School Choices Detailed and Rated Tampa Palms, Temple Terrace, 33617

Tampa Palms is a well-established community located in the northern part of Tampa, near Temple Terrace, FL, with the ZIP code 33617 covering parts of this area. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Tampa Palms and Temple Terrace, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates 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 or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the center of Tampa Palms (near Tampa Palms Boulevard) for reference.

Public Schools Near Tampa Palms/Temple Terrace (ZIP 33617)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Chiles Elementary School

   • Address: 16541 Tampa Palms Blvd W, Tampa, FL 33647
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and academic progress)
   • Details: Chiles Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic programs and community involvement. It serves many families in the Tampa Palms area and often receives positive feedback for its teachers and facilities.

2. Liberty Middle School

   • Address: 17400 Commerce Park Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Liberty Middle School offers a variety of extracurricular activities and has a focus on preparing students for high school. It serves a large portion of the Tampa Palms and New Tampa areas.

3. Freedom High School

   • Address: 17410 Commerce Park Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Freedom High School provides a range of academic and athletic programs. It has a diverse student body and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for college preparation.

4. Lewis Elementary School (Closer to Temple Terrace)

   • Address: 6700 E Whiteway Dr, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lewis Elementary serves students in the Temple Terrace area. While its rating is lower, it still provides a foundational education with various support programs.

5. Greco Middle School (Closer to Temple Terrace)

   • Address: 6925 E Fowler Ave, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Greco Middle School serves the Temple Terrace community and offers standard middle school curriculum along with extracurricular options.

6. King High School (Closer to Temple Terrace)

   • Address: 6815 N 56th St, Tampa, FL 33610
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: King High School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is a draw for some families, along with traditional high school courses and activities.

   Private Schools Near Tampa Palms/Temple Terrace

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in and around the 33617 area:

7. Family of Christ Christian School

   • Address: 10701 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on platforms like Niche.com are generally positive.
   • Details: This is a faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with a focus on small class sizes and individualized attention.

8. American Youth Academy

   • Address: 5905 E 130th Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews on Niche.com highlight strong academics and Islamic values.

   • Details: A private Islamic school providing education with a focus on both academics and religious studies.

   • Huntington Learning Center (Tutoring and Supplemental Education)

   • Address: Near New Tampa area, specific locations vary
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Details: While not a traditional school, Huntington offers tutoring and test prep services for students in the area.

   Charter Schools Near Tampa Palms/Temple Terrace

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

9. Terrace Community Middle School

   • Address: 11734 Jefferson Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 (near Temple Terrace)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from central Tampa Palms
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school with a focus on personalized learning and community engagement.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture, specific programs, or teacher quality). Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments depend on specific addresses within Tampa Palms or Temple Terrace. You can verify zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcpsweb.hcps.net) using the “School Locator” tool.
   • Higher Education: The University of South Florida (USF) is located nearby in the 33617 ZIP code (about 5-6 miles from Tampa Palms), offering opportunities for dual enrollment or community programs for high school students.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit www.hcps.net for enrollment information, school calendars, and zoning maps.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33617 or 33647) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at www.fldoe.org for state-assigned grades (A-F) based on performance metrics.
   • School Tours: Many schools offer open houses or virtual tours, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have a specific address in Tampa Palms or Temple Terrace, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific educational needs (e.g., special education or gifted programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information!