Local Schools Near Winona, Auburndale, 33823

The community of Winona in Auburndale, FL (ZIP code 33823) is located in Polk County, and there are several schools in and around the area that serve local families. Below, I’ll provide a list of schools near Auburndale, FL, along with their ratings and some key details. School ratings are often based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 using factors such as test scores, student progress, and equity data. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on platforms like GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from central Auburndale, as Winona is a smaller community within or near the city.

Public Schools Near Winona, Auburndale, FL (33823)

These schools are part of the Polk County Public Schools district.

1. Auburndale Central Elementary School

   • Address: 320 Lemon St, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (based on GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Auburndale (Winona area)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the Auburndale area with a focus on foundational skills. It has a diverse student body and offers various support programs. Parent reviews often mention the caring staff but note areas for improvement in academic performance.

2. Walter Caldwell Elementary School

   • Address: 141 Dairy Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (based on GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Auburndale
   • Details: Another elementary option in Auburndale, this school has slightly better ratings for student progress. It emphasizes community involvement and offers extracurricular activities.

3. Jere L. Stambaugh Middle School

   • Address: 226 N Main St, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (based on GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Auburndale
   • Details: This middle school serves the Auburndale area, including Winona. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers programs like band and sports to engage students.

4. Auburndale Senior High School

   • Address: 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (based on GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Auburndale
   • Details: The primary high school for the area, Auburndale Senior High offers a range of academic and vocational programs, as well as sports teams (notably football, as the "Bloodhounds"). Graduation rates are close to the state average, though test scores lag behind.

5. Lena Vista Elementary School

   • Address: 925 Berkley Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (based on GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Auburndale
   • Details: Located slightly further out, this elementary school serves parts of the Auburndale community with a focus on early education and student support services.

   Private Schools Near Winona, Auburndale, FL

   Private schools in the area provide alternative options for families seeking different educational environments.

6. Advance Prep Academy

   • Address: 2301 N Main St, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews are limited
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from central Auburndale
   • Details: A smaller private school offering personalized education. Information on performance is less publicly available, so visiting the school or contacting them directly is recommended.

7. Bible Baptist Church School

   • Address: 303 Main St, Auburndale, FL 33823
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; faith-based curriculum
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Auburndale
   • Details: A religious school affiliated with Bible Baptist Church, focusing on Christian education alongside academics. Enrollment is typically smaller, offering a close-knit community.

   Nearby Schools in Adjacent Areas

   Since Winona is a smaller community, some families may also consider schools in nearby areas like Winter Haven or Lakeland, which are within a 10-15 mile radius and offer additional options.

8. Clarence Boswell Elementary School (Winter Haven)

   • Address: 2820 K-Ville Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33881
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (based on GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Auburndale
   • Details: A public elementary school with moderate ratings, serving nearby communities.

9. Winter Haven Senior High School (Winter Haven)

   • Address: 600 6th St SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (based on GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Auburndale
   • Details: A larger high school with diverse programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career academies.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity (how well schools serve disadvantaged students). A rating below 5 often indicates below-average performance compared to state standards, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of teaching or student experience. Parent reviews and school visits can provide more insight.
   • School Choice in Florida: Polk County participates in Florida’s school choice programs, which may allow students to attend schools outside their zoned area through open enrollment, magnet programs, or charter schools, depending on availability.
   • Charter Schools: There are charter schools in Polk County, such as Berkley Accelerated Middle School (rated 7/10, about 5 miles away), which might be an option for families in the Winona area. Check the Polk County Schools website for application details.
   • Updates: School ratings and zoning can change yearly. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Polk County Public Schools website (www.polkschoolsfl.com) or contact the district office at (863) 534-0500 to confirm zoning for a specific address in Winona.

   How to Research Further

   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33823) for updated ratings, reviews, and detailed performance data.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and accountability reports at www.fldoe.org.
   • School Visits: Many schools in Auburndale offer tours or open houses for prospective families.
   • Local Community Input: Joining local Auburndale or Polk County parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook) can provide firsthand experiences about schools in the Winona area.

   If you have a specific address in Winona or prefer details on a particular school type (e.g., charter, private), let me know, and I can refine the search further! Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or special needs resources, I can assist with that as well.