The community of Sunset by the Lake in Lake Alfred, FL (ZIP code 33850) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 also include approximate distances from Lake Alfred, as Sunset by the Lake is a specific community within the city.
Public Schools Near Sunset by the Lake, Lake Alfred, FL
These schools are zoned for or near the Lake Alfred area in Polk County Public Schools district.
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Lake Alfred Elementary School
- Address: 550 E Cummings St, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Sunset by the Lake
- Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
- Details: This is the primary elementary school serving the Lake Alfred community. It focuses on foundational education with a mix of academic and extracurricular programs. Parents often note the small-town feel and community involvement.
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Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred
- Address: 1000 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Sunset by the Lake
- Type: Public Charter Middle School (Grades 6-8)
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This charter school serves middle school students in the area. It offers a structured environment with a focus on preparing students for high school. Reviews mention a strong emphasis on discipline and academics, though some parents cite limited extracurricular options.
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Lake Alfred Polytech Academy
- Address: 925 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Sunset by the Lake
- Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
- Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Another middle school option in Lake Alfred, this school focuses on career and technical education alongside core academics. It’s designed to introduce students to potential career paths early on.
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Auburndale Senior High School
- Address: 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale, FL 33823
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Sunset by the Lake
- Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This is the primary high school serving Lake Alfred students. It offers a range of academic programs, sports, and extracurricular activities. The school has a diverse student body and mixed reviews regarding academic rigor and facilities.
Private Schools Near Sunset by the Lake, Lake Alfred, FL
Private school options are somewhat limited in Lake Alfred itself, but there are a few within a reasonable driving distance.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
- Address: 310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland, FL 33803
- Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Sunset by the Lake
- Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
- Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-regarded in the community for its faith-based education and small class sizes.
- Details: This school offers a religious curriculum alongside standard academics. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.
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Victory Christian Academy
- Address: 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
- Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Sunset by the Lake
- Type: Private Christian School (Grades K-12)
- Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org, but known for a strong Christian focus and community involvement.
- Details: This school provides education from kindergarten through high school with an emphasis on biblical teachings and college preparation.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Context: The ratings provided by GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school’s quality, such as teacher dedication, community involvement, or specific programs that might suit your child’s needs. 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 child is zoned for near Sunset by the Lake, you can use the Polk County Public Schools’ School Zone Locator tool on their website (polkschoolsfl.com).
- Charter and Magnet Options: Polk County has several charter and magnet schools that may be accessible via application or lottery, even if they’re slightly farther away. Discovery Academy, mentioned above, is one such option.
- Higher Education: For post-secondary options, Polk State College has a campus in Winter Haven (about 10 miles away), offering associate degrees and vocational programs.
How to Research Further
- Polk County Public Schools Website: Visit polkschoolsfl.com for detailed zoning information, school calendars, and registration processes.
- GreatSchools.org: Check for updated ratings, parent reviews, and test score data.
- School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
- Florida Department of Education: Their website (fldoe.org) provides report cards for schools, including graduation rates and performance metrics.
If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports, or arts focus) or would like me to dig deeper into a particular school, let me know! I can also help with contact information or directions if needed.