Local Schools Near Thousand Roses, Lake Wales, 33853

The community of Thousand Roses in Lake Wales, FL (ZIP code 33853) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including public and private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically 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 and school performance can vary over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website for updates. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to central Lake Wales.

Public Schools Near Thousand Roses, Lake Wales, FL (33853)

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

1. Lake Wales High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 1 Highlander Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Lake Wales areas like Thousand Roses
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: Lake Wales High School serves as the primary high school for the area. It offers a variety of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. The rating reflects challenges in test scores compared to state averages, but the school has programs aimed at student improvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,500 students (varies annually)

2. McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 800 S 4th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school incorporates a fine arts focus alongside standard curriculum. The rating indicates below-average performance in test scores, but it offers extracurriculars in arts and music that may appeal to students.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students

3. Spook Hill Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 321 Dr J A Wiltshire Ave E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Spook Hill Elementary serves younger students in the Lake Wales area. It has a diverse student body and focuses on foundational skills, though test scores are slightly below state averages.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students

4. Hiland Park Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 800 N 9th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another elementary option in Lake Wales, Hiland Park has similar challenges with academic performance but offers a supportive environment for early learners.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students

5. Polk Avenue Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 110 E Polk Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located centrally in Lake Wales, this school serves a diverse population. It focuses on core academics but faces challenges with standardized test performance.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students

   Charter Schools Near Thousand Roses, Lake Wales, FL

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. Here are options in or near Lake Wales:

6. Lake Wales Charter Schools (Multiple Campuses)

   • Type: Charter (Various Grades)
   • Details: Lake Wales has a system of charter schools under the Lake Wales Charter Schools organization, which operates several campuses, including Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, and others. These schools often have a community-focused approach and may offer smaller class sizes or specialized programs.
   • Rating: Varies by campus; generally ranges from 4/10 to 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: 1-5 miles depending on the specific campus
   • Enrollment: Varies by school, typically 300-600 students per campus
   • Note: Parents must apply for enrollment, as these are not zoned like traditional public schools.

   Private Schools Near Thousand Roses, Lake Wales, FL

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with a religious or specialized focus. Here are some nearby options:

7. Candlelight Christian Academy

   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Address: 209 E Sessoms Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche.com suggest a small, faith-based environment with mixed feedback on academics.
   • Details: A Christian school offering a biblically integrated curriculum. Class sizes are typically small, providing personalized attention.
   • Enrollment: Around 100-150 students
   • Tuition: Contact the school for current rates (often $5,000-$8,000 annually for similar institutions)

8. Endtime Christian School of Excellence

   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Address: 200 S 3rd St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: Limited data available; small school with a religious focus.
   • Details: Another faith-based option in Lake Wales, focusing on Christian values alongside academics.
   • Enrollment: Small, under 100 students
   • Tuition: Contact the school for details.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: The ratings provided (primarily from GreatSchools.org) are based on test scores, student growth, and sometimes equity factors. A lower rating does not necessarily mean a school is "bad"—it may reflect socioeconomic challenges in the area or other systemic factors. Visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and reviewing parent feedback on platforms like Niche.com can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Zoning: For public schools, enrollment is typically based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools serve Thousand Roses specifically by using the Polk County Public Schools’ school locator tool online or contacting the district at (863) 534-0500.
   • Charter and Private Options: These schools often require applications and may have waiting lists or tuition costs. They can be a good fit for families seeking smaller environments or specific educational philosophies.
   • Higher-Rated Options Nearby: If ratings are a primary concern, some families in Lake Wales look to schools in neighboring areas like Winter Haven (15-20 miles away), where schools like Chain of Lakes Elementary (7/10) or Denison Middle School (6/10) have higher ratings. However, commuting and zoning restrictions may apply.

   Resources for Further Information

   • Polk County Public Schools: www.polkschoolsfl.com
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code 33853 for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers parent and student reviews alongside ratings.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and performance data at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, 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 look into a specific school or provide contact details for enrollment, just ask!