School Choices Detailed and Rated Stonegate at Valrico Lake, Valrico, 33594

Stonegate at Valrico Lake is a community located in Valrico, FL, within the 33594 ZIP code. Valrico is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including 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. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the Stonegate at Valrico Lake area, as well as mention nearby private school options. Distances are approximate based on the general location of Valrico, FL 33594, near Valrico Lake Road and surrounding areas. If you have a specific address within Stonegate, zoning can be confirmed via the Hillsborough County Public Schools website using their school locator tool.

Public Schools Near Stonegate at Valrico Lake, Valrico, FL 33594

Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns students to schools based on residential zoning. The following schools are typically associated with the Valrico area near 33594. I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a 1-10 scale) as a primary reference, along with some context from Niche or other sources where available.

Elementary Schools

1. Buckhorn Elementary School

   • Address: 2420 Buckhorn School Ct, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Buckhorn Elementary is well-regarded for its academic performance and student growth. It often scores above the district average on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments). Parents frequently praise the school for its supportive teachers and community involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. Valrico Elementary School

   • Address: 609 S Miller Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. Test scores are generally near or slightly above the district average. Some reviews highlight strong parent involvement but note occasional concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: Features after-school programs and community events.

   Middle Schools

   1. Mulrennan Middle School
   2. Address: 4215 Durant Rd, Valrico, FL 33596 (nearby ZIP, still relevant to 33594 zoning)
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Mulrennan Middle is often zoned for students in the Valrico area. It has solid academic performance, with test scores above the district average in subjects like math and reading. The school offers electives, sports, and clubs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,300 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for a strong transition program for incoming 6th graders.

   High Schools

   1. Durant High School
   2. Address: 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, FL 33567 (serves parts of Valrico)
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Durant High School is a common zoning option for Valrico residents. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurriculars like athletics and band. College readiness metrics are decent, though test scores are around the state average.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,400-2,500 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its large campus and diverse student body.

3. Bloomingdale High School (alternative zoning possibility depending on exact address)

   • Address: 1700 E Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Bloomingdale often serves parts of Valrico and has a strong reputation for academics and extracurriculars. It offers AP and honors courses, and its graduation rate is above the district average.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,200 students
   • Additional Info: Frequently praised for its school spirit and sports programs.

   Private Schools Near Stonegate at Valrico Lake

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in or near Valrico, FL 33594. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but often based on parent reviews and academic outcomes.

4. Foundation Christian Academy

   • Address: 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents on Niche (often 4-5 stars out of 5)
   • Details: A private Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with a focus on college preparation. Small class sizes and personalized attention are commonly noted in reviews.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact the school for current rates (typically $8,000-$12,000/year)
   • Additional Info: Offers sports, arts, and community service programs.

5. Livingstone Academy (Special Needs Focus)

   • Address: 1204 Lenna Ave, Seffner, FL 33584 (near Valrico)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-12 (specialized for autism and related needs)
   • Rating: Parent reviews are generally positive for its tailored approach (Niche)
   • Details: A private school catering to students with special needs, offering individualized education plans.
   • Tuition: Contact for details; often scholarship-eligible through programs like McKay or Gardiner.
   • Additional Info: Focuses on life skills alongside academics.

   Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Availability depends on enrollment lotteries and zoning.

6. Valrico Lake Advantage Academy

   • Address: 1335 N Valrico Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school managed by Charter Schools USA, focusing on a structured curriculum with an emphasis on character education. Test scores are comparable to nearby public schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Free to attend, but admission may require a lottery if oversubscribed.

7. Navigator Academy of Leadership Valrico

   • Address: 1101 E Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Stonegate at Valrico Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Focuses on leadership skills and project-based learning. Parent reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the innovative approach and others citing inconsistent academic results.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: Application-based enrollment with potential waitlists.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. A rating of 6 or above generally indicates a school performing at or above average compared to others in the state. Niche ratings often incorporate parent and student feedback, giving a more qualitative perspective.
   • Zoning Verification: School assignments can vary even within a small community like Stonegate at Valrico Lake due to boundary lines. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools locator tool (available on their website) with your exact address to confirm zoning.
   • School Choice Options: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, school choice, and virtual learning options. For example, students can apply to magnet schools like Newsome High School (known for strong academics, about 5-6 miles away) if they meet criteria.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance data are updated annually based on state testing (e.g., FSA, EOC exams). Check the Florida Department of Education or school websites for the latest reports.

   How to Research Further

   • **Hillsborough County Public