School Choices Detailed and Rated Oak Creek Preserve, Lakeland, 33803

I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the Oak Creek Preserve community in Lakeland, FL, with the ZIP code 33803. This area is part of Polk County, and the schools are primarily under the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including their ratings, based on available 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 verifying the most current information through the Polk County Public Schools website or visiting the schools if possible.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from the 33803 ZIP code, which encompasses the southern part of Lakeland, including areas near Oak Creek Preserve. If you have a specific radius or type of school (public, private, charter) in mind, let me know!

Public Schools Near Oak Creek Preserve, Lakeland, FL (33803)

1. Southwest Elementary School

   • Address: 2650 Southwest Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approx. 1-2 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a neighborhood elementary school serving the southern Lakeland area. It focuses on core academics and offers various student support programs. Parents often note the community feel, though some mention concerns about class sizes.

2. Southwest Middle School

   • Address: 2815 Eden Pkwy, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approx. 1-2 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located close to Southwest Elementary, this middle school serves students in the same general area. It has mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating the teachers’ dedication and others citing challenges with student behavior or resources.

3. Lakeland Senior High School

   • Address: 726 Hollingsworth Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approx. 3-4 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is one of the main high schools serving the Lakeland area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a diverse student body. Reviews highlight strong athletics and extracurriculars, though academic performance varies.

4. Cleveland Court Elementary School

   • Address: 328 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approx. 2-3 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another nearby elementary option, Cleveland Court has a slightly higher rating than Southwest Elementary. It’s known for a supportive environment and has programs for student enrichment.

5. Lakeland Highlands Middle School (Alternative Middle School Option)

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approx. 4-5 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly farther south, this middle school serves parts of the Lakeland area and has a better rating than Southwest Middle. It’s noted for academic programs and extracurricular options.

6. George W. Jenkins Senior High School (Alternative High School Option)

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approx. 5-6 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This high school serves the southern Lakeland area and is an alternative to Lakeland Senior High. It has a reputation for strong academics and a variety of elective courses.

   Charter Schools Near Oak Creek Preserve

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of options nearby:

7. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Distance: Approx. 5-6 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school focusing on technology and academics. It’s competitive to get into (lottery-based admission) and is praised for preparing students for college and careers.

8. McKeel Academy Central

   • Address: 411 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Grade Levels: K-6
   • Distance: Approx. 4-5 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: The elementary counterpart to McKeel Academy of Technology, offering a strong academic foundation with a technology focus. Also lottery-based.

   Private Schools Near Oak Creek Preserve

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies. Here are a few options:

9. St. Paul Lutheran School

   • Address: 4450 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance: Approx. 3-4 miles from central 33803
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; reviews suggest a strong community and faith-based education.
   • Details: A Christian school offering a traditional curriculum with an emphasis on religious values. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.

10. Lakeland Christian School

    • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
    • Grade Levels: PK-12
    • Distance: Approx. 2-3 miles from central 33803
    • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; highly regarded in the community for academics and athletics.
    • Details: One of the largest private schools in the area, offering a comprehensive education with a Christian worldview. It’s known for college prep and extracurriculars.

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., teacher quality, school culture). Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
    • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33803. You can confirm zoning through the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) using their school locator tool.
    • Transportation: Polk County provides bus services for public schools based on zoning, but charter and private schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
    • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, International Baccalaureate (IB), or career academies. For example, Lakeland Senior High has an IB program, and George W. Jenkins High offers career-focused tracks.

    How to Research Further

    • Polk County Public Schools: Visit polkschoolsfl.com for zoning maps, enrollment info, and school calendars.
    • GreatSchools.org: Check for updated ratings, parent reviews, and detailed performance data.
    • Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards at fldoe.org for state-level data on performance and demographics.
    • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for charter and private options.

    If you have a specific address within Oak Creek Preserve, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, homeschooling resources, or specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education), let me know, and I’ll tailor the information further! What type of school or specific concerns are you most interested in?