School Choices Detailed and Rated Tiffany Oaks, Lutz, 33549

Tiffany there! I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the Tiffany Oaks community in Lutz, FL (ZIP code 33549). Tiffany Oaks is a residential area in the Tampa Bay region, and I'll provide details on nearby schools, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings can vary depending on the source, so I'll use GreatSchools.org as a primary reference (scale of 1-10) since it's widely recognized, and I'll note if there are discrepancies or additional context. I'll focus on public schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) and mention private options if relevant. Keep in mind that school zones and ratings can change, so I recommend verifying current zoning and visiting schools for the most up-to-date info.

Location Context

Tiffany Oaks is located in Lutz, FL, near major roads like US-41 (N Florida Ave) and close to I-275, making it accessible to schools in the surrounding Hillsborough County area. Lutz is part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest in Florida.

Nearby Schools

Below are schools near Tiffany Oaks, categorized by level (elementary, middle, high), with approximate distances, ratings, and brief descriptions. Distances are estimated using mapping tools from a central point in Tiffany Oaks (e.g., near Tiffany Lake Pl).

Elementary Schools

1. Lutz K-8 School (formerly Lutz Elementary)

   • Address: 202 5th Ave SE, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   • Type: Public (K-8, serves as both elementary and middle)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school has a strong community reputation and offers a combined K-8 experience, which can ease transitions for students. It has above-average test scores in math and reading compared to state averages. Parent reviews often highlight small class sizes and dedicated teachers.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
   • Programs: Offers gifted programs and extracurriculars like art and music.

2. Lake Myrtle Elementary School

   • Address: 22944 Weeks Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639 (just north of Lutz)
   • Distance: Approx. 4 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   • Type: Public (K-5)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly outside Lutz in Land O' Lakes, this school serves many families in the broader area. It has solid academic performance with a focus on STEM activities. Some reviews mention variability in teacher engagement.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600 students
   • Programs: After-school care and special education support.

3. Maniscalco K-8 School

   • Address: 939 Debuel Rd, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approx. 3 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   • Type: Public (K-8)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another K-8 option, this school has mixed reviews, with test scores near the state average. It serves a diverse student body and offers various support programs.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   • Programs: Includes ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and extracurricular clubs.

   Middle Schools

   Since some nearby schools are K-8 (like Lutz K-8 and Maniscalco K-8), they cover middle school grades as well. Here are additional options for grades 6-8:

4. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approx. 5 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   • Type: Public (6-8)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located south of Lutz in Tampa, this school serves a larger student population with diverse needs. Test scores are slightly below state averages, but it offers various electives and sports.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 700-800 students
   • Programs: Band, athletics, and after-school tutoring.

   High Schools

   1. Steinbrenner High School
   2. Address: 5575 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   3. Distance: Approx. 6 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   4. Type: Public (9-12)
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: One of the top-rated high schools in the area, Steinbrenner is known for strong academics, high graduation rates (around 95%), and competitive sports programs. It often ranks well in state assessments.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 2,300 students
   8. Programs: AP courses, dual enrollment, and career-technical education.

5. Freedom High School

   • Address: 17410 Commerce Park Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647
   • Distance: Approx. 7 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in the New Tampa area, Freedom High offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on college prep. Test scores are above average, and it has a variety of extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 2,000 students
   • Programs: IB program, ROTC, and arts electives.

   Private Schools (Notable Options)

   1. Carrollwood Day School
   2. Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   3. Distance: Approx. 5 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   4. Type: Private (PK-12)
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; highly regarded on Niche (A rating)
   6. Details: A prestigious private school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It’s known for small class sizes and personalized education. Tuition is significant (around $15,000-$25,000/year depending on grade).
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 1,000 students

   8. Programs: Strong arts, athletics, and college counseling.

   9. Lutz Learning Center

   10. Address: 621 Sunset Ln, Lutz, FL 33549
   11. Distance: Approx. 2 miles from Tiffany Oaks
   12. Type: Private (PK-8)
   13. Rating: Not widely rated; limited data
   14. Details: A smaller, faith-based option with a focus on individualized learning. Reviews are generally positive for its nurturing environment.
   15. Enrollment: Approx. 100-150 students
   16. Programs: Religious education and basic academics.

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes equity metrics. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered "good," while 4-6 is average, and below 4 may indicate challenges. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, specific programs, or teacher quality might matter more to your family.
   • School Zoning: Tiffany Oaks falls within Hillsborough County Public Schools, and zoning typically assigns students to Lutz K-8 (or nearby elementaries) and Steinbrenner High School. Use the district’s school locator tool (available on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website) to confirm current boundaries, as they can shift due to population changes.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Hillsborough County has several charter and magnet schools, such as Terrace Community Middle School (a charter with high ratings, about 8 miles away). These often require applications or lotteries.
   • Parent and Community Feedback: Websites like Niche or local forums (e.g., Nextdoor) can provide firsthand parent reviews. For example, Steinbrenner often gets praise for academics but some criticism for overcrowding.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.
   2. Check District Website: Hillsborough County Public Schools (hillsboroughschools.org) has detailed info on zoning, bus routes, and special programs.
   3. Look at State Reports: The Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org) publishes school grades (A-F scale) based on standardized testing and other metrics. For 2022-2023, Steinbrenner typically earns an A, while others like Lutz K-8 often get a B or C.
   4. Explore Extracurriculars: If your child has specific interests (e.g., sports, arts), contact schools directly for program details.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, a particular grade level, or interest in private schools), let me know, and I can dig deeper! Also, if you’d like info on preschools or daycare options near Tiffany Oaks, just ask. What else can I help with?