Local Schools Near Parkside, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

The community of Parkside in Lakeland Highlands, FL (ZIP code 33813) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve this area. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on 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 checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Lakeland Highlands area.

Public Schools Near Parkside, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are the schools zoned for or near the 33813 area:

1. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 1140 County Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the Lakeland Highlands area and focuses on foundational education. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs to support student growth. Check the Polk County Schools zoning map to confirm if this is the assigned school for Parkside residents.

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the area and offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities. It has received mixed reviews for student performance but is conveniently located for many in the 33813 ZIP code.

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, this high school is well-regarded in the area for its academic programs and extracurriculars, including sports and arts. It serves a large portion of the Lakeland Highlands community.

   Nearby Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have different enrollment processes (e.g., lotteries).

4. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades 7-12)
   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (Central Lakeland campus)
   • Approximate Distance: 6-8 miles from Lakeland Highlands
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: McKeel Academy is a highly rated charter school with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is competitive and often requires an application and lottery system.

   Private Schools Near Parkside, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

   Private schools in the area offer alternative education options, often with a religious or specialized focus. Tuition and admission requirements vary.

5. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack standardized ratings, but parent reviews are generally positive)
   • Details: This school provides a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Contact the school for tuition and enrollment information.

6. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Type: Private Christian School (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Highlands
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (parent reviews highlight strong academics and small class sizes)
   • Details: Geneva offers a classical education model with a Christian worldview. It emphasizes critical thinking and traditional learning methods.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other metrics. A rating of 6 or above is generally considered average to above average, while below 5 may indicate areas for improvement. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within the 33813 ZIP code. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ School Zone Locator tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve the Parkside community.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent and student reviews, which can provide insight beyond numerical ratings.
   • School Performance Reports: The Florida Department of Education provides detailed reports on school performance, including graduation rates and state test results, at fldoe.org.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have official websites with information on programs, enrollment, and events.
   2. Contact Polk County Public Schools: Reach out to the district at (863) 534-0500 or visit polkschoolsfl.com for zoning and transportation details.
   3. Tour Schools: Many schools offer open houses or tours for prospective families, especially private and charter schools.
   4. Check Recent Data: School ratings and demographics can change yearly, so verify the latest information.

   If you have a specific address within Parkside or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports focus), I can help narrow down the options further. Let me know!