School Choices Detailed and Rated Orange Sunset, Lake Magdalene, 33618

The community of Orange Sunset in Lake Magdalene, FL, falls within the 33618 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, and there are several schools nearby that cater to different grade levels. Below, I’ll provide a list of schools near the 33618 area, along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are typically sourced from platforms like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale 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 Lake Magdalene/Orange Sunset area, assuming a central point within the 33618 ZIP code.

Elementary Schools

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lake Magdalene (33618)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a public school within the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. It serves a diverse student population and offers standard elementary education with a focus on core subjects. Parental reviews often mention the supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.

2. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located directly in the 33618 ZIP code, this school is known for stronger academic performance compared to some nearby options. It has a reputation for engaged teachers and a welcoming community, with extracurricular activities available.

3. Claywell Elementary School

   • Address: 4500 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves students in the nearby Northdale area and offers a solid elementary curriculum. It has mixed reviews, with some parents praising the school’s programs and others citing inconsistent communication.

   Middle Schools

   1. Buchanan Middle School
   2. Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: A public middle school in the Hillsborough County district, Buchanan serves a diverse student body. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school offers various extracurriculars and support programs.

4. Hill Middle School

   • Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly farther out, Hill Middle School provides a standard middle school education with opportunities for advanced coursework. Reviews highlight a mix of experiences depending on individual teachers and programs.

   High Schools

   1. Gaither High School
   2. Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Situated in the 33618 ZIP code, Gaither High School is a large public school with a variety of academic and extracurricular options, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and sports programs. It has a decent graduation rate, though test scores are average compared to state benchmarks.

5. Chamberlain High School

   • Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This high school serves a diverse population and offers several career and technical education programs alongside traditional academics. Reviews mention a strong sense of community but note challenges with academic performance in some areas.

   Private and Charter Schools

   1. Carrollwood Day School
   2. Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   4. Grade Levels: PK-12
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly regarded on Niche.com (A- rating)
   6. Details: A private, non-denominational school offering a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It’s known for small class sizes and personalized attention, though tuition is a significant consideration (often $15,000-$25,000 per year depending on grade level).

6. Hillsdale Christian Academy

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent feedback on Niche.com
   • Details: A private Christian school emphasizing faith-based education alongside academics. It’s smaller in size, which appeals to families seeking a close-knit environment.

7. Lutz Preparatory School

   • Address: 17951 N US Hwy 41, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Lake Magdalene
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated public charter school with a focus on academic excellence. It often has a waitlist due to high demand, and admission is lottery-based.

   Additional Notes

   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools your specific address is zoned for by using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool on their website (hcpsweb.hcps.net).
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., culture, specific programs, or teacher quality). Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones, but private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Special Programs: Some schools in the area offer magnet programs or special education services. For example, Gaither High School has a strong ROTC program, and certain elementary schools provide gifted education tracks.

   If you have a specific address within Orange Sunset or Lake Magdalene, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific academic focuses (e.g., STEM, arts), let me know, and I can expand the search. For the most up-to-date information, I also recommend checking the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (www.hcps.net) or scheduling tours with schools of interest.