Local Schools Near Lakeview Oaks, University, 33613

Lake there! I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the Lakeview Oaks community in the University area of Tampa, FL (ZIP code 33613). This area is close to the University of South Florida (USF), and I'll provide details on nearby schools, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings can vary depending on the source, so I’ll primarily use GreatSchools.org ratings (on a scale of 1-10) as a reference, as it’s widely recognized, and supplement with other insights where possible. Keep in mind that ratings are just one factor—visiting schools, talking to parents, and considering your child’s specific needs are also important.

Location Context

Lakeview Oaks is a residential community in the University area of Tampa, FL, within Hillsborough County. The ZIP code 33613 places it near USF and major roads like Fowler Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable radius (approximately 5 miles) that serve this area, covering public, charter, and some private options. Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is the primary district serving this region.

Public Schools Near Lakeview Oaks (33613)

Below are the schools zoned for or near the Lakeview Oaks area, based on proximity and district zoning maps from HCPS (you can confirm exact zoning on the HCPS website or by contacting the district, as boundaries can shift). I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools.

Elementary Schools

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 N Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (approx. 2-3 miles from Lakeview Oaks)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5 with about 800 students. It has a diverse student body and offers standard curriculum with some focus on STEM programs. Test scores are around average for the state, with math and reading proficiency rates hovering near 50-60% (based on recent Florida Standards Assessments).
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews—some appreciate the community feel and teachers, while others note concerns about class sizes and facilities.

2. Pizzo K-8 School

   • Address: 11701 USF Bull Run Dr, Tampa, FL 33617 (approx. 2 miles from Lakeview Oaks)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Details: Serves grades PK-8, located very close to USF. It has a focus on integrating technology in learning and offers a smaller school environment for middle schoolers. Test scores are slightly below state averages.
   • Parent Feedback: Some parents like the K-8 continuity, but there are concerns about academic rigor and extracurricular options.

   Middle Schools

   1. Buchanan Middle School
   2. Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (approx. 3 miles from Lakeview Oaks)
   3. GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   4. Details: Serves grades 6-8 with around 700 students. Test scores are below state averages, with reading and math proficiency rates in the 30-40% range. The school offers some elective programs and sports.
   5. Parent Feedback: Reviews mention challenges with student behavior and inconsistent teacher quality, though some note improvements in recent years.

3. Pizzo K-8 School (mentioned above)

   • Covers middle school grades as well, with a rating of 4/10.

   High Schools

   1. Freedom High School
   2. Address: 17410 Commerce Park Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647 (approx. 5-6 miles from Lakeview Oaks)
   3. GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   4. Details: Serves grades 9-12 with over 2,000 students. Offers a variety of AP courses, career academies, and extracurriculars like sports and band. Graduation rate is around 90%, and test scores are near state averages.
   5. Parent Feedback: Some praise the diverse programs and large campus, while others mention overcrowding and varying teacher engagement.

4. Gaither High School (alternative zoning possibility depending on exact address)

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 (approx. 5 miles from Lakeview Oaks)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Details: Serves grades 9-12 with about 2,200 students. Known for strong athletics and a decent selection of AP/IB courses. Graduation rate is high (around 93%), with test scores slightly above state averages.
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive for academics and school spirit, though some note traffic issues around the campus.

   Charter Schools Near Lakeview Oaks

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific focuses. Enrollment may require a lottery or application. 1. Learning Gate Community School - Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (approx. 4-5 miles from Lakeview Oaks) - GreatSchools Rating: 8/10 - Details: A K-8 charter with an environmental education focus. Smaller class sizes and strong test scores (math and reading proficiency above 70%). Highly competitive enrollment. - Parent Feedback: Very positive—parents love the hands-on learning and community vibe, though spots are limited.

5. USF Patel College of Global Sustainability Partnership School (under development, check status)

   • Address: Near USF campus, Tampa, FL 33620 (approx. 1-2 miles)
   • Details: A newer K-8 charter option focused on sustainability and innovation, partnered with USF. Limited data on ratings yet, but it’s worth exploring for proximity.
   • Parent Feedback: Not widely available yet, but interest is high due to USF affiliation.

   Private Schools Near Lakeview Oaks

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious or specialized focuses. Here are a couple of notable options: 1. Carrollwood Day School - Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (approx. 3 miles from Lakeview Oaks) - GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools, but highly regarded on Niche (A- rating) - Details: A PK-12 independent school with an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Known for strong academics, small classes, and extensive extracurriculars. Tuition is significant (around $20,000+ per year). - Parent Feedback: Excellent reviews for college prep and individualized attention, though cost is a barrier for many.

6. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 (approx. 2-3 miles from Lakeview Oaks)
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated, but well-reviewed locally
   • Details: A Jewish day school for grades K-8, focusing on both secular and religious education. Smaller enrollment with a tight-knit community.
   • Parent Feedback: Praised for cultural education and family involvement, though limited to those seeking a faith-based option.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes equity factors. A rating of 5/10 is average, while 8+ is considered above average. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and specific programs matter too.
   • Hillsborough County Choice Options: HCPS offers magnet programs and school choice, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area (e.g., STEM magnets or performing arts schools). Check the HCPS website (hillsboroughschools.org) for application deadlines and options like Chamberlain High School’s magnet programs.
   • Proximity to USF: Being near USF means access to potential educational partnerships or tutoring programs, as well as community events that might benefit students.

   How to Verify Zoning and Explore Further

   Since exact zoning can depend on your specific street address in Lakeview Oaks, I recommend: 1. Visiting the Hillsborough County Public Schools Zoning Tool (available on their website) by entering your address to confirm assigned schools. 2. Checking GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for updated parent reviews and detailed test score data. 3. Contacting schools directly for open houses or tours, especially for charter and private options. 4. Looking into Florida Department of Education report cards for deeper academic and demographic data.

   If you have a specific grade level or type of school in mind (e.g., preschool, special needs programs), let me know, and I can narrow it down further! Also, if you’d like me to dig into a specific school’s programs or recent changes, just ask. What are your priorities when choosing a school? That’ll help me tailor the info even more. 😊