School Choices Detailed and Rated Paul A Diggs, Lakeland, 33805

The community of Paul A. Diggs in Lakeland, FL (ZIP code 33805) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve this area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including public and private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically 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 and school performance can vary over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website for updates. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Paul A. Diggs neighborhood (based on a central point in ZIP 33805) for reference.

Public Schools Near Paul A. Diggs, Lakeland, FL (33805)

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. North Lakeland Elementary School of Choice

   • Address: 410 Robson St, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Approximate Distance: 0.5-1 mile from central 33805
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10 (as of recent data; subject to change)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the immediate area of Paul A. Diggs. It focuses on foundational education but has lower-than-average test scores compared to state benchmarks. Check the Polk County Schools website for programs or improvements.

2. Rochelle School of the Arts

   • Address: 1501 Martin L King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Type: Public Elementary/Middle (Grades PK-8)
   • Approximate Distance: 1-1.5 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Details: A magnet school with an arts focus, Rochelle offers a specialized curriculum alongside standard academics. It tends to have better reviews for student engagement due to its arts programs, though academic performance varies.

3. Kathleen Middle School

   • Address: 3627 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   • Details: Serving students transitioning to middle school, Kathleen Middle has mixed reviews, with challenges in test scores but some positive feedback on extracurriculars. It’s slightly outside the immediate 33805 area but serves nearby communities.

4. Kathleen Senior High School

   • Address: 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   • Details: This high school offers a range of academic and vocational programs. It has average graduation rates for the district but struggles with standardized test performance compared to state averages.

5. Lincoln Avenue Academy

   • Address: 1330 N Lincoln Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Details: A magnet school with a focus on academics and character development, Lincoln Avenue Academy often receives higher ratings than other local elementary schools. It’s a popular choice for families in the area seeking a stronger academic environment.

   Private Schools Near Paul A. Diggs, Lakeland, FL (33805)

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes or religious affiliations. Here are a few nearby:

6. Victory Christian Academy

   • Address: 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles
   • Rating (Niche.com): B- (based on parent reviews and limited data)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. It has a reputation for a supportive community but may have fewer resources than larger public schools. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website.

7. St. Joseph Academy

   • Address: 310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Type: Private Catholic (Grades PK-8)
   • Approximate Distance: 4-5 miles
   • Rating (Niche.com): Not widely rated; generally positive parent feedback
   • Details: A Catholic school emphasizing religious education alongside academics. It’s a bit farther from 33805 but accessible for families willing to commute. Contact the school for tuition and admission requirements.

   Charter Schools Near Paul A. Diggs, Lakeland, FL (33805)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy, often focusing on specific educational approaches.

8. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades 7-12)
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Details: One of the higher-rated options in the area, McKeel Academy focuses on technology and academics. It’s a competitive school with a lottery-based admission process, so early application is recommended.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org or Niche.com are based on factors like test scores, student-teacher ratios, and parent reviews. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s environment, extracurriculars, or specific programs that could benefit your child. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33805. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool on their website (polkschoolsfl.com) to confirm which schools your child is zoned for.
   • Transportation: Some schools, especially charters or magnets like McKeel or Rochelle, may not provide bus services to all areas of 33805. Verify transportation options with the school or district.
   • Demographics and Performance: Schools in the 33805 area often serve diverse, lower-income communities, which can impact test scores and ratings due to systemic factors. However, many schools offer dedicated teachers and programs (e.g., after-school tutoring) to support student success.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: polkschoolsfl.com – Offers detailed info on zoning, school performance, and enrollment.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33805) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org – Provides state-level data on school performance and accountability reports.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or speak with administrators about specific needs (e.g., special education, gifted programs).

   If you have a specific address within the Paul A. Diggs community or particular needs (e.g., preschool, special education), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools in a slightly broader radius or have other criteria, I’m happy to assist!