School Choices Detailed and Rated Wildwood, Medulla, 33811

The community of Wildwood in Medulla, FL, falls within the 33811 ZIP code, which is part of Polk County. This area is served by the Polk County Public Schools district, and there are several schools in proximity to Medulla and the surrounding Lakeland area. Below, I’ll provide a list of schools near the 33811 ZIP code, including their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from Medulla, FL, for context.

Elementary Schools

1. R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School

   • Address: 5500 Yates Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
   • Distance from Medulla: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This public school serves grades PK-5 and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular opportunities. Test scores are near the state average, with room for improvement in math and reading proficiency.

2. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance from Medulla: Approximately 1-2 miles (very close to the heart of the community)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public school serving grades PK-5, Medulla Elementary has slightly above-average test scores compared to other Polk County schools. It emphasizes a community-focused environment.

3. James W. Sikes Elementary School

   • Address: 2727 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
   • Distance from Medulla: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This public school serves grades PK-5 and has a reputation for a supportive learning environment. Test scores are near or slightly above the state average.

   Middle Schools

   1. Lakeland Highlands Middle School
   2. Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Medulla: Approximately 3-5 miles
   4. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serving grades 6-8, this public school offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs. Test scores are average, with strengths in certain subject areas like English Language Arts.

4. Southwest Middle School

   • Address: 2815 Eden Pkwy, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance from Medulla: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public school for grades 6-8, Southwest Middle has test scores below the state average but offers various support programs for student growth.

   High Schools

   1. George W. Jenkins High School
   2. Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   3. Distance from Medulla: Approximately 3-5 miles
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This public high school serves grades 9-12 and is one of the higher-rated schools in the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a variety of sports and clubs. Test scores and graduation rates are above the district average.

5. Lakeland Senior High School

   • Address: 726 Hollingsworth Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Distance from Medulla: Approximately 7-9 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serving grades 9-12, this public school has a diverse student body and offers several academic and extracurricular options. Test scores are near the state average.

   Private/Charter Schools

   1. Victory Christian Academy
   2. Address: 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
   3. Distance from Medulla: Approximately 8-10 miles
   4. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche.com are generally positive (around 4/5 stars)
   5. Details: A private Christian school serving grades K-12, focusing on faith-based education alongside academics. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website.

6. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance from Medulla: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public charter school serving grades 7-12, known for its focus on technology and academics. It has high test scores and a competitive admissions process (lottery-based).

   Additional Notes

   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Polk County are based on zoning, so it’s important to verify which school your address is zoned for by using the Polk County Public Schools website (polkschoolsfl.com) and entering your address in their school locator tool.
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Visiting schools or reading parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com can provide more insight.
   • Transportation: Polk County Public Schools provides bus services for students within designated zones. Check the district website for bus stop information.
   • Other Options: There are additional charter and private schools in the broader Lakeland area, as well as homeschooling resources and virtual school options through Florida Virtual School (FLVS).

   If you have a specific address in the Wildwood/Medulla area, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific academic focuses (e.g., STEM or arts), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. For the most up-to-date ratings or details, I recommend visiting the Polk County Public Schools website or contacting the schools directly.