Local Schools Near Northlakes, Lake Magdalene, 33618

The community of Northlakes in Lake Magdalene, FL, falls within the 33618 ZIP code, which is part of Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, and there are several schools in proximity to this community. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including their ratings and some additional details. School ratings are often based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates 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, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Northlakes area (based on general location data for 33618) and mention if the school is public, private, or charter.

Public Schools Near Northlakes, Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)

These schools are managed by Hillsborough County Public Schools. I’ve focused on elementary, middle, and high schools closest to the Northlakes community.

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (approximately 1-2 miles from Northlakes)
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. It has programs for exceptional student education (ESE) and offers before- and after-school care. Parental reviews often mention a supportive staff but note areas for improvement in facilities.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 800 students (varies yearly)
   • Contact: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for zoning and contact information.

2. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618 (approximately 2-3 miles from Northlakes)
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for stronger academic performance compared to some nearby schools, Carrollwood Elementary has a focus on STEM programs and community involvement. It’s often praised for its teachers and smaller class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Contact: Verify zoning on the district website as boundaries can affect eligibility.

3. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (approximately 2-3 miles from Northlakes)
   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Buchanan serves a large student body and offers various electives and extracurriculars, including sports and clubs. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school has initiatives to improve student outcomes.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 700-800 students
   • Contact: Hillsborough County Public Schools website for more info.

4. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 (approximately 3-4 miles from Northlakes)
   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Gaither High offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. It has a decent graduation rate (around 90% based on recent data), though test scores are mixed compared to state averages.
   • Enrollment: Over 2,000 students
   • Contact: Check zoning and programs on the district website.

   Private Schools Near Northlakes, Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)

   Private schools in the area offer alternative education options, often with a religious affiliation or specialized curriculum. Tuition and admission requirements vary.

5. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 (approximately 2-3 miles from Northlakes)
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded on Niche.com (often A- or higher)
   • Details: This is an independent, college-preparatory school with a strong academic reputation. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and emphasizes global education. Tuition is significant, often exceeding $20,000 per year depending on grade level.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Contact: Visit carrollwooddayschool.org for admissions info.

6. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 (approximately 2 miles from Northlakes)
   • Type: Private Jewish Day School (Grades K-8)
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but parent reviews on Niche.com are generally positive.
   • Details: Focuses on Jewish education alongside a general curriculum. It’s a smaller school with a tight-knit community. Tuition information is available upon request.
   • Enrollment: Under 200 students
   • Contact: Check hillelacademytampa.com for details.

   Charter Schools Near Northlakes, Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses.

7. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (approximately 4-5 miles from Northlakes)
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It’s highly rated for its innovative approach and strong test scores compared to nearby public schools. Admission may involve a lottery system due to demand.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Contact: Visit learninggate.org for application details.

   Additional Notes on School Selection and Ratings

   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33618. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online to confirm which schools serve your specific location in Northlakes.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and academic progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Niche.com provides parent and student reviews, which can offer more qualitative insights.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones, but private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Updates: School ratings and demographics can change yearly. For the most current data, visit the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards or the individual school websites.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: www.hillsboroughschools.org (for zoning, calendars, and registration)
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33618) for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed parent and student feedback alongside rankings.
   • School Tours: Many schools, especially private and charter, offer open houses or virtual tours—contact them directly to schedule.

   If you have a specific address in Northlakes or prefer details on a particular type of school (e.g., preschools, special needs programs), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like information on extracurricular offerings, class sizes, or specific programs at any of these schools, I’m happy to assist!