School Choices Detailed and Rated Valencia Ridge, Valrico, 33596

Valencia Ridge is a community located in Valrico, FL, within the 33596 ZIP code. Valrico is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Valencia Ridge, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org, a widely used resource for school ratings, as well as other relevant details. Note that school zoning and ratings can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify current zoning with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district and check the latest ratings or reviews.

Public Schools Near Valencia Ridge, Valrico, FL 33596

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Valencia Ridge community or nearby areas in 33596. Ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org (as of the latest available data in 2023) and are on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like equity and college readiness.

1. Lithia Springs Elementary School

   • Address: 4332 Lynx Paw Trail, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Lithia Springs Elementary is well-regarded for its academic performance and family-friendly environment. It often receives positive feedback for its teachers and community involvement. The school focuses on a strong foundation in core subjects and offers various extracurricular activities.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies by year)
   • Contact: (813) 744-8016

2. Randall Middle School

   • Address: 16510 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Randall Middle School is highly rated in the area, often praised for its strong academic programs, advanced coursework options, and extracurricular opportunities like sports and clubs. It serves as a feeder school for many students in the Valrico and Lithia areas.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,300-1,400 students
   • Contact: (813) 740-4950

3. Newsome High School

   • Address: 16550 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Newsome High School is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a variety of extracurriculars such as athletics, band, and theater. It has a reputation for preparing students well for college and careers.
   • Enrollment: Around 3,000 students
   • Contact: (813) 740-4600

   Additional Nearby Public Schools

   If zoning or boundary changes affect school assignments, or if families seek alternative public options, the following schools are also in close proximity to Valencia Ridge (within 5-7 miles):

   • Buckhorn Elementary School
   • Address: 2420 Buckhorn School Ct, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)

   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles

   • Mulrennan Middle School

   • Address: 4215 Durant Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)

   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles

   • Durant High School

   • Address: 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, FL 33567
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles

   Private Schools Near Valencia Ridge, Valrico, FL 33596

   For families considering private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Valencia Ridge. Private school ratings are less standardized than public school ratings, but I’ve included general feedback or reputation where available.

4. Foundation Christian Academy

   • Address: 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Overview: A private Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It has small class sizes and a family-oriented environment.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact school for current rates (typically $6,000-$10,000/year)
   • Contact: (813) 654-2969

5. Bell Shoals Academy

   • Address: 2100 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Overview: Affiliated with Bell Shoals Church, this academy provides a Christian education with an emphasis on academics and spiritual growth. It’s known for a supportive community and strong parent involvement.
   • Tuition: Approximately $5,000-$8,000/year (varies by grade)
   • Contact: (813) 689-9183

6. St. Stephen Catholic School

   • Address: 10424 St. Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic rigor and moral values. It’s part of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and has a solid reputation in the area.
   • Tuition: Around $6,000-$9,000/year for non-parishioners
   • Contact: (813) 689-8811

   Charter Schools Near Valencia Ridge

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are a couple of options nearby:

7. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A tuition-free public charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character education. Admission is typically by lottery due to high demand.
   • Contact: (813) 678-5120

8. Valrico Lake Advantage Academy

   • Address: 1330 N Valrico Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance from Valencia Ridge: Approximately 5 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A charter school offering a structured academic program with an emphasis on individualized learning.
   • Contact: (813) 699-5049

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning Verification: School assignments can vary based on specific addresses within Valencia Ridge. To confirm which public schools your child is zoned for, use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website at www.hillsboroughschools.org) or contact the district directly at (813) 272-4000.
   • School Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are a helpful starting point but may not reflect the full picture of a school’s quality. Factors like teacher engagement, extracurricular offerings, and personal fit for your child are also important. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public school students in Hillsborough County may qualify for bus transportation if they live beyond a certain distance from their zoned school (typically 2 miles). Check with the district for specific routes and eligibility.
   • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, Newsome High School has a strong AP program, and Randall Middle School offers advanced classes for high-achieving students.

   Conclusion

   The Valencia Ridge community in Valrico, FL (33596), is served by highly rated public schools like Lithia Springs Elementary, Randall Middle, and Newsome High, all of which have strong academic reputations. Additionally, there are private and charter school options nearby for families seeking alternative education paths. I recommend verifying zoning and visiting schools of interest to ensure they meet your family’s needs. If you’d like more detailed information on a specific school, program, or assistance with contacting the district, let me know!