School Choices Detailed and Rated Watercrest, Keystone, 33556

The community of Watercrest in Keystone, FL, falls within the 33556 ZIP code, which is part of Hillsborough County. This area is known for its family-friendly environment and access to highly-rated schools in the Hillsborough County Public School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Watercrest community, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note 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 personal assessment.

Location Context

Watercrest is located in the Keystone area of Odessa, FL, a suburban region northwest of Tampa. The community is near major roads like Gunn Highway and Van Dyke Road, providing access to schools in the surrounding area. Most schools listed below are within a 5-10 mile radius, which is typical for suburban communities.

Public Schools Near Watercrest, Keystone, FL (33556)

Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns students to schools based on zoning. The schools below are likely to serve the Watercrest community, but you should confirm zoning with the Hillsborough County School District (https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/) as boundaries can shift.

Elementary Schools

1. Hammond Elementary School

   • Address: 8008 N Mobley Rd, Odessa, FL 33556
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   • Overview: Hammond Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and parent involvement. It often ranks among the top elementary schools in the area.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Notable Features: Focus on STEM programs and extracurricular activities.

2. Northwest Elementary School

   • Address: 16438 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Another strong option for families, Northwest Elementary emphasizes a well-rounded education with a focus on student growth.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Notable Features: Active PTO and community engagement programs.

   Middle Schools

   1. Walker Middle Magnet School
   2. Address: 8282 N Mobley Rd, Odessa, FL 33556
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Watercrest
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   6. Overview: Walker Middle Magnet offers a rigorous curriculum with a focus on International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. It’s a popular choice for families in the Keystone area.
   7. Enrollment: Around 900 students
   8. Notable Features: Magnet program for IB, strong extracurriculars like band and sports.

3. Farnell Middle School

   • Address: 13912 Nine Eagles Dr, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Farnell Middle is known for its academic excellence and supportive environment, often feeding into top high schools in the area.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   • Notable Features: Advanced coursework and technology integration.

   High Schools

   1. Steinbrenner High School
   2. Address: 5575 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Watercrest
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   6. Overview: Steinbrenner High is one of the top public high schools in the region, known for strong academics, athletics, and college preparation.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,400 students
   8. Notable Features: Wide range of AP courses, competitive sports teams, and career-focused programs.

4. Sickles High School

   • Address: 7950 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33626
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Sickles High offers a solid education with a variety of programs to prepare students for college and careers.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,200 students
   • Notable Features: Strong arts programs and community service initiatives.

   Private Schools Near Watercrest, Keystone, FL (33556)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance.

5. Keystone Prep High School

   • Address: 18105 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, FL 33556
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org, but reviews on Niche.com are generally positive (around 4/5 stars)
   • Overview: A smaller private high school focusing on personalized education and college prep.
   • Enrollment: Under 100 students
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $10,000-$15,000/year for private high schools in the area)
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes and individualized attention.

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche.com (A+ overall grade)
   • Overview: A prestigious private school offering an IB curriculum and a strong focus on academics, arts, and athletics.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$25,000/year depending on grade level
   • Notable Features: IB program, extensive extracurriculars, and modern facilities.

7. Citrus Park Christian School

   • Address: 7705 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Positive parent reviews on GreatSchools.org (around 4/5 stars)
   • Overview: A faith-based school providing a Christian education with a focus on academic and spiritual growth.
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000-$12,000/year
   • Notable Features: Smaller class sizes and a family-oriented environment.

   Charter Schools Near Watercrest, Keystone, FL (33556)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Enrollment may require a lottery system.

8. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Watercrest
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Overview: A charter school with an environmental education focus, promoting hands-on learning and sustainability.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Notable Features: Nature-based curriculum and outdoor learning spaces.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche.com provides letter grades (A+ to F) based on similar metrics plus parent and student reviews. The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) based on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments).
   • Zoning Confirmation: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Watercrest. Use the Hillsborough County School Locator tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools your child is zoned for.
   • School Choice Options: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options if you prefer a school outside your zoned area. Applications are typically required.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance can change yearly based on test results and other factors. Check the latest data before making decisions.

   Conclusion

   The Watercrest community in Keystone, FL (33556), is surrounded by highly-rated public schools like Hammond Elementary, Walker Middle Magnet, and Steinbrenner High, all of which consistently receive A ratings from the state and strong reviews from parents. Private and charter options, such as Carrollwood Day School and Learning Gate Community School, provide alternatives for families seeking specialized or faith-based education.