Local Schools Near Mandarin Lakes, Citrus Park, 33625

Mandarin Lakes is a community located in the Citrus Park area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33625. This area falls within Hillsborough County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide information on public and private schools in the vicinity, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Mandarin Lakes community (based on a central point in the 33625 ZIP code near Citrus Park).

Public Schools Near Mandarin Lakes, Citrus Park, FL (33625)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools, along with their ratings and key details (ratings as of the latest available data on GreatSchools.org as of October 2023; please verify for updates):

1. Citrus Park Elementary School

   • Address: 7700 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Mandarin Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school is well-regarded for its academic performance and offers a variety of programs for elementary students. It serves many families in the Citrus Park area and has a focus on student engagement and community involvement.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for zoning maps to confirm if your address falls within this school’s boundary.

2. Sergeant Paul R. Smith Middle School

   • Address: 14303 Citrus Pointe Dr, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Mandarin Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves the Citrus Park area and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs. It has a diverse student body and focuses on preparing students for high school.
   • Student Population: Around 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its STEM programs and after-school activities.

3. Sickles High School

   • Address: 7950 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Mandarin Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Sickles High School is one of the top-rated high schools in the area, known for strong academics, a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and competitive sports programs. It serves a large portion of the Citrus Park and Westchase communities.
   • Student Population: Around 2,000 students
   • Additional Info: Offers career and technical education programs alongside traditional academics.

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Farther but Still Accessible)

   If the above schools are not within your zoning or you’re looking for alternatives, here are additional options within a 5-7 mile radius:

4. Northwest Elementary School

   • Address: 16438 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another option for elementary students with a focus on foundational skills and community involvement.

5. Hill Middle School

   • Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves students in the greater Citrus Park and Carrollwood areas with a variety of academic and extracurricular options.

6. Steinbrenner High School

   • Address: 5575 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated high school with excellent academic programs and facilities, though it may not be the zoned school for all Mandarin Lakes residents.

   Private Schools Near Mandarin Lakes, Citrus Park, FL (33625)

   For families considering private education, there are several options in the area. Private school ratings are less standardized but I’ve included feedback from sources like Niche.com or parent reviews where available.

7. Citrus Park Christian School

   • Address: 7705 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally positive reviews on Niche.com (B+ overall grade)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with small class sizes and a focus on individualized attention. Tuition varies by grade level.
   • Additional Info: Offers extracurricular activities and sports programs.

8. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 1-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for specialized education
   • Details: Focuses on students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, providing tailored educational support.
   • Additional Info: Smaller student body with a high teacher-to-student ratio.

9. Hillsdale Christian Academy

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback
   • Details: Another faith-based option with a focus on academic excellence and Christian values.
   • Additional Info: Offers a range of extracurriculars and affordable tuition compared to larger private schools.

   Charter Schools Near Mandarin Lakes

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Here are a couple of options:

10. Learning Gate Community School

    • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (K-8 Campus)
    • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles
    • Grade Levels: K-8
    • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: A highly rated charter school with an environmental education focus. Admission is often lottery-based.
    • Additional Info: Emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainability.

    Additional Notes

    • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Mandarin Lakes. You can verify your zoned schools using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website: www.hillsboroughschools.org).
    • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school’s quality (e.g., teacher dedication, community feel). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
    • Transportation: Hillsborough County provides bus services for public school students within certain distance and zoning criteria. Check the district website for bus stop information.
    • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available, including magnet programs for specialized education (e.g., arts, STEM).

    How to Research Further

    • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit www.hillsboroughschools.org for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
    • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33625) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
    • Florida Department of Education: Provides detailed school report cards and performance data at www.fldoe.org.
    • Private School Websites: Most private schools list tuition, admission processes, and curricula on their sites.

    If you have a specific address within Mandarin Lakes or are looking for more details about a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can help narrow it down further!