School Choices Detailed and Rated Turtle Crossing, Northdale, 33625

Turtle Crossing is a community within the Northdale area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33625. This area falls under Hillsborough County, which has a variety of public, private, and charter school options. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Turtle Crossing/Northdale, FL 33625, 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 visiting the schools or checking the most current data for confirmation. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Northdale/Turtle Crossing area.

Public Schools Near Turtle Crossing, Northdale, FL 33625

Public schools in this area are managed by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Here are some of the closest schools, zoned or nearby, based on proximity to Northdale (ZIP 33625):

1. Northwest Elementary School

   • Address: 16438 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Turtle Crossing/Northdale
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Northwest Elementary is a well-regarded school in the area with a focus on academic achievement and a diverse student body. It often serves students in the Northdale area. Parents note a strong sense of community and supportive teachers. Check zoning maps on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website to confirm if this is the assigned school for Turtle Crossing.

2. Hill Middle School

   • Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Turtle Crossing/Northdale
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Hill Middle School serves many students from the Northdale area. It offers various extracurricular activities and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Some reviews mention variability in teacher quality, but it remains a solid option for middle schoolers.

3. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Turtle Crossing/Northdale
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating (Florida DOE School Grades, recent years)
   • Details: Gaither High School is the zoned high school for much of the Northdale area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. It has a diverse student population and mixed reviews, with some praising its programs and others noting areas for improvement in student support.

   Charter Schools Near Turtle Crossing, Northdale, FL 33625

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment may require an application or lottery.

4. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Turtle Crossing/Northdale
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and hands-on learning. It’s highly rated by parents for its innovative approach and small class sizes, though admission may be competitive due to limited spots.

   Private Schools Near Turtle Crossing, Northdale, FL 33625

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies.

5. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Turtle Crossing/Northdale
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A- overall)
   • Details: This is an independent, college-preparatory school with a strong reputation for academics, arts, and athletics. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and has excellent reviews for student preparation. Tuition is significant, often in the range of $15,000-$25,000 per year depending on grade level.

6. Hillsdale Christian Academy

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Turtle Crossing/Northdale
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Details: A smaller, faith-based school offering a Christian education with a focus on individualized attention. Tuition is typically more affordable than larger private schools, though exact costs should be confirmed with the school.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche provides letter grades (A-F) based on academics, diversity, and parent reviews. Florida DOE assigns letter grades (A-F) to public schools based on state assessments.
   • Zoning: School assignments for public schools depend on your exact address within Turtle Crossing/Northdale. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online to confirm zoned schools.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Hillsborough County offers magnet schools and school choice options that may allow students to attend schools outside their zoned area, such as Steinbrenner High School (rated higher, about 5-6 miles away) or various magnet programs for arts or STEM.
   • Parent Reviews: Ratings don’t tell the whole story. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and reading parent reviews on platforms like GreatSchools or Niche can provide deeper insight into school culture and fit for your child.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org (for zoning, school choice, and performance data)
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code 33625 for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed parent and student feedback on schools in the Tampa area.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school grades and performance reports at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Turtle Crossing, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, specific programs (e.g., special needs or gifted), or more details on a particular school, let me know!