Local Schools Near Touchstone, Palm River, 33619

The community of Touchstone in Palm River, FL, falls within the 33619 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Touchstone community, including public schools zoned for this area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for firsthand insight.

Public Schools Near Touchstone, Palm River, FL (33619)

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Touchstone community or nearby areas in the 33619 ZIP code. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and supplemented with information from Niche or other public data where available.

1. Clair-Mel Elementary School

   • Address: 1025 S 78th St, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Touchstone
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Clair-Mel Elementary serves a diverse student population and offers standard elementary education with some extracurricular activities. Test scores are below the state average in reading and math, and the school has a focus on improving student achievement through targeted programs.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1
   • Additional Info: The school provides free or reduced-price lunch to a significant portion of students, reflecting the socioeconomic demographics of the area.

2. Dowdell Middle Magnet School

   • Address: 1208 Wishing Well Way, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Touchstone
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Dowdell Middle is a magnet school with a focus on technology and career exploration. While it offers unique programs, academic performance is below the state average in key areas like math and reading.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 17:1
   • Additional Info: The magnet program may require an application or lottery for enrollment, even for zoned students.

3. Spoto High School

   • Address: 8538 Eagle Palm Dr, Riverview, FL 33578 (just outside 33619 but serves the area)
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Touchstone
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Spoto High School offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. However, graduation rates and test scores are below state averages.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 19:1
   • Additional Info: The school has a diverse student body and provides support services for college and career readiness.

   Private Schools Near Touchstone, Palm River, FL (33619)

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are a few private or charter options within a reasonable distance of the Touchstone community. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, or Niche rankings.

4. Harvest Time Christian School

   • Address: 1511 S US Hwy 301, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Touchstone
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche give it a B- for academics and overall experience.
   • Overview: This is a faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. It focuses on both academic and spiritual development.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (often around $5,000-$7,000 annually for similar institutions).
   • Additional Info: Enrollment may require adherence to religious values or participation in faith-based activities.

5. Providence Christian School

   • Address: 5416 Providence Rd, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Touchstone
   • Rating: B on Niche, with positive reviews for small class sizes and community feel.
   • Overview: Another faith-based option, Providence Christian provides a comprehensive K-12 education with an emphasis on biblical teachings alongside academics.
   • Tuition: Estimated $6,000-$8,000 per year; scholarships or financial aid may be available.
   • Additional Info: The school has a smaller enrollment, which allows for more personalized attention.

   Charter Schools Near Touchstone, Palm River, FL (33619)

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

6. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Type: Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Touchstone
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Winthrop Charter is a highly regarded option with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Test scores are above the state average in several areas.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1
   • Additional Info: Admission is via lottery, and there may be a waitlist due to high demand.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning Verification: School assignments can vary based on exact address within the 33619 ZIP code. I recommend using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website, www.hillsboroughschools.org) to confirm zoning for a specific address in Touchstone.
   • School Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes parent reviews. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, extracurricular offerings, or individual student fit. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically offer bus services for zoned students, while private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Special Programs: Some schools in the area offer magnet programs, special education services, or English Language Learner (ELL) support, which may be relevant depending on student needs.

   Conclusion

   The Touchstone community in Palm River, FL (33619), has access to several public schools like Clair-Mel Elementary, Dowdell Middle, and Spoto High, though their ratings are generally below average (3/10 on GreatSchools). For families seeking alternatives, private schools such as Harvest Time Christian and Providence Christian, or charter options like Winthrop Charter (rated 7/10), provide additional choices within a short drive. I encourage families to explore these schools further by visiting campuses, reviewing updated performance data on the Florida Department of Education website (www.fldoe.org), or contacting the Hillsborough County Public Schools district at (813) 272-4000 for specific zoning and enrollment information.

   If you have a specific address within Touchstone or additional criteria (e.g., focus on special needs, sports, or arts programs), I can refine this list further. Let me know!