Local Schools Near Turtle Creek, St Cloud, 34771

Turtle Creek is a community located in St. Cloud, FL, within the 34771 ZIP code. This area falls under Osceola County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Osceola County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Turtle Creek, including their ratings, based on available 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 Turtle Creek community, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within Turtle Creek, I’ll list schools that are generally assigned to this area or are in close proximity (within a few miles). If you have a specific address, you can confirm zoning through the Osceola County School District’s website (www.osceolaschools.net) under their school locator tool.

Public Schools Near Turtle Creek, St. Cloud, FL 34771

1. Narcoossee Elementary School

   • Address: 2690 N Narcoossee Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34771
   • Distance from Turtle Creek: Approximately 2-3 miles (depending on exact location within Turtle Creek)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10 (based on test scores and student progress as of recent data)
   • Overview: Narcoossee Elementary is often zoned for parts of the 34771 area, including communities like Turtle Creek. It has a reputation for solid academic performance compared to other elementary schools in the district. The school focuses on core academics and offers extracurricular activities. Check the district’s zoning map, as some parts of Turtle Creek might be assigned to a different elementary school.
   • Student Population: Around 800-900 students (varies by year)
   • Additional Info: Parents often note the school’s community involvement and teacher dedication, though some mention concerns about class sizes.

2. Narcoossee Middle School

   • Address: 2700 N Narcoossee Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34771
   • Distance from Turtle Creek: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: This middle school typically serves students from Narcoossee Elementary and surrounding areas in 34771. It offers a range of academic programs, including advanced courses, and has various sports and clubs. Test scores are generally average for the state, with some areas of strength in math and reading.
   • Student Population: Around 1,200-1,400 students
   • Additional Info: Reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some parents appreciating the school’s resources and others noting challenges with student behavior or communication.

3. Harmony High School

   • Address: 3601 Arthur J Gallagher Blvd, St. Cloud, FL 34771
   • Distance from Turtle Creek: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Harmony High School often serves students in the Turtle Creek area, though zoning can vary (some students might be assigned to Tohopekaliga High School depending on exact location). It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of extracurriculars like sports and arts. Graduation rates are generally on par with state averages.
   • Student Population: Around 2,000-2,500 students
   • Additional Info: The school receives mixed feedback, with praise for certain programs (like athletics) and criticism for overcrowding or inconsistent teacher quality.

   Alternative Public School Options

   • Tohopekaliga High School (if not zoned to Harmony High)
   • Address: 3675 Boggy Creek Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744 (closer to some parts of 34771)
   • Distance from Turtle Creek: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: A newer high school with modern facilities, it serves parts of St. Cloud and Kissimmee. It offers AP courses and career academies but has average test scores compared to state benchmarks.

   Charter Schools Near Turtle Creek

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific focus or curriculum. Enrollment may require an application or lottery.

4. Mater Academy St. Cloud

   • Address: 1925 Nora Tyson Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34771
   • Distance from Turtle Creek: Approximately 3-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: Part of the Mater Academy network, this charter school emphasizes a structured curriculum with a focus on STEM and character education. It’s an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Additional Info: Limited reviews are available due to its relatively recent establishment, but some parents appreciate the smaller environment.

   Private Schools Near Turtle Creek

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious or specialized educational focuses. Here are a couple of options within a reasonable distance:

5. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

   • Address: 810 Vistana Cir, St. Cloud, FL 34769
   • Distance from Turtle Creek: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not typically rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited data
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Catholic education with a focus on academics and moral development. Class sizes are generally smaller than public schools.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (often $5,000-$8,000/year for non-parishioners).
   • Additional Info: Known for a tight-knit community; admission may prioritize Catholic families.

6. City of Life Christian Academy

   • Address: 2874 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34744
   • Distance from Turtle Creek: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Overview: A non-denominational Christian school with a focus on biblical teachings alongside academics. Offers sports and arts programs.
   • Tuition: Around $6,000-$9,000/year (varies by grade; check with school).
   • Additional Info: Smaller student body; some families value the religious integration.

   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., school culture, specific teacher quality). Niche ratings (letter grades) often incorporate parent and student reviews. Always consider multiple sources and personal priorities (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs support).
   • Zoning Verification: Turtle Creek’s exact school assignments depend on your address. Use the Osceola County School District’s School Zone Locator (available on their website) or call the district at (407) 870-4600 to confirm.
   • School Performance Reports: The Florida Department of Education (www.fldoe.org) provides detailed school grades (A-F) based on state assessments. As of the latest reports (2022-2023), Narcoossee Elementary and Middle often score a B or C, while Harmony High typically earns a B.
   • Growth in Area: St. Cloud, especially around 34771, is a growing area, so schools may face overcrowding. New schools or rezoning could occur in the future.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.
   • Parent Reviews: Check platforms like GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for firsthand feedback from families.
   • District Contact: Reach out to Osceola County Schools for zoning or program-specific questions (e.g., gifted programs, ESE support).
   • Community Input: Local forums or social media groups for Turtle Creek/St. Cloud often share insights on schools.

   If you have a specific address in Turtle Creek or particular needs (e.g., special education, sports programs), let me know, and I can refine the information further. Would you like details on a specific school or type of program?