School Choices Detailed and Rated South Florida Villas, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

South Florida Villas is a community located in the Lakeland Highlands area of Polk County, Florida, with the ZIP code 33813. This area is known for its suburban setting and proximity to various educational institutions. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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 or visiting the schools for a firsthand look.

Public Schools Near South Florida Villas, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. I’ve focused on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from the Lakeland Highlands area.

Elementary Schools

1. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 County Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from South Florida Villas
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Scott Lake Elementary is a nearby option with a focus on foundational education. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs to support student growth. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1

2. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Address: 2900 State Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from South Florida Villas
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Valleyview is known for strong academic performance compared to other local elementary schools. It emphasizes STEM education and has received positive feedback for teacher engagement.
   • Enrollment: Around 650 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from South Florida Villas
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Lakeland Highlands area. It offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Test scores are around the state average, with some areas like math showing stronger performance.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 17:1

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from South Florida Villas
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. 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 a strong athletics department. It has a good graduation rate (around 95%) and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,300 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 19:1

   Private Schools Near South Florida Villas, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools in the area, many of which have religious affiliations.

3. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Highway 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from South Florida Villas
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org, but parent reviews on Niche give it a B overall.
   • Details: This Catholic school emphasizes faith-based education alongside academics. It has smaller class sizes and a family-oriented environment. Tuition information is available directly from the school.
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 12:1

4. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from South Florida Villas
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded in local circles, with a Niche rating of A-.
   • Details: This private Christian school follows a classical education model, focusing on logic, rhetoric, and grammar. It’s known for rigorous academics and a strong sense of community.
   • Enrollment: Around 200 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 10:1

   Charter Schools Near South Florida Villas, Lakeland Highlands, FL 33813

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. They can be an alternative for families seeking specialized programs.

5. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (Central campus; other locations may apply)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from South Florida Villas
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: McKeel Academy is a highly rated charter school focusing on technology and academics. Admission is lottery-based, and it’s known for strong test scores and college preparation.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which aggregate data on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. GreatSchools uses a 1-10 scale, while Niche uses letter grades (A-F). These ratings are useful but subjective; visiting schools and speaking with staff or parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. You can confirm which schools serve South Florida Villas by using the Polk County Public Schools’ school locator tool or contacting the district at (863) 534-0500.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options, so check with individual schools.
   • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, International Baccalaureate (IB), or career academies. For example, George W. Jenkins High School has pathways for students interested in specific career fields.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit School Websites: Each school typically has a website with details on curriculum, events, and enrollment processes.
   • Polk County Public Schools: The district website (polkschoolsfl.com) provides resources on zoning, school performance, and registration.
   • Florida Department of Education: For official state ratings and report cards, visit fldoe.org.
   • Parent Reviews: Platforms like GreatSchools.org and Niche include parent feedback, which can highlight strengths and concerns not captured in numerical ratings.
   • School Tours: Many schools offer open houses or tours, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports facilities, or preschool options), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Additionally, if you’d like details on schools in a slightly broader radius or specific data points like test scores or demographics, I’m happy to assist!