Local Schools Near Scott Lake Hills, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

Scott Lake Hills is a community within the Lakeland Highlands area of Polk County, Florida, with the ZIP code 33813. This area is known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to various educational institutions. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Scott Lake Hills in Lakeland Highlands, FL, 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 Scott Lake Hills, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to the Scott Lake Hills community, along with their ratings and key details (based on data available as of late 2023 from GreatSchools.org and other public sources):

1. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 County Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Scott Lake Elementary is the closest elementary school to the community and serves many families in the immediate area. It has a focus on foundational learning and offers various programs for student development. The school has average test scores compared to state standards, with strengths in reading proficiency.
   • Student Population: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves the Lakeland Highlands area and has a diverse student body. It offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Test scores are near the state average, with some areas for improvement in math proficiency.
   • Student Population: Approximately 1,200 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its band and chorus programs.

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating from Florida DOE (based on recent data)
   • 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 graduation rate above the state average (around 90%) and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
   • Student Population: Around 2,300 students
   • Additional Info: Features career academies like business and technology.

   Private Schools Near Scott Lake Hills, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Scott Lake Hills. Private school ratings are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and niche.com data since they don’t always have standardized test score ratings like public schools.

4. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents (4.5/5 on Niche.com)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Catholic education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It has smaller class sizes compared to public schools.
   • Tuition: Around $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies by grade; check with the school for current rates)
   • Additional Info: Offers extracurriculars like sports and music.

5. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Strong academic reputation (A- on Niche.com)
   • Details: This private Christian school emphasizes a classical education model, focusing on logic, rhetoric, and grammar. It’s known for rigorous academics and a tight-knit community.
   • Tuition: Approximately $7,000-$10,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Additional Info: Limited enrollment for personalized attention.

6. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803 (slightly outside 33813 but accessible)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated (A on Niche.com)
   • Details: One of the largest and most established private schools in the Lakeland area, offering a comprehensive Christian education with strong academics, athletics, and fine arts programs.
   • Tuition: Around $10,000-$12,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Additional Info: Offers financial aid and a variety of AP courses.

   Charter Schools Near Scott Lake Hills, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Here are a couple of options nearby:

7. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (slightly outside 33813)
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A rating from Florida DOE
   • Details: A highly regarded charter school focusing on technology and academics. It has competitive enrollment (lottery-based) and strong test scores.
   • Student Population: Around 1,500 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its STEM programs.

8. McKeel Elementary Academy

   • Address: 411 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Scott Lake Hills
   • Grade Levels: K-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A feeder school for McKeel Academy of Technology, offering a solid elementary education with a technology focus. Also lottery-based admission.
   • Additional Info: Emphasis on early STEM education.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche.com ratings (letter grades) incorporate parent and student reviews alongside academic data. Florida DOE assigns letter grades (A-F) to public schools based on state assessments.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Verify your specific address with the Polk County Public Schools zoning tool (available on their website) to confirm assigned schools.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation or may have limited routes.
   • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. Contact individual schools for details on programs like IB, AP, or exceptional student education (ESE).

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check Updated Ratings: Use websites like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education for the latest data.
   • Polk County Public Schools Website: Visit www.polkschoolsfl.com for zoning maps, enrollment info, and district updates.
   • Parent Reviews: Look for local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Lakeland families) for firsthand experiences.

   If you have a specific address within Scott Lake Hills or want details on a particular school, let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, homeschooling resources, or extracurricular programs, I can provide that information as well!