School Choices Detailed and Rated South Pointe, Medulla, 33811

South Pointe is a community located in the Medulla area of Lakeland, Florida, with the ZIP code 33811. This area falls within Polk County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide information on public and private schools in or near the 33811 ZIP code, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Medulla/South Pointe area.

Public Schools Near South Pointe, Medulla, FL (33811)

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is the closest elementary school to the South Pointe community. It serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academic skills. Parents often note the school’s community feel, though some reviews mention concerns about class sizes.

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Medulla area. It offers various extracurricular activities and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Reviews highlight the school’s academic programs, though some parents mention variability in teacher quality.

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the primary high school for the area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurriculars, including sports and clubs. The school has a generally positive reputation, though some reviews note challenges with overcrowding.

4. R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School

   • Address: 5500 Yates Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another nearby elementary option, this school serves parts of the 33811 area. It has a focus on student engagement and offers various programs for younger learners.

   Private Schools Near South Pointe, Medulla, FL (33811)

   For families seeking private education, there are a few options within a reasonable distance:

5. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; however, it is well-regarded in the community for its faith-based education.
   • Details: This Catholic school emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual development. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website or by contacting the school directly.

6. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; known for strong academics and a Christian-based curriculum.
   • Details: One of the largest private schools in the area, offering a comprehensive education with a focus on faith and college preparation. It has a good reputation among local families.

   Charter Schools Near South Pointe, Medulla, FL (33811)

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

7. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance: Approximately 7-9 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school focusing on technology and academics. Admission is often competitive and may require an application or lottery system.

8. McKeel Elementary Academy

   • Address: 411 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from South Pointe/Medulla
   • Grade Levels: K-6
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Part of the McKeel system, this elementary charter school is known for strong academics and a structured environment.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, student growth, and sometimes equity factors. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, while 8 and above is above average. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. You can confirm which schools serve your specific address using the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) under their "School Zone Locator" tool.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check with individual schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: For official zoning, enrollment, and district information (polkschoolsfl.com).
   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings, reviews, and detailed school profiles.
   • Florida Department of Education: For state-level data on school performance (fldoe.org).
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter schools.

   If you have a specific address within South Pointe or Medulla, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific educational needs (e.g., special education or gifted programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information!