Local Schools Near North Forest Hills, Lake Magdalene, 33612

North Forest Hills is a neighborhood within the Lake Magdalene area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33612. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this community, including public and private options, 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. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student. I’ll also include approximate distances from the North Forest Hills area (using a central point in the 33612 ZIP code as a reference) and note any relevant details about the schools.

Public Schools Near North Forest Hills, Lake Magdalene, FL (33612)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are the closest schools, organized by level (elementary, middle, high):

Elementary Schools

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and offers programs focused on academic growth and character development. It has a mix of reviews regarding student performance and parent satisfaction.

2. Forest Hills Elementary School

   • Address: 10112 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located very close to the North Forest Hills community, this school has lower test scores compared to district averages but offers community-focused programs and support services.

3. Miles Elementary School

   • Address: 317 E 124th Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse population with a focus on improving student outcomes through targeted interventions, though it struggles with test performance.

   Middle Schools

   1. Buchanan Middle School
   2. Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central North Forest Hills
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Buchanan Middle School offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs but faces challenges with student achievement metrics compared to state averages.

4. Adams Middle School

   • Address: 10201 N Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves the local community with a focus on student support services, though it has lower ratings due to test scores and academic progress.

   High Schools

   1. Chamberlain High School
   2. Address: 9401 N Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central North Forest Hills
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Chamberlain High offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. It has a diverse student body but struggles with overall test performance compared to district and state averages.

5. Gaither High School (slightly farther but notable)

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Gaither High is a higher-rated option in the broader area, offering strong academic programs, sports, and extracurriculars. It may be an option for families willing to commute or through school choice programs.

   Private Schools Near North Forest Hills, Lake Magdalene, FL (33612)

   Private schools offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes or specific religious or pedagogical focuses. Here are some nearby options:

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly regarded in local reviews
   • Details: This is an independent, college-preparatory school with a strong reputation for academics and extracurriculars. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Tuition is significant, often ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year depending on grade level.

7. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; positive local feedback
   • Details: A Jewish day school offering a blend of secular and religious education. It emphasizes community values and academic rigor. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.

8. Morning Star School

   • Address: 210 E Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: Ungraded (special needs focus, ages 5-22)
   • Rating: Not rated; specialized program
   • Details: A Catholic school designed for students with learning differences and special needs. It provides individualized education plans and a supportive environment.

   Charter Schools Near North Forest Hills, Lake Magdalene, FL (33612)

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

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (K-5 Campus) and 13030 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 (6-8 Campus)
   • Distance: Middle school campus is approximately 2-3 miles from central North Forest Hills
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It has two campuses and is a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.

   Additional Notes on School Choice and Zoning

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments in Hillsborough County are based on residential address. You can verify specific school zones using the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering your address into their School Locator tool. North Forest Hills residents are typically zoned for schools like Lake Magdalene Elementary, Buchanan Middle, and Chamberlain High, though boundaries can shift.
   • School Choice Program: Hillsborough County offers a school choice program allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area, including magnet programs and charter schools, if space is available. Application periods and lotteries apply.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and academic progress, but they may not capture intangibles like school culture, teacher quality, or specific student needs. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public schools may offer bus services based on zoning and distance. Private and charter schools often require private transportation or have limited bus options.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: hcps.net for zoning, school choice, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data on schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: doe.fl.gov for state-level school performance reports.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter schools.
   • Local Community Feedback: Neighborhood groups or forums (e.g., Nextdoor app) can provide parent perspectives on schools in the Lake Magdalene/North Forest Hills area.

   If you have a specific address within North Forest Hills, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., STEM, arts, special needs), let me know, and I can tailor the information further!