Local Schools Near The Lakes, Lake Alfred, 33850

The community of The Lakes in Lake Alfred, FL (ZIP code 33850) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in and around the area that serve residents. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including public and private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are often based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. 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, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to central Lake Alfred.

Public Schools Near The Lakes, Lake Alfred, FL (33850)

Public schools in this area are part of the Polk County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to The Lakes community:

1. Lake Alfred Elementary School

   • Address: 550 E Cummings St, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school serving the Lake Alfred area. It focuses on foundational education and offers various programs for young learners. Test scores are around average for the state, with some variation in math and reading proficiency.

2. Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred

   • Address: 1000 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This is a public charter middle school in Lake Alfred. It provides an alternative to traditional middle schools with a focus on individualized learning. Academic performance is slightly below average compared to state standards.

3. Lake Alfred Polytech Academy

   • Address: 925 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): Not widely rated due to its specialized nature; check Polk County Schools for more data.
   • Details: This is a career and technical education-focused high school in Lake Alfred. It offers programs for students interested in vocational training alongside traditional academics.

4. Auburndale Senior High School (serving some Lake Alfred residents for high school)

   • Address: 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This is one of the main high schools serving students in the broader area, including parts of Lake Alfred. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, with test scores near the state average.

5. Karen M. Siegel Academy

   • Address: 6751 Holly Rd, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12 (Special Needs)
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): Not rated due to its specialized focus.
   • Details: This school serves students with exceptional needs and provides tailored educational programs.

   Private Schools Near The Lakes, Lake Alfred, FL (33850)

   Private school options are more limited in the immediate Lake Alfred area, but there are a few within a reasonable driving distance:

6. St. Joseph Catholic School

   • Address: 535 Avenue M NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating (Niche.com): Not widely rated; generally well-regarded in the community for faith-based education.
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website.

7. All Saints Academy

   • Address: 5001 FL-540, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating (Niche.com): A- (based on recent reviews)
   • Details: This is an independent, college-preparatory school with an Episcopal affiliation. It offers strong academics and extracurriculars but requires tuition and an application process.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on factors like standardized test scores, student-teacher ratios, and parent reviews. However, they may not fully reflect the quality of education or specific programs (e.g., arts, sports, or special needs support) that might be important to your family.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. You can confirm which schools serve The Lakes by using the Polk County Public Schools’ school locator tool online or contacting the district at (863) 534-0500.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Polk County has several charter and magnet schools that may be accessible to Lake Alfred residents, though they often require applications or lotteries for enrollment. 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

   • Visit School Websites: Most schools have official websites with details on enrollment, programs, and events.
   • Polk County Public Schools: The district website (polkschoolsfl.com) provides comprehensive information on zoning, transportation, and performance data.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent and student feedback that can offer insights beyond numerical ratings.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to arrange visits or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at the environment.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, extracurricular priorities, or a preference for private schools), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Additionally, if you’d like me to focus on a specific school or provide more detailed performance data, just ask!