Local Schools Near Sundown, Sebring, 33870

Sundown is a small community located in Sebring, Florida, within the ZIP code 33870. Sebring is part of Highlands County, and the schools in this area are primarily managed by the School Board of Highlands County. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Sundown community, including public schools and any notable private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are often based on sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education's school accountability reports. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, student progress, or parent reviews), and they are subject to change. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Sundown area, assuming a central point in Sebring near the 33870 ZIP code.

Public Schools Near Sundown, Sebring, FL (33870)

Public schools in this area are zoned based on residential addresses, so it’s important to confirm zoning with the Highlands County School District for the exact Sundown location.

Elementary Schools

1. Cracker Trail Elementary School

   • Address: 8200 Sparta Rd, Sebring, FL 33872
   • Approximate Distance from Sundown: 5-7 miles (depending on exact location in Sundown)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 6/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Florida Department of Education: Typically earns a "B" or "C" grade in recent years (check the latest report card at fldoe.org)
   • Details: Cracker Trail Elementary focuses on core academics with programs for student enrichment. It serves a diverse student population and has a moderate student-teacher ratio (around 15:1). Parent reviews often highlight the supportive staff but note occasional concerns about facilities.

2. Fred Wild Elementary School

   • Address: 3550 Youth Care Ln, Sebring, FL 33870
   • Approximate Distance from Sundown: 3-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Florida Department of Education: Often a "C" grade
   • Details: Located closer to central Sebring, Fred Wild serves many local families. It offers standard elementary curriculum with some extracurricular options. Reviews mention a mixed experience, with some parents appreciating the community feel and others citing challenges with resources.

   Middle Schools

   1. Sebring Middle School
   2. Address: 500 E Center Ave, Sebring, FL 33870
   3. Approximate Distance from Sundown: 2-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating:
   6. GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   7. Florida Department of Education: Typically a "C" grade
   8. Details: As the primary middle school for the Sebring area, it offers a range of academic and elective courses. It has sports and club activities, but parent feedback sometimes points to issues like overcrowding or inconsistent discipline.

   High Schools

   1. Sebring High School
   2. Address: 3514 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870
   3. Approximate Distance from Sundown: 3-5 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating:
   6. GreatSchools.org: 6/10
   7. Florida Department of Education: Often a "B" or "C" grade
   8. Niche.com: B- (based on academics, diversity, and college prep)
   9. Details: Sebring High is the main public high school for the area, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like sports and band. It has a graduation rate around the state average (approximately 85-90%). Reviews are mixed, with strengths in certain programs but some concerns about class sizes or facility maintenance.

   Private Schools Near Sundown, Sebring, FL (33870)

   Private school options in Sebring are limited but provide alternatives for families seeking religious or specialized education.

3. Heartland Christian School

   • Address: 1160 Persimmon Ave, Sebring, FL 33870
   • Approximate Distance from Sundown: 2-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools due to smaller enrollment; parent reviews on Niche.com are generally positive (around 4/5 stars)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition is moderate compared to larger private schools (exact costs vary; contact the school for current rates). It emphasizes moral education alongside academics, with limited but dedicated extracurriculars.

4. St. Catherine Catholic School

   • Address: 2835 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870
   • Approximate Distance from Sundown: 3-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; generally well-regarded in the community for early education
   • Details: Operated by the local Catholic parish, this school focuses on a faith-based elementary education. It’s smaller in size, offering a close-knit environment. Tuition information is available directly from the school.

   Charter Schools or Alternative Options

   There are no major charter schools directly in Sebring, but families can explore options in nearby areas or inquire with the Highlands County School District about virtual school programs or alternative education centers like: - Highlands Virtual School: Offers online learning for K-12 students in the district, which could be an option for Sundown residents. Ratings vary based on individual student outcomes.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms often emphasize standardized test scores, which may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. The Florida Department of Education’s grades (A-F) are based on factors like student achievement, learning gains, and graduation rates.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on your exact address in Sundown. You can verify zoning and bus routes through the Highlands County School District website (highlands.k12.fl.us) or by calling their office at (863) 471-5000.
   • Community Feedback: Local parent groups on platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor often provide firsthand insights into Sebring schools, which can supplement formal ratings.
   • School Tours: Many schools in the area allow prospective parents to schedule tours or attend open houses, which can be a great way to assess fit for your child.

   Conclusion

   For families in the Sundown community of Sebring, FL (33870), the primary public school options include Cracker Trail or Fred Wild Elementary, Sebring Middle, and Sebring High, with ratings generally in the average range (5-6/10 on GreatSchools, "B" or "C" from the state). Private options like Heartland Christian and St. Catherine Catholic provide faith-based alternatives with smaller class sizes. If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, advanced programs, or extracurricular focus), I recommend contacting the schools directly or visiting them to get a better sense of their offerings. Additionally, if you provide more details about grade levels or preferences, I can narrow down the recommendations further.

   Let me know if you’d like assistance with contacting the district, finding more detailed reports, or exploring schools in a broader radius!