Local Schools Near Minnetonka, Tavares, 32778

The community of Minnetonka in Tavares, FL (ZIP code 32778) is located in Lake County, Florida. Tavares is a small city near the center of the state, often referred to as the "Seaplane City" due to its location on Lake Dora and its history with seaplanes. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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 or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Public Schools Near Minnetonka, Tavares, FL (32778)

Public schools in this area are part of the Lake County Schools district. Here are the schools closest to Tavares, FL, along with their approximate distance from central Tavares and ratings (primarily based on GreatSchools.org as of the latest data available in 2023):

1. Tavares Elementary School

   • Address: 720 E Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Tavares/Minnetonka area
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the Tavares area and has average performance in test scores for reading and math compared to state averages. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1 and a diverse student body.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students

2. Tavares Middle School

   • Address: 1335 Lane Park Cutoff, Tavares, FL 32778
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Tavares/Minnetonka area
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Tavares Middle has mixed reviews, with test scores slightly below the state average in some areas. It offers various extracurricular activities and has a student-teacher ratio of about 17:1.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students

3. Tavares High School

   • Address: 603 N New Hampshire Ave, Tavares, FL 32778
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Tavares/Minnetonka area
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating from Florida DOE (2022-2023)
   • Details: Tavares High School offers a range of academic programs and sports. Graduation rates are around 90%, which is close to the state average. College readiness metrics are moderate, with some students participating in AP courses.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,300 students

   Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Outside Tavares but Serving 32778 Area)

   Some families in the Minnetonka/Tavares area may also be zoned for or choose schools in nearby communities within Lake County:

4. Triangle Elementary School (Mount Dora)

   • Address: 1707 Eudora Rd, Mount Dora, FL 32757
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Tavares
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves some students on the outskirts of Tavares. Performance is average, with a focus on foundational skills.

5. Umatilla High School (for some zoned areas near Tavares)

   • Address: 320 N Trowell Ave, Umatilla, FL 32784
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Tavares
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: An option for students in northern parts of the 32778 ZIP code. Smaller school with a more rural feel.

   Private Schools Near Minnetonka, Tavares, FL (32778)

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with a religious or specialized focus. Here are a few near Tavares:

6. Faith Lutheran School

   • Address: 2727 S Grove St, Eustis, FL 32726
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Tavares
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; generally positive parent reviews on Niche
   • Details: A Christian-based school with a smaller student body, emphasizing faith and academics. Tuition information is available directly from the school.
   • Enrollment: Around 200 students

7. Adventure Christian Academy

   • Address: 3800 State Rd 19, Tavares, FL 32778
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Tavares
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Limited data; mixed reviews on Niche
   • Details: A private Christian school offering a full K-12 curriculum. Smaller class sizes and a focus on biblical teachings. Contact the school for tuition and enrollment details.
   • Enrollment: Around 150-200 students

   Charter Schools Near Tavares, FL (32778)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are options nearby:

8. Alee Academy Charter School

   • Address: 1705 County Rd 19A, Eustis, FL 32726
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Tavares
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A smaller charter school focused on alternative education for students who may need a non-traditional high school setting.
   • Enrollment: Around 300 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything about a school, such as culture, teacher quality, or specific programs. The Florida Department of Education also assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on specific addresses within the 32778 ZIP code. You can confirm zoning through the Lake County Schools website (www.lake.k12.fl.us) by using their school locator tool or contacting the district office at (352) 253-6500.
   • School Choice: Lake County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs and charter schools may also be options.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance data can change yearly. For the most current information, visit GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards.

   Community Context for Minnetonka, Tavares, FL

   Minnetonka is a smaller neighborhood or subdivision within Tavares, and while it may not have schools directly within its boundaries, the schools listed above are the primary options for residents based on proximity and zoning. Tavares itself is a family-friendly area with access to lakes, parks, and a growing downtown, which may influence school community involvement and extracurricular opportunities.

   If you have a specific address within Minnetonka or Tavares, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, homeschool resources, or specific programs (e.g., special needs or gifted education), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you like me to dive deeper into any particular school or aspect?