School Choices Detailed and Rated Waterview, Lakeland Highlands, 33813

The community of Waterview in Lakeland Highlands, FL (ZIP code 33813) is located in Polk County, Florida, and falls within the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with 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 visiting the schools or checking the latest data for the most current information.

Public Schools Near Waterview, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

1. Scott Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 1140 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Waterview
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Scott Lake Elementary is a public school with a focus on foundational education. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs to support student learning. Parent reviews often highlight the caring staff, though some note areas for improvement in facilities or class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 700-800 students (varies by year)
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B (based on state assessments)

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterview
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves the Lakeland Highlands area and is known for its academic programs and extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. It has a strong focus on preparing students for high school.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterview
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B+ (Niche)
   • Details: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, this high school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. It has a reputation for a supportive community and strong school spirit.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,200-2,500 students
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Graduation Rate: Approximately 95% (based on recent data)

   Private Schools Near Waterview, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

4. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterview
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools, but parent reviews on Niche give it high marks for faith-based education (around 4/5).
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on academic excellence and moral development. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   • Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies; contact school for current rates)

5. Geneva Classical Academy

   • Address: 4204 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Waterview
   • Rating: Highly regarded in parent reviews on Niche (4.5/5), though not rated on GreatSchools.
   • Details: A private Christian school with a classical education model, focusing on logic, rhetoric, and grammar. It emphasizes critical thinking and a biblical worldview.
   • Tuition: Approximately $7,000-$10,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for details)

   Charter Schools Near Waterview, Lakeland Highlands, FL (33813)

6. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815 (Central Campus for K-12)
   • Grade Levels: K-12 (multiple campuses; check for specific grade availability)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Waterview
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Niche)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is lottery-based, and it’s known for strong test scores and college preparation.
   • Enrollment: Varies by campus; highly competitive
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on a 1-10 scale, factoring in test scores, student progress, and equity. Higher ratings (7-10) indicate above-average performance compared to state or national standards.
   • Florida School Grades: Assigned by the Florida Department of Education, these grades (A-F) are based on student achievement, learning gains, graduation rates, and other metrics.
   • Niche Ratings: These often include parent and student reviews alongside academic data, providing a more holistic view.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Verify your specific address with the Polk County Public Schools zoning tool (available on their website) to confirm assigned schools.
   • Other Factors: Beyond ratings, consider school culture, extracurricular offerings, teacher-to-student ratios, and proximity when choosing a school. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide valuable insight.

   How to Research Further

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: www.polkschoolsfl.com (for zoning, enrollment, and district updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings and parent reviews
   • Niche.com: For additional reviews and rankings
   • Florida Department of Education: For official school grades and performance data (www.fldoe.org)

   If you have a specific address within Waterview or want information on a particular school, let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, homeschooling options, or special needs programs, I can provide that information as well!