Local Schools Near Lakeside Preserve, Medulla, 33811

Lakeside Preserve is a community located in the Medulla area of Lakeland, Florida, with the ZIP code 33811. This area falls within 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 Lakeside Preserve, 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.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33811 area, specifically around Medulla and Lakeside Preserve. If you’re interested in private or charter schools, I can include those as well upon request. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the Medulla area near Lakeside Preserve.

Elementary Schools

1. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Lakeside Preserve: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Medulla Elementary is the closest elementary school to Lakeside Preserve and serves many students in the immediate Medulla area. The school focuses on core academics and offers programs like exceptional student education (ESE). Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff, though test scores are around average for the state.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C (based on Florida Department of Education data)

2. R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School

   • Address: 5500 Yates Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
   • Distance from Lakeside Preserve: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: This school serves parts of the 33811 area and has slightly above-average test scores compared to other local elementary schools. It emphasizes student engagement and has extracurricular activities like music and art.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Lakeside Preserve: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   6. Overview: This is the primary middle school serving the Medulla area. It offers a range of academic programs, including advanced courses for eligible students, and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Test scores are near the state average, with strengths in certain subjects like math.
   7. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Lakeside Preserve: Approximately 4-5 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   6. Overview: This high school serves students from the Medulla and Lakeland Highlands areas. It’s known for a strong academic program, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies (e.g., engineering and health sciences). Graduation rates and college readiness metrics are above the district average.
   7. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are on a scale of 1-10 and are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, while 7 and above is above average.
   • Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) based on student achievement, learning gains, graduation rates, and other metrics. A "B" or "C" grade indicates performance that meets or is slightly below state expectations.
   • Zoning: School assignments are based on residential zoning, which can change. Lakeside Preserve residents are typically zoned for Medulla Elementary, Lakeland Highlands Middle, and George W. Jenkins High, but you should confirm with Polk County Public Schools (https://polkschoolsfl.com/) or by calling their zoning office at (863) 534-0500.
   • School Choice: Polk County offers school choice options, including magnet schools, charter schools, and career academies. You may apply for schools outside your zone if spots are available.

   Private and Charter School Options

   If you’re interested in alternatives to public schools, here are a couple of nearby options: 1. Resurrection Catholic School (Private) - Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813 - Distance: Approximately 5 miles - Grade Levels: PreK-8 - Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally well-regarded in parent reviews for its faith-based education and small class sizes. 2. McKeel Academy of Technology (Charter) - Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 - Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles - Grade Levels: 7-12 - Rating (GreatSchools.org): 9/10 - Overview: A highly rated charter school with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is lottery-based and competitive.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: Visit https://polkschoolsfl.com/ and use the "School Finder" tool by entering your address to confirm zoning.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33811) or school name for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at https://edudata.fldoe.org/ for detailed performance data.
   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.

   If you have specific concerns (e.g., special needs programs, extracurriculars, or preschool options), let me know, and I can dig deeper into those aspects. Also, if Lakeside Preserve has a specific street address or section you’re referencing, I can refine the distance estimates. Would you like information on private schools, daycare options, or anything else related to education in this area?