Local Schools Near The Fords, Westchase, 33626

The Fords is a neighborhood within the Westchase area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33626. This area is known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to highly-rated schools. Below is a detailed overview of the available schools near The Fords in Westchase, FL, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. 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’ve also included approximate distances from The Fords neighborhood for context.

Public Schools Near The Fords, Westchase, FL (33626)

The public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, which serves the Tampa region. Westchase is zoned for some of the top-rated schools in the county.

Elementary Schools

1. Westchase Elementary School

   • Address: 9514 West Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance from The Fords: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Westchase Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and active parent involvement. It serves students in grades K-5 and often receives praise for its test scores and community engagement.
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students
   • Notable Features: Offers gifted programs and extracurricular activities.

2. Bryant Elementary School

   • Address: 13910 Nine Eagles Dr, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance from The Fords: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located near the Westchase area, Bryant Elementary serves K-5 students and is known for its high academic standards and supportive environment.
   • Enrollment: Around 850 students
   • Notable Features: Strong focus on STEM education and community events.

   Middle Schools

   1. Davidsen Middle School
   2. Address: 10501 Montague St, Tampa, FL 33626
   3. Distance from The Fords: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Davidsen Middle School serves grades 6-8 and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. It has a solid reputation in the district.
   6. Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   7. Notable Features: Offers advanced placement courses and a focus on technology integration.

   High Schools

   1. Sickles High School
   2. Address: 7950 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33626
   3. Distance from The Fords: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Sickles High School is one of the top-rated high schools in Hillsborough County, serving grades 9-12. It is known for its strong academic programs, athletics, and college preparatory courses.
   6. Enrollment: Around 2,300 students
   7. Notable Features: Offers Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, as well as a variety of sports and arts programs.

   Private Schools Near The Fords, Westchase, FL (33626)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in and around the Westchase area. These schools often have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula.

3. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from The Fords: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-reviewed by parents for specialized education
   • Details: A private school for grades 1-8, Tampa Day School focuses on students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, offering individualized attention.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes and tailored learning plans.

4. Berkeley Preparatory School

   • Address: 4811 Kelly Rd, Tampa, FL 33615
   • Distance from The Fords: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: Highly regarded; often considered one of the top private schools in Tampa (not rated on GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Berkeley Prep is a prestigious private school serving Pre-K through 12th grade. It offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and a wide range of extracurriculars.
   • Tuition: Around $20,000-$30,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: Strong emphasis on academics, arts, and athletics with excellent college placement rates.

5. Hillsdale Christian Academy

   • Address: 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance from The Fords: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent feedback
   • Details: A private Christian school serving Pre-K through 12th grade, focusing on faith-based education alongside academics.
   • Tuition: Contact the school for details
   • Notable Features: Small community feel with a focus on moral and spiritual development.

   Charter Schools Near The Fords, Westchase, FL (33626)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs.

6. Horizon Charter School of Tampa

   • Address: 7235 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
   • Distance from The Fords: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-8 with a focus on personalized learning and smaller class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 300 students
   • Notable Features: Emphasizes character education and community involvement.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Source: The ratings provided are primarily based on GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. However, ratings are subjective and should be supplemented with personal visits, reviews, and discussions with other parents.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific zoning boundaries within Westchase. The Fords is generally zoned for Westchase Elementary, Davidsen Middle, and Sickles High, but you can confirm your exact zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering your address.
   • School Choice Programs: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, school choice options, and charter schools for families seeking alternatives to their zoned schools. Applications may be required, and spots are often limited.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for students within the zoned areas. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check with individual schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check Florida Department of Education: The state provides detailed school report cards at fldoe.org.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like Niche.com and GreatSchools.org feature parent and student feedback.
   • Westchase Community Resources: The Westchase Community Association (westchasewca.com) often provides updates on local schools and events.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, extracurricular preferences, or religious education), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Additionally, if you’d like details on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources in the area, I’m happy to assist!