School Choices Detailed and Rated Walden Lake, Plant City, 33566

Walden are the available schools and ratings of those schools near the community of Walden Lake in Plant City, FL (ZIP code 33566)? Below is a detailed overview of the schools in the vicinity, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Walden Lake is a residential community in Plant City, located in Hillsborough County, and I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from this area. Ratings and performance data are subject to change, so I recommend verifying the most current information through official school district websites or visiting the schools.

Overview of Walden Lake, Plant City, FL (33566)

Walden Lake is a family-friendly, master-planned community in Plant City, known for its scenic lakes, walking trails, and proximity to local amenities. Plant City is part of Hillsborough County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the 33566 ZIP code or are nearby options for families in the Walden Lake area.

Public Schools Near Walden Lake, Plant City, FL

Public schools are managed by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). School assignments can vary based on specific addresses within Walden Lake, so it’s best to confirm zoning with the district (https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/). Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) and may include additional insights from Niche or state report cards.

Elementary Schools

1. Walden Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 2800 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL 33566
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Walden Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Performance: This school is often the zoned elementary school for Walden Lake residents. It has a focus on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. Test scores are near or slightly above state averages in reading and math.
   • Student Population: Around 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a strong community feel and active parent involvement through the PTO.

2. Springhead Elementary School

   • Address: 3208 Nesmith Rd, Plant City, FL 33566
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Walden Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Performance: Slightly below state averages in some testing areas but offers a supportive environment with extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Around 700 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Tomlin Middle School
   2. Address: 501 N Woodrow Wilson St, Plant City, FL 33563
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Walden Lake
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Performance: Average performance on state assessments with a focus on preparing students for high school. Offers electives and sports programs.
   7. Student Population: Around 1,400 students
   8. Additional Info: Often the zoned middle school for Walden Lake students.

   High Schools

   1. Plant City High School
   2. Address: 1 Raider Pl, Plant City, FL 33563
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-6 miles from Walden Lake
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Performance: Offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies (e.g., agriculture, health sciences), and extracurriculars. Graduation rates are near state averages.
   7. Student Population: Around 2,400 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its community pride (home of the Raiders) and strong athletic programs. Typically the zoned high school for Walden Lake.

   Private Schools Near Walden Lake, Plant City, FL

   Private schools offer alternative education options for families seeking religious-based or specialized curricula. Here are a few within a reasonable distance:

3. Hope Christian School

   • Address: 1146 E Alsobrook St, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Walden Lake
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews on Niche suggest a small, family-oriented environment.
   • Performance: Focuses on Christian education with a smaller student-teacher ratio. Limited public data on test scores.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000/year).
   • Additional Info: Emphasizes biblical teachings alongside academics.

4. Faith Christian Academy

   • Address: 905 W Terrace Dr, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Walden Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; generally positive parent feedback on community focus.
   • Performance: Combines religious instruction with standard academics. Smaller class sizes.
   • Tuition: Estimated $4,000-$7,000/year (confirm with school).
   • Additional Info: Affiliated with a local church, offering a faith-based curriculum.

   Charter Schools Near Walden Lake, Plant City, FL

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

5. Advantage Academy of Hillsborough

   • Address: 609 S Collins St, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Walden Lake
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Performance: Mixed reviews; focuses on individualized learning plans. Test scores are often below state averages.
   • Student Population: Around 500 students
   • Additional Info: Offers a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools with an emphasis on character education.

   School Ratings Summary

   School Name	Type	Grade Levels	Rating (GreatSchools)	Approx. Distance from Walden Lake
   Walden Lake Elementary	Public	K-5	6/10	1-2 miles
   Springhead Elementary	Public	K-5	5/10	3-4 miles
   Tomlin Middle School	Public	6-8	5/10	3-5 miles
   Plant City High School	Public	9-12	5/10	4-6 miles
   Hope Christian School	Private	PK-12	Not widely rated	5 miles
   Faith Christian Academy	Private	K-12	Not widely rated	5-6 miles
   Advantage Academy of Hillsborough	Charter	K-8	4/10	4-5 miles

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Walden Lake residents are typically zoned for Walden Lake Elementary, Tomlin Middle, and Plant City High. However, zoning can shift based on address or district changes. Use the Hillsborough County School Locator tool (available on the HCPS website) to confirm assignments.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings are based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like equity. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while 6/10 or above indicates above-average performance compared to other Florida schools.
   • Transportation: Public schools provide bus services for zoned students within certain distance thresholds. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation or may charge additional fees.
   • Extracurriculars: Plant City High School is particularly noted for sports and career-focused programs, while elementary and middle schools offer clubs and after-school activities.
   • Special Programs: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs and school choice options. Families can apply for out-of-zone schools if space is available, though transportation may not be provided.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/ for zoning, enrollment, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org: Detailed reviews, test scores, and parent feedback for most schools.
   • Niche.com: Offers rankings and user reviews for public, private, and charter schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and accountability data (https://www.fldoe.org/).
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.

   If you have a specific address within Walden Lake or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted, or STEM focus), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, daycare options, or higher education institutions nearby, I’m happy to assist!