Local Schools Near Waters Edge, Highland City, 33812

The community of Waters Edge in Highland City, FL, falls within the 33812 ZIP code in Polk County. Highland City is a small, unincorporated area near Lakeland, and families in this region are typically served by schools in the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Waters Edge, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, 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 verifying the most current information directly with the school district or visiting the schools if possible.

Location Context

Waters Edge is a residential community in Highland City, located near US-98 and close to Lakeland. Schools assigned to this area are generally based on zoning by Polk County Public Schools. I’ll list schools within a reasonable proximity (approximately 5-10 miles) that are likely to serve this community, along with their ratings and key details.

Elementary Schools

1. Highland City Elementary School

   • Address: 5355 9th St SE, Highland City, FL 33846
   • Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is the closest elementary school to Waters Edge and is likely the zoned school for the community. It serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational skills. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though test scores are around average for the state.
   • Enrollment: ~400-450 students (approximate, based on recent data)
   • Contact: (863) 648-3540

2. Valleyview Elementary School

   • Address: 2900 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly south of Highland City, Valleyview often receives higher marks for academic performance compared to other local elementary schools. It may be an option for families through school choice programs if not zoned for Waters Edge.
   • Enrollment: ~700-800 students
   • Contact: (863) 648-3535

   Middle Schools

   1. Bartow Middle School
   2. Address: 550 E Clower St, Bartow, FL 33830
   3. Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 7-8 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school serves many students from the Highland City area. It has average test scores for the region, with some parent feedback highlighting extracurricular opportunities but noting challenges with class sizes.
   7. Enrollment: ~800-900 students
   8. Contact: (863) 534-7415

3. Lakeland Highlands Middle School (if within zoning or via school choice)

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in south Lakeland, this school has slightly better ratings than Bartow Middle and may be an option depending on zoning or school choice applications. It’s known for a strong academic focus and extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: ~1,200 students
   • Contact: (863) 648-3500

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 5-6 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Niche.com)
   6. Details: This is the most likely zoned high school for Waters Edge residents. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports programs. Test scores and graduation rates are above average for Polk County.
   7. Enrollment: ~2,200-2,300 students
   8. Contact: (863) 648-3566

4. Bartow Senior High School (alternative zoning or choice)

   • Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 8-9 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another potential high school for the area, Bartow High offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs alongside traditional coursework. It has a historic reputation in the county but slightly lower test scores compared to George Jenkins.
   • Enrollment: ~2,000 students
   • Contact: (863) 534-7400

   Charter and Private School Options

   In addition to public schools, there are charter and private options near Highland City for families seeking alternatives. Enrollment in these schools often requires applications, and they may have tuition or specific admission criteria.

5. McKeel Academy of Technology (Charter)

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A- (Niche.com)
   • Details: A highly regarded charter school with a focus on technology and academics. Admission is lottery-based, and it’s known for strong test scores and college readiness.
   • Contact: (863) 499-2818

6. Resurrection Catholic School (Private)

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Waters Edge: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms; generally positive parent feedback on Niche.com
   • Details: A faith-based private school offering a smaller class environment with a Catholic curriculum.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact school for details
   • Contact: (863) 644-3931

   Additional Notes on School Zoning and Choice

   • Zoning: School assignments in Polk County are based on residential address. To confirm the exact zoned schools for Waters Edge, you can use the Polk County Public Schools’ School Zone Locator tool on their website (polkschoolsfl.com) or contact the district office at (863) 534-0500.
   • School Choice: Polk County offers a school choice program allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area, including magnet and charter schools, if space is available. Deadlines and lottery systems often apply.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from sources like GreatSchools.org are based on metrics such as test scores, equity, and student progress, but they may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every child. Visiting schools, meeting with staff, and reviewing recent Florida Department of Education school grades (available at fldoe.org) can provide a fuller picture.

   Conclusion

   For residents of Waters Edge in Highland City, FL (33812), the primary public schools are likely Highland City Elementary, Bartow Middle or Lakeland Highlands Middle, and George W. Jenkins High School, based on proximity and zoning patterns. Ratings for these schools range from 4/10 to 7/10 on GreatSchools.org, indicating average to above-average performance within Polk County. Charter and private options like McKeel Academy and Resurrection Catholic School offer alternatives with potentially higher ratings or specialized programs.

   If you have a specific address within Waters Edge, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more detailed information on a particular school (e.g., programs, extracurriculars, or recent performance data), let me know, and I’ll assist further!