School Choices Detailed and Rated River Hills, Valrico, 33596

River Hills is a community located in Valrico, FL, within the 33596 ZIP code. Valrico is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the River Hills community, including public schools zoned for this area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school ratings) and other relevant information. 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. Additionally, school zoning can depend on specific addresses within River Hills, so verifying zoning with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district is advised.

Public Schools Near River Hills, Valrico, FL (33596)

The River Hills community is generally zoned for the following public schools, based on proximity and district zoning maps. These schools serve students in the Valrico area, particularly in the 33596 ZIP code.

1. Lithia Springs Elementary School (Grades K-5)

   • Location: 4332 Lynx Paw Trail, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10 (as of the latest data)
   • Overview: Lithia Springs Elementary is a well-regarded school in the area, known for its strong academic programs and community involvement. It serves students in the River Hills and surrounding neighborhoods. The school emphasizes a nurturing environment with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.
   • Student Population: Around 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Randall Middle School (Grades 6-8)

   • Location: 16510 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 9/10
   • Overview: Randall Middle School is highly rated and known for its academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and advanced coursework options. It serves students from River Hills and nearby communities like FishHawk and Lithia. The school has a strong reputation for preparing students for high school.
   • Student Population: Around 1,300-1,400 students
   • Additional Info: Offers a variety of clubs, sports, and magnet programs.

3. Bloomingdale High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 1700 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: Bloomingdale High School serves the River Hills area and is known for its diverse academic offerings, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong athletics program. It has a large student body and a variety of extracurricular opportunities.
   • Student Population: Around 2,200-2,400 students
   • Additional Info: Recognized for its marching band and competitive sports teams.

   Note on Zoning: While these are the primary schools zoned for much of the River Hills community, some parts of the neighborhood may fall into different zones (e.g., Alafia Elementary or Newsome High School in nearby Lithia). You can confirm exact zoning by entering your address on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcpsweb.hcps.net/schoollocator).

   Nearby Private Schools

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools within a reasonable distance of River Hills in Valrico and surrounding areas.

4. Foundation Christian Academy (Grades PK-12)

   • Location: 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-reviewed by parents for its faith-based education.
   • Overview: A private Christian school offering education from preschool through high school. It focuses on a biblically integrated curriculum and small class sizes.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact the school for current rates (typically $6,000-$10,000 per year).
   • Additional Info: Offers sports, arts, and community service programs.

5. Bell Shoals Academy (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 2100 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but known for a strong community reputation.
   • Overview: A private Christian school affiliated with Bell Shoals Church, focusing on academic excellence and spiritual growth.
   • Tuition: Around $5,000-$8,000 per year (contact for exact figures).
   • Additional Info: Small class sizes and family-oriented environment.

6. St. Stephen Catholic School (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 10424 St. Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): Not rated, but often praised for its academic and religious programs.
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic rigor and moral development.
   • Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$9,000 per year for non-parishioners.
   • Additional Info: Offers extracurricular activities and extended care options.

   Charter Schools and Other Options

   Hillsborough County also has several charter schools and magnet programs that families in River Hills may consider. Admission to these schools often requires an application or lottery process.

7. Valrico Lake Advantage Academy (Grades K-5)

   • Location: 1330 N Valrico Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 5 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: A tuition-free public charter school focusing on personalized learning and character development.
   • Additional Info: Part of the Charter Schools USA network.

8. Winthrop Charter School (Grades K-8)

   • Location: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance from River Hills: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Overview: A highly rated charter school with a focus on academic excellence and innovative teaching methods.
   • Additional Info: Application required; often has a waitlist.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings (on a scale of 1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Florida Department of Education: You can also check school performance grades (A-F) on the Florida DOE website (fldoe.org), which are based on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments).
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Many schools in the area offer tours or virtual open houses, especially for prospective families. Contact individual schools for schedules.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options, so consider proximity and commuting needs.

   Conclusion

   The River Hills community in Valrico, FL (33596), benefits from access to highly rated public schools like Lithia Springs Elementary, Randall Middle, and Bloomingdale High, as well as several private and charter options nearby. The public schools in this area are generally well-regarded, with middle and elementary schools often receiving higher ratings than the high school. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend: - Checking school zoning for your specific address on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website. - Reviewing current ratings and parent reviews on GreatSchools.org or Niche.com. - Contacting schools directly for enrollment details, especially for private or charter options.

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