Local Schools Near Summerland Hills, Highland City, 33812

Summerland Hills is a community located in Highland City, FL, with the ZIP code 33812. This area falls within Polk County, Florida, and is served by the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Summerland Hills, 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.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33812 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to Highland City/Summerland Hills.

Public Schools Near Summerland Hills, Highland City, FL (33812)

1. Highland City Elementary School

   • Address: 5355 9th St SE, Highland City, FL 33846
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Summerland Hills
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is the closest elementary school to Summerland Hills and serves many families in Highland City. It focuses on foundational education with an emphasis on reading and math proficiency. Parent reviews often highlight the small community feel and teacher dedication, though some note concerns about facilities or class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students (varies by year)
   • Contact: (863) 648-3540

2. Bartow Middle School

   • Address: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Summerland Hills
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and equity)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Highland City area after they transition from elementary school. It offers standard middle school curriculum with some extracurricular activities. Ratings reflect challenges in test performance compared to state averages, but some parents appreciate the school’s efforts in student engagement.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7415

3. Bartow Senior High School

   • Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Summerland Hills
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness)
   • Details: This is the primary high school for students in the Highland City area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a notable athletics program. The graduation rate is around 85-90% (based on recent data), though test scores are near or below state averages in some subjects.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,000-2,200 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7400

   Alternative Public/Charter Schools Near Summerland Hills

4. Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (Charter)

   • Address: 5316 Berkley Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Summerland Hills
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools, but often praised for small class sizes and focus on college prep (check Niche for parent reviews)
   • Details: This charter school offers a more personalized high school experience with an emphasis on preparing students for college. Admission may require an application or lottery system.
   • Contact: (863) 984-4653

   Private Schools Near Summerland Hills

5. Word of Life Christian School

   • Address: 1555 W Main St, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Summerland Hills
   • Rating: Not officially rated on GreatSchools, but parent reviews on Niche often give it 3.5-4/5 stars for its faith-based education and small class sizes.
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Tuition costs apply (contact the school for current rates), and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   • Contact: (863) 519-5747

6. First Methodist School

   • Address: 455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Summerland Hills
   • Rating: Limited data on ratings; generally well-regarded in the community for early education (check local reviews or Niche)
   • Details: A private school affiliated with the Methodist church, focusing on early childhood and middle school education with a values-based approach.
   • Contact: (863) 533-0905

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are often based on standardized test scores, which may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: School assignments in Polk County are based on residential zoning. To confirm which schools your address is zoned for, use the Polk County Public Schools’ School Zone Locator tool on their website (polkschoolsfl.com) or contact the district at (863) 534-0500.
   • School Choice: Polk County offers school choice options, including magnet programs, charter schools, and vocational academies. Applications may be required, and transportation is not always provided.
   • Performance Data: For the most up-to-date performance data, visit the Florida Department of Education’s website (fldoe.org) or the individual school websites.

   Summary of Schools Near Summerland Hills (33812)

   • Elementary: Highland City Elementary (6/10, closest option)
   • Middle: Bartow Middle School (4/10, ~5-6 miles)
   • High: Bartow Senior High School (5/10, ~5-7 miles)
   • Charter/Private Options: Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy, Word of Life Christian School, First Methodist School (ratings vary, generally positive community feedback)

   If you have a specific address within Summerland Hills, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re interested in a particular type of school (e.g., charter, private, or specialized programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you like me to look into any specific school or program further?