School Choices Detailed and Rated Panther Trace, Riverview, 33579

Panther Trace is a well-established community in Riverview, FL, located in the 33579 ZIP code. This area is part of Hillsborough County, and families in Panther Trace have access to several public and private schools nearby. Below, I’ll provide a list of schools in proximity to Panther Trace, 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) and other publicly available information as of my last update in October 2023. 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, the Florida Department of Education, or the Hillsborough County Public Schools website.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Panther Trace, as this is a typical range for families considering local schooling options. Panther Trace is zoned for specific schools under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, but families may also consider nearby charter or private options.

Public Schools Zoned for Panther Trace (Hillsborough County Public Schools)

The following schools are typically assigned to students in Panther Trace based on zoning. You can confirm current zoning on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering your address.

1. Collins PK-8 School (Elementary and Middle School)

   • Address: 12424 Summerfield Blvd, Riverview, FL 33579
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 1-2 miles (within or very close to the community)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Collins PK-8 is a relatively new school that opened to serve the growing Riverview area. It combines elementary and middle school grades, offering a seamless transition for students. The school focuses on academic achievement and community involvement. Test scores are above average for the district in some areas, though ratings reflect a mix of performance metrics.
   • Additional Info: Check the school’s website or hcps.net for extracurricular activities and programs like gifted education or special needs support.

2. Riverview High School

   • Address: 11311 Boyette Rd, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Riverview High School is the zoned high school for most of Panther Trace. It’s a large public school with a diverse student body and offers a variety of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and athletics. The rating reflects average test scores and college readiness metrics compared to state standards.
   • Additional Info: The school has a strong community presence with active sports teams and clubs. Parents can explore boundary exceptions or magnet programs if seeking alternatives.

   Other Nearby Public Schools

   If families are considering school choice options (e.g., magnet schools, charter schools, or boundary exceptions), here are additional public schools within a short drive of Panther Trace:

3. Summerfield Crossings Elementary School

   • Address: 11050 Fairway Meadow Dr, Riverview, FL 33579
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Details: This school serves nearby communities and may be an option for some Panther Trace residents depending on zoning or choice programs. It has average performance in test scores and focuses on foundational skills for younger students.

4. Barrington Middle School

   • Address: 5925 Village Center Dr, Lithia, FL 33547
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Details: While not the primary zoned middle school for Panther Trace, Barrington is nearby and may be accessible through school choice. It has above-average ratings due to strong test scores and student progress metrics.

   Charter Schools Near Panther Trace

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment is typically open via lottery or application.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Details: Winthrop Charter is a highly regarded option in the Riverview area, known for its academic rigor and structured environment. It often has a waitlist due to high demand, so early application is recommended.
   • Additional Info: Focuses on college preparatory curriculum even at younger grade levels.

6. Bell Creek Academy

   • Address: 13221 Boyette Rd, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Details: Bell Creek offers a combined middle and high school experience with a focus on personalized learning and college readiness. It’s a smaller alternative to traditional public high schools like Riverview High.

   Private Schools Near Panther Trace

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious or specialized educational focuses. Here are a couple of notable options nearby:

7. St. Stephen Catholic School

   • Address: 10424 St Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not typically rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on platforms like Niche.com suggest positive parent feedback.
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Catholic education with an emphasis on academics and moral development. Tuition and admission requirements apply.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school directly for enrollment processes and financial aid options.

8. Center Academy - Riverview

   • Address: 10518 Riverview Dr, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance from Panther Trace: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 4-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; specialized focus.
   • Details: This private school caters to students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, offering smaller class sizes and tailored instruction. Tuition-based with specific admission criteria.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and sometimes parent reviews. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while 7-10 indicates above-average performance. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter.
   • School Choice in Hillsborough County: The district offers magnet programs, charter schools, and boundary exceptions. Visit hcps.net for application deadlines and processes.
   • Transportation: For zoned public schools, bus services are typically provided if you live within the designated area. Charter and private schools may not offer transportation, or it may be limited.
   • Community Feedback: Panther Trace residents often discuss schools on local forums or social media groups (e.g., Nextdoor or Facebook community pages). Joining these can provide firsthand insights from other parents.

   How to Verify Information

   • Zoning Confirmation: Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online by entering your specific address in Panther Trace.
   • Updated Ratings: Check GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards for the latest data.
   • School Tours: Many schools offer open houses or virtual tours, especially for charter and private options. Contact schools directly to schedule visits.

   If you have a specific address within Panther Trace or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or special needs support), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools or daycare options in the area, I can include those as well. What else would you like to know?