School Choices Detailed and Rated Ventana, Palm River, 33619

The community of Ventana in Palm River, FL, falls within the 33619 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. This area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Ventana community, 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. 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 33619 area, as well as mention any notable charter or private options if applicable. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the Palm River area near Ventana. If you have a specific address within Ventana, I can refine the search further.

Public Schools Near Ventana, Palm River, FL (33619)

1. Clair-Mel Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 1025 S 78th St, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Palm River/Ventana
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and equity)
   • Overview: Clair-Mel Elementary serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational skills. Test scores in math and reading are below state averages, but the school offers programs like free/reduced lunch for eligible families. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note challenges with resources.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   • Contact: (813) 744-8080

2. Palm River Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 805 Maydell Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 1-1.5 miles from Ventana
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Located very close to the heart of Palm River, this school serves many local families. It has slightly better performance than Clair-Mel in reading and math, though still below state averages. The school emphasizes community involvement and offers after-school programs.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students
   • Contact: (813) 744-8113

3. Dowell Middle Magnet School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 1200 N Grant St, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Ventana
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Dowell is a magnet school with a focus on International Baccalaureate (IB) preparatory programs. While test scores are below average, the magnet program offers unique opportunities for students interested in a global curriculum. Reviews highlight the IB track as a strength but note inconsistencies in overall academic performance.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Contact: (813) 744-8322

4. Spoto High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 8538 Eagle Palm Dr, Riverview, FL 33578 (just outside 33619)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Ventana
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Spoto High is the likely zoned high school for many in the 33619 area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. Graduation rates are around 85-90%, slightly below the state average, and test scores lag in key areas like math. However, the school has strong extracurriculars, including sports and clubs.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,600-1,800 students
   • Contact: (813) 672-5405

   Charter Schools Near Ventana, Palm River, FL

5. Pivot Charter School

   • Type: Public Charter (Grades 6-12)
   • Address: 3020 S Falkenburg Rd, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Ventana
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; mixed reviews on Niche (C+ average)
   • Overview: Pivot offers a blended learning model with online and in-person instruction, catering to students who need flexible scheduling or alternative education paths. It’s smaller than traditional schools, which some parents appreciate for personalized attention, though academic outcomes vary widely.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students
   • Contact: (813) 626-6724

   Private Schools Near Ventana, Palm River, FL

6. Harvest Time Christian School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Address: 1511 S US Hwy 301, Tampa, FL 33619
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Ventana
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited data available
   • Overview: This is a faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition information isn’t publicly listed but is typically in the range of $5,000-$8,000 annually for similar schools in the area. Parent feedback often praises the moral focus but notes limited extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Around 100-150 students
   • Contact: (813) 626-4600

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (used primarily here) range from 1-10 and are heavily based on standardized test scores (like the Florida Standards Assessments, FSA). A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools and speaking with staff/parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on your exact address within Ventana/Palm River. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) using their “School Locator” tool.
   • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zone if space is available. Deadlines for applications are typically in late fall or early winter.
   • Performance Trends: Many schools in the 33619 area face challenges with test scores and funding, reflecting broader issues in underserved communities. However, individual student success often depends on family involvement and specific teachers/programs.

   Resources for Further Information

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: hcps.net (school locator, choice programs, calendars)
   • GreatSchools.org: Detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data
   • Niche.com: Alternative ratings and parent/student feedback
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org (state report cards and accountability data)

   If you’d like me to narrow this down based on a specific address, grade level, or type of school (e.g., only high schools or private options), let me know! I can also provide more details on specific programs, transportation, or after-school care if needed.