School Choices Detailed and Rated Plantation, Greater Carrollwood, 33624

The community of Plantation in Greater Carrollwood, FL, falls within the 33624 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, and there are several schools in and around this region that cater to families in the Plantation and Greater Carrollwood area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Plantation, Greater Carrollwood, FL (33624)

Hillsborough County Public Schools operates the public schools in this area. Here are the schools closest to the 33624 ZIP code, particularly those serving the Greater Carrollwood and Plantation communities:

1. Essrig Elementary School

   • Address: 13131 Lynn Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Grades: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Essrig Elementary is located near the Plantation community and serves many families in Greater Carrollwood. It has a focus on academic achievement and offers programs like gifted education. The school has a diverse student body and a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1. Parents often praise the dedicated staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Plantation areas.

2. Hill Middle School

   • Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Grades: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Hill Middle School serves the Greater Carrollwood area and is known for its extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Test scores are around average for the state, with some areas of improvement noted in math and reading proficiency. The school has a student-teacher ratio of about 17:1.
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Plantation.

3. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Grades: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Niche.com)
   • Details: Gaither High School is the primary high school for students in the Greater Carrollwood and Plantation areas. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. The graduation rate is around 90%, and the school has a student-teacher ratio of approximately 19:1. Reviews highlight strong school spirit but mention occasional overcrowding.
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Plantation.

4. Claywell Elementary School (Alternative Elementary Option)

   • Address: 4500 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Grades: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another nearby elementary school, Claywell serves parts of Greater Carrollwood and is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 13:1 and offers after-school programs.
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Plantation.

   Private Schools Near Plantation, Greater Carrollwood, FL (33624)

   For families seeking private education options, there are several well-regarded schools in the vicinity:

5. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Grades: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche.com (A+); often praised for academics and facilities.
   • Details: This is a private, non-denominational school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It emphasizes college preparatory education with small class sizes and a focus on individualized learning. Tuition is on the higher end, reflecting the comprehensive programs and campus amenities.
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Plantation.

6. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Grades: K-8
   • Rating: Well-regarded in local reviews for its Jewish education focus.
   • Details: A private Jewish day school providing a blend of religious and secular education. It has a smaller student body, allowing for personalized attention.
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Plantation.

7. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grades: 1-8
   • Rating: Positive feedback for specialized learning support (Niche.com).
   • Details: This private school caters to students with learning differences, such as ADHD or mild learning disabilities, offering tailored educational plans.
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Plantation.

   Charter Schools Near Plantation, Greater Carrollwood, FL (33624)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more flexibility than traditional public schools. Here are a couple of options nearby:

8. Henderson Hammock Charter School

   • Address: 10322 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grades: K-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school offers a curriculum focused on character education alongside academics. It has a diverse student population and a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1.
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Plantation.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com, which aggregate data on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. GreatSchools uses a 1-10 scale, while Niche often uses letter grades (A+ to F). The Florida Department of Education also assigns school grades (A-F) based on state assessments, which can be found on their website (fldoe.org).
   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on zoning, so it’s important to confirm which school your specific address is zoned for by using the district’s school locator tool (available on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website: hillsboroughschools.org).
   • Parent Feedback: Ratings don’t tell the whole story. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with other parents in the Plantation or Greater Carrollwood community can provide deeper insight into the school environment and culture.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones, but private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Visit hillsboroughschools.org for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: These sites provide detailed reviews, ratings, and demographic data for schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check fldoe.org for state-assigned school grades and performance reports.
   • Community Input: Local forums, such as Nextdoor or Facebook groups for Greater Carrollwood or Plantation, can offer firsthand experiences from other parents.

   If you have a specific address within Plantation or Greater Carrollwood, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific educational needs (e.g., special education or gifted programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information!