School Choices Detailed and Rated Scott Lake West, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

The community of Scott Lake West in Lakeland Highlands, FL (ZIP code 33813) is located in Polk County, Florida, and falls within the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with 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.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to Lakeland Highlands (33813), generally within a 5-10 mile radius, as this is a suburban area with schools serving nearby communities. If you have a specific radius or type of school in mind (e.g., only elementary or private), let me know!

Public Schools Near Scott Lake West, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

Polk County Public Schools operates the public schools in this area. Here are the schools closest to the 33813 ZIP code, particularly those serving the Lakeland Highlands area:

1. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 County Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lakeland Highlands/Scott Lake West
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 6/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Overview: Scott Lake Elementary serves the immediate community and focuses on foundational education with programs for student enrichment. It has a diverse student body and offers extracurricular activities. Check the school’s website or Polk County Schools for enrollment zones, as boundaries can affect eligibility.

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Scott Lake West
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Overview: This middle school serves students in the Lakeland Highlands area and offers a range of academic and elective courses. It has received mixed reviews for student performance, with some areas of improvement noted in recent years.

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Scott Lake West
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 6/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Niche: B (based on academics, diversity, and college prep)
   • Overview: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, this high school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. It’s well-regarded for its community involvement and facilities.

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Farther but Still Accessible)

4. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Address: 2900 State Road 540A E, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating: GreatSchools.org: 7/10; FL DOE Grade: B
   • Overview: Another option for elementary students, Valleyview often serves families in the broader Lakeland Highlands area with a focus on academic growth.

5. Bartow High School (Alternative High School Option)

   • Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating: GreatSchools.org: 5/10; FL DOE Grade: B
   • Overview: While farther away, some students in the area may attend Bartow High depending on zoning or choice programs.

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

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in and around Lakeland Highlands:

6. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche: B (based on parent reviews and academics)
   • Overview: This school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition and enrollment details are available on their website.

7. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Type: Private Christian School (Grades PK-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: Niche: A- (highly regarded for academics and small class sizes)
   • Overview: Geneva provides a classical education model with a Christian worldview. It’s known for rigorous academics and a tight-knit community.

8. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Type: Private Christian School (Grades PK-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Niche: A (strong academics, athletics, and faith-based programs)
   • Overview: One of the larger private schools in the area, offering comprehensive programs from preschool through high school with a focus on college preparation.

   Charter Schools and Other Options

9. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades 7-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: GreatSchools.org: 8/10; FL DOE Grade: A
   • Overview: A highly rated charter school focusing on technology and academics. Admission is often lottery-based, so early application is recommended.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) and Niche (letter grades) are based on factors like test scores, parent reviews, and graduation rates. Florida DOE grades (A-F) are based on state assessments and accountability measures. These are useful starting points but don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs).
   • School Zones: Public school assignments depend on zoning. You can confirm which schools serve your exact address using the Polk County Public Schools’ School Locator tool online (polkschoolsfl.com).
   • School Choice: Polk County offers school choice programs, including magnet and charter schools, which may allow attendance outside your zoned school if space is available.
   • Visiting Schools: I recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses to get a feel for the environment, especially for private schools or if you’re considering school choice options.

   Conclusion

   Near Scott Lake West in Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813), you have access to a mix of public, private, and charter schools. Public options like Scott Lake Elementary, Lakeland Highlands Middle, and George W. Jenkins High are the zoned schools for many in this area, with ratings generally in the average to above-average range (B grades or 5-7/10). Private schools like Geneva Classical Academy and Lakeland Christian School offer highly rated alternatives with faith-based or classical education models. Charter options like McKeel Academy provide additional high-performing choices, though they may require applications.

   If you’d like more details on a specific school, enrollment processes, or programs (e.g., special needs, sports, or arts), or if you want me to narrow the focus to a specific grade level or radius, just let me know! You can also explore further data on the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) or contact schools directly for the latest information.