Local Schools Near Tops Terrace, St Cloud, 34771

Tops Terrace is a community located in St. Cloud, FL, within the 34771 ZIP code. St. Cloud is part of Osceola County, and the schools in this area are primarily managed by the Osceola County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Tops Terrace community, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind 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 firsthand impression.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 34771 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within Tops Terrace, I suggest confirming with the Osceola County School District’s zoning tool (available on their website) for the most accurate assignment based on your location. Distances are approximate and based on general proximity to the central St. Cloud area near 34771.

Public Schools Near Tops Terrace, St. Cloud, FL 34771

1. Lakeview Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades K-5)
   • Location: 2900 5th St, St. Cloud, FL 34769 (approximately 3-4 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Lakeview Elementary serves many students in the St. Cloud area. It has a focus on foundational education with average performance in math and reading proficiency compared to state standards. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment but note room for improvement in resources.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)
   • Additional Info: Check the school district for zoning, as some parts of 34771 may be assigned to other elementary schools like Hickory Tree Elementary (see below).

2. Hickory Tree Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades K-5)
   • Location: 2355 Old Hickory Tree Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34772 (approximately 5-6 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school often serves families in the southern and eastern parts of St. Cloud, including areas near 34771. It has slightly above-average test scores in reading and math compared to other district schools.
   • Student Population: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a strong community feel and active parent involvement.

3. St. Cloud Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: 1975 Michigan Ave, St. Cloud, FL 34769 (approximately 3-4 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the primary middle school for much of the St. Cloud area. It has average performance in state assessments, with some concerns about student progress in certain subjects. However, it offers extracurricular activities and programs to support student development.
   • Student Population: Around 1,000-1,200 students
   • Additional Info: Zoning may vary; some students in 34771 might be assigned to Narcoossee Middle School (farther north).

4. St. Cloud High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Location: 2000 Bulldog Ln, St. Cloud, FL 34769 (approximately 3-5 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating (Florida DOE, recent years)
   • Details: St. Cloud High School is the main high school for the area, offering a range of academic programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and career-focused tracks. Graduation rates are generally on par with state averages (around 85-90%).
   • Student Population: Around 2,000-2,500 students
   • Additional Info: Known for strong athletics and community pride, though some reviews mention overcrowding concerns.

5. Harmony Community School (if zoned or by choice)

   • Type: Public K-5 (with plans for expansion in some years)
   • Location: 3365 Schoolhouse Rd, Harmony, FL 34773 (approximately 8-10 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in the nearby Harmony community, this school serves some families in the 34771 area depending on zoning or school choice programs. It has strong test scores and a reputation for a tight-knit community.
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: May require application or specific zoning; check with the district.

   Charter and Private Schools Near Tops Terrace, St. Cloud, FL 34771

6. Mater Academy St. Cloud

   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades K-8)
   • Location: 1925 Nora Tyson Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34771 (approximately 2-3 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A tuition-free charter school offering an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on personalized learning. Performance is generally average to above-average compared to nearby schools.
   • Student Population: Around 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Admission may require an application or lottery system.

7. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

   • Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
   • Location: 800 Brown Chapel Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34769 (approximately 4-5 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms like GreatSchools; generally well-regarded by local families (based on parent reviews on Niche)
   • Details: Offers a faith-based education with a focus on academics and character development. Tuition applies, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   • Student Population: Around 200-300 students
   • Additional Info: Contact the school for enrollment and tuition details.

8. Creative Inspiration Journey School of St. Cloud

   • Type: Private School (Grades PK-5)
   • Location: 2030 Old Hickory Tree Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34772 (approximately 5-6 miles from central 34771)
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; parent feedback on Niche suggests a positive, nurturing environment
   • Details: A smaller private option focusing on individualized learning and creative development. Tuition-based.
   • Student Population: Under 100 students (small school)
   • Additional Info: Best for families seeking a non-traditional, intimate setting.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., teacher quality, school culture). Florida DOE grades (A-F) are another metric to consider and can be found on their website.
   • Zoning: The exact schools assigned to Tops Terrace depend on your specific address within 34771. Use the Osceola County School District’s “School Zone Locator” tool online or call their office at (407) 870-4600 to confirm.
   • School Choice: Osceola County offers school choice options, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available, including magnet or charter programs.
   • Future Growth: St. Cloud is a growing area, and new schools may be planned or under construction to accommodate population increases. Check with the district for updates.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com have parent feedback that can provide insight beyond numbers.
   • District Website: The Osceola County School District (www.osceolaschools.net) has detailed info on zoning, performance reports, and enrollment.
   • Local Community Input: Joining local St. Cloud parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook) can offer firsthand experiences about schools in the area.

   If you have a specific address in Tops Terrace or prefer details on a particular grade level, let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, homeschooling resources, or specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted), I can provide that information as well.