Local Schools Near Riverwalk at Waterside Island, Palm River, 33619

The community of Riverwalk at Waterside Island is located in the Palm River area of Tampa, FL, with the ZIP code 33619. This area falls under Hillsborough County Public Schools, and there are several schools in proximity that serve this community. 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 firsthand impression.

Search Criteria and Methodology

• Location: Schools within a 5-mile radius of Palm River, FL 33619, near Riverwalk at Waterside Island.
• Types of Schools: Public, charter, and private schools (elementary, middle, and high schools).
• Ratings: Primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) and supplemented by Niche ratings (letter grades A-F) where available. GreatSchools ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, while Niche includes parent and student reviews.
• Additional Info: Distance approximations, school type, and grade levels served.

Nearby Schools

Elementary Schools

1. Clair-Mel Elementary School

   • Address: 1025 S Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from Riverwalk at Waterside Island
   • Type: Public
   • Grades: PK-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Niche Rating: C-
   • Notes: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational skills. Test scores are below the state average, and the school has a higher student-to-teacher ratio (around 15:1). Parents note a need for more resources and extracurriculars.

2. Bing Elementary School

   • Address: 6409 36th Ave S, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles
   • Type: Public
   • Grades: PK-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 2/10
   • Niche Rating: C-
   • Notes: Bing Elementary struggles with low test scores in math and reading compared to state averages. The school offers some support programs for struggling students, but reviews mention challenges with facilities and engagement.

3. Palm River Elementary School

   • Address: 805 Maydell Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles
   • Type: Public
   • Grades: PK-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Niche Rating: C
   • Notes: Located close to the Palm River community, this school has slightly better ratings than others nearby. It focuses on community involvement, but academic performance remains below state averages.

   Middle Schools

   1. Giunta Middle School
   2. Address: 4202 S Falkenburg Rd, Riverview, FL 33578
   3. Distance: Approximately 3 miles
   4. Type: Public
   5. Grades: 6-8
   6. GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   7. Niche Rating: C-
   8. Notes: Giunta Middle School serves a large student body with diverse needs. Test scores are below average, and parent reviews mention inconsistent teacher quality but praise some extracurricular options like sports.

4. Dowell Middle Magnet School

   • Address: 1200 N Grant St, Tampa, FL 33602 (closer to downtown but within district zoning)
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles
   • Type: Public Magnet
   • Grades: 6-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Niche Rating: B-
   • Notes: As a magnet school with an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Dowell offers a more rigorous curriculum. It has better ratings than other local middle schools, though admission may require an application or lottery.

   High Schools

   1. Spoto High School
   2. Address: 8538 Eagle Palm Dr, Riverview, FL 33578
   3. Distance: Approximately 4 miles
   4. Type: Public
   5. Grades: 9-12
   6. GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   7. Niche Rating: C
   8. Notes: Spoto High School serves the local area with a focus on career and technical education alongside standard academics. Graduation rates are slightly below state average (around 85%), and college readiness scores are low. However, it offers sports and some AP courses.

5. Blake High School (Magnet)

   • Address: 1701 N Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Type: Public Magnet
   • Grades: 9-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Notes: A magnet school specializing in performing and visual arts, Blake High has stronger academic ratings and a higher graduation rate (around 90%). Admission is selective, often requiring auditions or applications.

   Charter and Private Schools

   1. Pivot Charter School
   2. Address: 3020 S Falkenburg Rd, Riverview, FL 33578
   3. Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles
   4. Type: Charter
   5. Grades: 6-12
   6. GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   7. Niche Rating: C+
   8. Notes: Pivot offers a blended learning model with online and in-person instruction. It caters to students needing flexible schedules but has mixed reviews on academic rigor.

6. Harvest Time Christian School

   • Address: 1511 S US Hwy 301, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles
   • Type: Private (Religious)
   • Grades: PK-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated (limited data)
   • Niche Rating: B- (based on limited reviews)
   • Notes: A smaller, faith-based school with a focus on Christian values. Class sizes are typically smaller, but academic performance data is less publicly available. Tuition costs apply.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Many schools in the immediate Palm River area have lower ratings (2-4/10 on GreatSchools), often due to socioeconomic factors, limited resources, and below-average test scores. Magnet schools or schools slightly farther out (like Blake High or Dowell Middle) tend to have better ratings and specialized programs.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33619. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering your address in their School Locator tool.
   • Charter and Private Options: These may offer alternatives to traditional public schools, but they often require applications, lotteries, or tuition. Check each school’s website for enrollment details.
   • Parent and Community Feedback: Ratings don’t tell the whole story. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with other parents in the Riverwalk at Waterside Island community can provide valuable insights.

   Resources for Further Information

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: hcps.net (for zoning, enrollment, and district updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: Detailed ratings and parent reviews
   • Niche.com: Additional ratings and community feedback
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org (for state report cards and performance data)

   If you have a specific address within Riverwalk at Waterside Island, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re interested in a particular type of school (e.g., magnet, private) or have children in specific grades, let me know, and I can refine the search further!