School Choices Detailed and Rated Oakwood Golf Club, Lake Wales, 33898

The community of Oakwood Golf Club in Lake Wales, FL (ZIP code 33898) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in the surrounding area that serve this region. 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 and school assignments can vary over time, so it’s always a good idea to verify zoning and current performance with the Polk County School District or by visiting the schools directly.

Overview of Schools Near Oakwood Golf Club, Lake Wales, FL (33898)

Oakwood Golf Club is situated in a more rural part of Lake Wales, near Lake Pierce and other natural areas. Schools in this area are generally part of the Polk County Public Schools system. The closest schools are in or near Lake Wales, with some options slightly farther away depending on zoning. Below are the schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-15 miles) from the Oakwood Golf Club area.

Elementary Schools

1. Hillcrest Elementary School

   • Location: 1051 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Oakwood Golf Club
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Hillcrest Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. It has mixed reviews on academic performance but offers various programs for student support.

2. Spook Hill Elementary School

   • Location: 321 Dr J A Wiltshire Ave E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Oakwood Golf Club
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Named after the local Spook Hill phenomenon, this school provides a traditional elementary education with an emphasis on community involvement. Test scores are below the state average in some areas.

3. Polk Avenue Elementary School

   • Location: 110 E Polk Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Oakwood Golf Club
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a significant number of economically disadvantaged students and has lower test scores compared to state averages, though it offers targeted support programs.

   Middle Schools

   1. McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy
   2. Location: 800 S 4th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   3. Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Oakwood Golf Club
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: McLaughlin Middle School offers a fine arts focus alongside standard academics. It has struggled with test scores in recent years but provides extracurricular opportunities in arts and music.

   High Schools

   1. Lake Wales Senior High School
   2. Location: 1 Highlander Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Oakwood Golf Club
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary public high school serving the Lake Wales area. It offers a range of academic and vocational programs, as well as sports and extracurriculars. Graduation rates are near the state average, though test scores lag in some subjects.

   Charter and Private School Options

   1. Lake Wales Charter Schools (Multiple Campuses)
   2. Location: Various locations in Lake Wales, FL (e.g., Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary, Lake Wales High School Charter)
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-10 miles from Oakwood Golf Club
   4. Grade Levels: K-12 (varies by campus)
   5. Rating: Varies; some campuses like Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary rate higher at 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Lake Wales has a unique charter school system where several public schools operate under a charter model. These schools often have smaller class sizes and specialized programs. Check specific campuses for ratings and enrollment details.

4. Candlelight Christian Academy

   • Location: 209 E Sessoms Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Oakwood Golf Club
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; private school ratings often depend on parent reviews and specific metrics.
   • Details: This is a private, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. It’s a smaller institution with a focus on individualized attention.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: The ratings provided by GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school’s quality, such as teacher dedication, community involvement, or specific programs. Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: The Polk County School District determines school assignments based on residential address. The schools listed above are the most likely options for residents near Oakwood Golf Club, but you should confirm zoning through the district’s website (polkschoolsfl.com) or by contacting their office.
   • Transportation: Given the rural nature of the 33898 area, some schools may be a bit of a drive, and bus services may or may not cover all parts of the community. Check with the district for bus route information.
   • Other Options: If the local public schools do not meet your needs, consider charter schools in the Lake Wales Charter system or private schools. Additionally, homeschooling and online learning programs are available in Florida.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: Visit polkschoolsfl.com for school zoning maps, enrollment information, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search specific schools for updated ratings, reviews, and detailed performance data.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards and accountability reports at fldoe.org for state-level data.
   • Local Community Input: Engage with neighbors or local forums in Lake Wales for firsthand experiences about schools.

   If you have a specific address within the Oakwood Golf Club community, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or special needs support), let me know, and I can provide more targeted information.