Local Schools Near Meadows at Scott Lake Creek, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

The community of Meadows at Scott Lake Creek is located in the Lakeland Highlands area of Lakeland, Florida, with the ZIP code 33813. This area falls within Polk County, and there are several schools nearby that serve this community. Below, I’ll provide information on the available public and private schools near this area, along with their ratings based on 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. 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 schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813, as this is a typical range for families in suburban communities. If you have a specific radius or preference (e.g., only elementary schools), let me know!

Public Schools Near Meadows at Scott Lake Creek, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest and most relevant schools:

Elementary Schools

1. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Meadows at Scott Lake Creek
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: Scott Lake Elementary is one of the closest schools to the community. It has a focus on foundational education and offers programs for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The school has average test scores compared to state standards, with strengths in reading proficiency. Parental reviews often mention a supportive environment but note occasional concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 700-800 students (varies yearly)
   • Contact: (863) 648-3520

2. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Address: 2900 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Valleyview Elementary is another nearby option with slightly higher ratings than Scott Lake. It emphasizes student engagement and has shown consistent performance in math and reading. The school also offers extracurricular activities and has a reputation for a strong community feel.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Contact: (863) 648-3535

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Lakeland Highlands area. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced placement options for high-achieving students. Test scores are near the state average, with some variability in math and science performance. Reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some parents praising the teachers and others noting challenges with student behavior.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,300 students
   8. Contact: (863) 648-3500

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating (Niche)
   6. Details: George Jenkins High School is the main high school for the area and is well-regarded in Polk County. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies (e.g., engineering, health sciences), and extracurriculars like sports and band. Graduation rates are above the state average, and the school has a strong community reputation. Test scores are competitive, though some reviews mention overcrowding as a concern.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,200-2,400 students
   8. Contact: (863) 648-3566

   Private Schools Near Meadows at Scott Lake Creek, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

   For families seeking private or faith-based education, there are several options within a short drive of the community.

3. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally positive reviews on Niche (A-)
   • Details: This Catholic school offers a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools, and the school has a strong focus on community involvement. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students
   • Contact: (863) 644-3931

4. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded in reviews; A rating on Niche
   • Details: Geneva Classical Academy offers a classical Christian education model, focusing on logic, rhetoric, and traditional subjects. It’s a smaller school with a rigorous curriculum and a strong emphasis on critical thinking. Tuition varies by grade level.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students
   • Contact: (863) 644-1408

   Charter Schools Near Meadows at Scott Lake Creek, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. Here are a couple of options nearby:

5. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (Central Campus for middle/high; other campuses exist)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: 7-12 (other McKeel schools cover K-6)
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A rating (Niche)
   • Details: McKeel Academy is a highly rated charter school system in Lakeland with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is lottery-based, and the school is known for strong test scores, college readiness, and a structured environment. It’s a popular choice, so early application is recommended.
   • Enrollment: Varies by campus; around 1,000+ total across programs
   • Contact: (863) 499-2818

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are on a 1-10 scale and are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche ratings (A-F) incorporate user reviews and additional metrics like college readiness. Always cross-check with the Florida Department of Education for the most recent school grades (A-F scale).
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Verify your specific address with the Polk County Public Schools zoning tool (available on their website) to confirm assigned schools.
   • Other Factors: Beyond ratings, consider school culture, extracurricular offerings, teacher-to-student ratios, and proximity when choosing a school. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide valuable insight.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private and charter schools may have different transportation policies.

   How to Learn More

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: www.polkschoolsfl.com (for zoning, enrollment, and district updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings and parent reviews
   • Niche.com: For additional rankings and community feedback
   • School Tours: Contact individual schools to schedule visits or attend open houses.

   If you’d like me to narrow this down to a specific type of school (e.g., only high schools) or provide more details on a particular school, just let me know! I can also help with information on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources in the area.