School Choices Detailed and Rated Tarawood Grove, Lake Magdalene, 33618

Tarawood Grove is a community located in the Lake Magdalene area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33618. This area falls within Hillsborough County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide information on the available public and private schools near Tarawood Grove, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often 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 the latest information.

Public Schools Near Tarawood Grove, Lake Magdalene, FL 33618

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. I’ve listed schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles) of the Lake Magdalene/Tarawood Grove area, focusing on elementary, middle, and high schools zoned for or near this community.

Elementary Schools

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note that facilities could use updates.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students

2. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for strong academic performance and a welcoming environment, this school often receives positive feedback for its teachers and community involvement. It offers programs like gifted education.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students

3. Claywell Elementary School

   • Address: 4500 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school emphasizes a balanced curriculum with STEM initiatives and has a moderately diverse student body. Parent reviews highlight a focus on student growth.
   • Enrollment: Around 750 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Buchanan Middle School
   2. Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Tarawood Grove
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Buchanan offers a range of academic and elective courses, including technology and arts programs. It has faced challenges with test scores in recent years but is working on improvement initiatives.
   7. Enrollment: Around 700 students

4. Hill Middle School

   • Address: 5200 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school is known for a strong focus on academics and extracurriculars, including sports and clubs. It serves a diverse population and has a student-teacher ratio of about 16:1.
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students

   High Schools

   1. Gaither High School
   2. Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Tarawood Grove
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Gaither is a large public high school with a variety of AP courses, career academies, and sports programs. It has a graduation rate of around 90% and offers college preparatory resources.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,000 students

5. Chamberlain High School

   • Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Chamberlain offers a range of academic programs, including IB (International Baccalaureate) courses. It has a diverse student body but lower test scores compared to state averages.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,600 students

   Private Schools Near Tarawood Grove, Lake Magdalene, FL 33618

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in the area, often with a religious or specialized focus.

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A- overall)
   • Details: This is a private, non-sectarian school with an IB curriculum and a strong emphasis on college preparation. It’s known for small class sizes and individualized attention. Tuition is significant, often exceeding $20,000 per year.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students

7. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: Well-regarded in the community (specific ratings vary)
   • Details: A Jewish day school offering a blend of secular and religious education. It focuses on academic excellence and cultural values. Tuition information is available upon request.
   • Enrollment: Around 200 students

8. Tampa Preparatory School

   • Address: 727 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33606 (slightly farther but notable)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: A+ on Niche
   • Details: An elite private school with a rigorous academic program, strong arts, and athletics. It’s highly selective with tuition around $25,000+ annually.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students

   Charter Schools Near Tarawood Grove

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

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Tarawood Grove
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It has a strong community focus and often has a waitlist for enrollment.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which use test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. GreatSchools ratings are on a 1-10 scale, while Niche uses letter grades (A+ to F). These ratings are subjective and should be one of many factors in choosing a school.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Tarawood Grove. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering your address in their school locator tool.
   • School Performance Reports: The Florida Department of Education provides detailed school report cards, including test scores and graduation rates, at fldoe.org.
   • Visiting Schools: I recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses to get a firsthand look at the environment, facilities, and staff.

   Conclusion

   The Tarawood Grove community in Lake Magdalene, FL (33618), has access to a variety of educational options, including public schools with moderate to good ratings, well-regarded private schools, and a notable charter school. For public schools, Carrollwood Elementary and Gaither High School stand out with higher ratings, while private options like Carrollwood Day School offer premium education with a higher cost. If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, religious affiliation, or advanced programs), let me know, and I can narrow down the options further. Additionally, if you’d like me to check the zoning for a specific address or provide more details on a particular school, just ask!