School Choices Detailed and Rated The Shires, Westchase, 33626

The Shires is a neighborhood within the Westchase community in Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33626. This area is known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to highly-rated schools in the Hillsborough County Public School District. Below is a detailed overview of the available schools near The Shires, Westchase, FL 33626, including their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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 or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near The Shires, Westchase, FL 33626

The Shires is zoned for some of the top-rated public schools in Hillsborough County. Public school assignments are based on zoning, and the following schools serve the Westchase area, including The Shires. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering your specific address.

1. Westchase Elementary School

   • Address: 9514 West Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Grades: K-5
   • Distance from The Shires: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida Department of Education)
   • Overview: Westchase Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and active parent involvement. It consistently receives high marks for student achievement in reading and math. The school also offers extracurricular activities and a nurturing environment for young learners.
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students
   • Notable Features: Gifted programs, STEM initiatives, and a focus on community engagement.

2. Davidsen Middle School

   • Address: 10501 Montague St, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Grades: 6-8
   • Distance from The Shires: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida Department of Education)
   • Overview: Davidsen Middle School serves students in the Westchase area and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced courses and sports. It has a diverse student body and focuses on preparing students for high school.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Notable Features: Band and chorus programs, athletics, and technology integration in classrooms.

3. Alonso High School

   • Address: 8302 Montague St, Tampa, FL 33635
   • Grades: 9-12
   • Distance from The Shires: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida Department of Education)
   • Overview: Alonso High School is the zoned high school for most of Westchase, including The Shires. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong athletics department. The school has a large student body and a focus on college and career readiness.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   • Notable Features: AP and honors courses, ROTC program, and competitive sports teams.

   Private Schools Near The Shires, Westchase, FL 33626

   For families seeking private education options, there are several well-regarded private schools within a reasonable driving distance of The Shires.

4. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Grades: 1-8
   • Distance from The Shires: Approximately 5 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly reviewed by parents on Niche
   • Overview: Tampa Day School specializes in supporting students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, while also serving neurotypical students. It offers small class sizes and individualized attention.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $15,000-$20,000/year)
   • Notable Features: Focus on learning differences, personalized education plans.

5. Berkeley Preparatory School

   • Address: 4811 Kelly Rd, Tampa, FL 33615
   • Grades: PreK-12
   • Distance from The Shires: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A+); one of the top private schools in Tampa
   • Overview: Berkeley Prep is an elite private school known for its rigorous academics, extensive extracurricular offerings, and college preparatory focus. It has a competitive admissions process.
   • Tuition: Approximately $25,000-$30,000/year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: Strong AP and honors programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a high college acceptance rate.

6. Mary Help of Christians School

   • Address: 6400 E Chelsea St, Tampa, FL 33610
   • Grades: 5-9
   • Distance from The Shires: Approximately 15 miles
   • Rating: Well-regarded in the Catholic school community; specific ratings vary
   • Overview: A Catholic private school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development.
   • Tuition: Around $8,000-$10,000/year (contact school for exact figures)
   • Notable Features: Religious education, small class sizes.

   Charter Schools Near The Shires, Westchase, FL 33626

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment may require a lottery system.

7. Horizon Charter School of Tampa

   • Address: 7235 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
   • Grades: K-8
   • Distance from The Shires: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Horizon Charter School offers a personalized learning environment with a focus on academic achievement and character development.
   • Enrollment: Lottery-based; check availability on their website
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes, emphasis on core academics.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida Department of Education grades (A-F) are based on state assessments and other performance metrics. Niche provides parent and student reviews alongside academic data.
   • Zoning Confirmation: Public school assignments can vary within a neighborhood. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on hcps.net) to confirm zoning for your specific address in The Shires.
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Many schools, especially private and charter schools, offer tours or virtual open houses. Contact the schools directly to schedule a visit.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation, so consider proximity and commuting options.

   Conclusion

   The Shires in Westchase, FL 33626, benefits from access to some of the best public schools in Hillsborough County, such as Westchase Elementary, Davidsen Middle, and Alonso High, all of which have solid reputations and ratings. Additionally, families have options for private and charter schools nearby, catering to diverse educational needs and preferences. If you have specific priorities (e.g., class size, special programs, or religious affiliation), I can help narrow down the options further. Would you like more details on a particular school or assistance with contacting them?