlighted by parents.

   Private Schools Near Lake Mariana Heights

5. St. Joseph Catholic School

   • Address: 535 26th St W, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Lake Mariana Heights
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but parent reviews on Niche give it a B- overall.
   • Overview: A faith-based private school offering a Catholic education with an emphasis on academics and character development. Tuition applies, and enrollment may require an application process.
   • Additional Info: Known for a supportive community and smaller class sizes.

   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, and sometimes graduation rates or college readiness. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools and speaking with staff or parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: School zoning can vary within a community. To confirm which schools serve Lake Mariana Heights specifically, use the Polk County Public Schools’ zoning tool (available on their website at polkschoolsfl.com) or contact the district at (863) 534-0500.
   • Other Options: If you’re open to schools slightly farther away, Winter Haven (about 10 miles southeast) and Lakeland (about 15 miles west) have additional public, charter, and private schools with varying ratings and specialties.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: polkschoolsfl.com – Check for zoning, school performance reports, and enrollment info.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33850) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org – Access detailed school report cards and grades.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially for prospective families.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular priorities, or a preference for private schools), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like me to dive deeper into a particular school or aspect?