School Choices Detailed and Rated North Tampa Heights, Lake Magdalene, 33613

North Tampa Heights and the Lake Magdalene area in Tampa, FL (ZIP code 33613) are located in Hillsborough County, which is served by Hillsborough County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, 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.

Location Context

The 33613 ZIP code covers parts of Lake Magdalene, a census-designated place, and areas near North Tampa Heights. It is close to the University of South Florida (USF), so many schools in this area serve families in these communities. I’ll focus on schools within or near this ZIP code and surrounding areas that are likely to serve residents of Lake Magdalene and North Tampa Heights.

Public Schools

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below are some of the schools zoned for or near the 33613 area, along with their ratings (primarily based on GreatSchools.org as of the latest available data, typically on a scale of 1-10). I’ve also included Florida Department of Education school grades where available (A-F scale, based on state assessments).

Elementary Schools

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (near 33613)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. This school is close to the Lake Magdalene area and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. Test scores are near the state average, with room for improvement in math and reading proficiency.
   • Distance: Within 1-2 miles of central Lake Magdalene.

2. Miles Elementary School

   • Address: 317 E 124th Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. Located slightly south of 33613, this school serves parts of North Tampa. It has lower-than-average test scores compared to the state, with a focus on improving student achievement through targeted programs.
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lake Magdalene.

3. Claywell Elementary School

   • Address: 4500 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624 (nearby ZIP)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. Located slightly northwest of Lake Magdalene, this school has above-average test scores and a strong reputation for academic performance in the district.
   • Distance: About 4-5 miles from central 33613.

   Middle Schools

   1. Buchanan Middle School
   2. Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   3. GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   4. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   5. Details: Serves grades 6-8. Located directly in the 33613 ZIP code, this school serves many Lake Magdalene students. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers various programs, including electives and sports.
   6. Distance: Within 1-2 miles of central Lake Magdalene.

4. Adams Middle School

   • Address: 10201 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: Serves grades 6-8. Slightly south of 33613, this school serves parts of North Tampa. It has struggled with test scores but offers support programs for student growth.
   • Distance: About 3 miles from central Lake Magdalene.

   High Schools

   1. Chamberlain High School
   2. Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   3. GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   4. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   5. Details: Serves grades 9-12. This is the primary high school for much of the Lake Magdalene and North Tampa area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores lag behind.
   6. Distance: About 2-3 miles from central 33613.

5. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 (nearby ZIP)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Serves grades 9-12. Located northwest of Lake Magdalene, this school has better-than-average test scores and a strong reputation for academics and athletics. It may serve some students in the 33613 area depending on zoning.
   • Distance: About 5-6 miles from central Lake Magdalene.

   Private Schools

   There are several private and charter school options near the 33613 area for families seeking alternatives to public education. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and college placement (sourced from Niche.com or GreatSchools where available).

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Type: Private, PK-12
   • Niche Rating: A (based on academics, diversity, and parent reviews)
   • Details: A well-regarded private school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It emphasizes college prep and has strong extracurriculars. Tuition is significant, often in the range of $15,000-$25,000 per year.
   • Distance: Within 1-2 miles of central Lake Magdalene.

7. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Type: Private, K-8 (Jewish Day School)
   • Niche Rating: B+
   • Details: Focuses on Jewish education alongside a strong academic curriculum. Smaller class sizes and a tight-knit community are highlights. Tuition varies but is often around $10,000-$15,000 annually.
   • Distance: About 2 miles from central 33613.

8. Gateway Christian Academy

   • Address: 14205 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Type: Private, PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews are mixed.
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Smaller enrollment allows for personalized attention. Tuition is generally more affordable than larger private schools, often under $10,000 per year.
   • Distance: Within 1-2 miles of central Lake Magdalene.

   Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific focus or curriculum. Here are a couple near 33613:

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (near 33613)
   • Type: Charter, K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
   • Details: Focuses on environmental education and project-based learning. It has strong test scores and is highly rated by parents. Admission is often lottery-based due to high demand.
   • Distance: About 4-5 miles from central Lake Magdalene.

10. Lutz Preparatory School

    • Address: 17951 N US Hwy 41, Lutz, FL 33549
    • Type: Charter, K-8
    • GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
    • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
    • Details: Known for academic rigor and a structured environment. It consistently outperforms many traditional public schools in the area. Admission is lottery-based.
    • Distance: About 5-6 miles from central 33613.

    Additional Notes on School Selection

    • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33613. You can use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool on their website (hillsboroughschools.org) to confirm which schools your child is zoned for.
    • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers a school choice program, allowing students to apply to magnet schools, charter schools, or other public schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Popular magnet options near 33613 include programs at Chamberlain High School.
    • Ratings Variability: Ratings like