Local Schools Near Westwood Lakes, Town n Country, 33635

Westwood Lakes is a neighborhood within the larger Town 'n' Country area in Hillsborough County, Florida, with the ZIP code 33635. This area is near Tampa and falls under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools serving the Westwood Lakes community, including public schools zoned for this area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school ratings based on test scores, student progress, and other factors) and other relevant information. Note that school zoning and ratings can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify with the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or the individual schools for the most current information.

Public Schools Serving Westwood Lakes (ZIP 33635)

Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns schools based on residential zoning. The following schools are typically assigned to students in the Westwood Lakes area of Town 'n' Country (33635). I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (as of the latest available data, typically on a scale of 1-10) and some additional context.

1. Elementary School: Lowry Elementary School

   • Address: 4201 N Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 (approximately 5-6 miles from Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Overview: Lowry Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. The school offers various programs, including support for English Language Learners (ELL) and special education services. Test scores are around or slightly below the state average, with some variation in student progress metrics.
   • Distance: About a 10-15 minute drive from Westwood Lakes, depending on traffic.

2. Middle School: Farnell Middle School

   • Address: 13912 Nine Eagles Dr, Tampa, FL 33626 (approximately 3-4 miles from Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Overview: Farnell Middle School is well-regarded in the area, with strong academic performance compared to state averages. The school offers advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, and a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. It serves a mix of students from Town 'n' Country and nearby communities like Westchase.
   • Distance: About a 10-minute drive from Westwood Lakes.

3. High School: Alonso High School

   • Address: 8302 Montague St, Tampa, FL 33635 (very close to Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: Alonso High School is located within or very near the 33635 ZIP code, making it highly accessible for Westwood Lakes residents. The school offers a variety of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a strong athletics program. Test scores and graduation rates are near or slightly above state averages, though college readiness metrics show room for improvement.
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles, or a 5-10 minute drive from most parts of Westwood Lakes.

   Nearby Charter and Magnet Schools

   Hillsborough County offers several charter and magnet schools that residents of Westwood Lakes may apply to, though admission often depends on lotteries or specific criteria. Here are a couple of notable options nearby:

4. Hillsborough Academy of Math and Science (Charter)

   • Address: 9659 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33615 (about 3-4 miles from Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: This charter school emphasizes STEM education and has above-average test scores compared to other local schools. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Distance: About a 10-minute drive.

5. Walker Middle Magnet School

   • Address: 8282 N Mobley Rd, Odessa, FL 33556 (about 6-7 miles from Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
   • Overview: A magnet school with a focus on International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, Walker Middle is highly rated for academic rigor and student achievement. Admission is competitive and often requires an application.
   • Distance: About a 15-20 minute drive.

   Private Schools Near Westwood Lakes (33635)

   For families considering private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Westwood Lakes. Private school ratings are less standardized than public schools, but I’ve included some general feedback based on parent reviews and available data.

6. Tampa Day School

   • Address: 12606 Henderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625 (about 5 miles from Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: 1-8
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$20,000 per year (varies by grade; check with the school for current rates)
   • Overview: This private school specializes in supporting students with learning differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia, while offering a rigorous academic program. It has strong parent reviews for individualized attention.
   • Distance: About a 10-15 minute drive.

7. Berkeley Preparatory School

   • Address: 4811 Kelly Rd, Tampa, FL 33615 (about 6-7 miles from Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$30,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Overview: Berkeley Prep is one of the most prestigious private schools in the Tampa area, known for its college preparatory curriculum, extensive extracurriculars, and high college acceptance rates. Admission is highly competitive.
   • Distance: About a 15-minute drive.

8. Faith Outreach Academy

   • Address: 7607 Sheldon Rd, Tampa, FL 33615 (about 4-5 miles from Westwood Lakes)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies; check with the school)
   • Overview: A Christian-based private school offering a faith-centered education with a focus on academic and moral development. It’s a more affordable private option with smaller class sizes.
   • Distance: About a 10-minute drive.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings (1-10) are based on factors like test scores, student progress, equity, and college readiness. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, 7-8 above average, and 9-10 exceptional. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and specific programs may matter more depending on a student’s needs.
   • Zoning Verification: School assignments can vary slightly within a ZIP code or neighborhood due to boundary changes or overcrowding. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) by entering your exact address to confirm zoning.
   • School Choice Options: Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet and charter schools also provide alternatives.
   • Parent and Community Feedback: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent reviews that can offer insights beyond numerical ratings. Visiting schools or attending open houses is also recommended.

   Conclusion

   For residents of Westwood Lakes in Town 'n' Country (33635), the primary public schools are Lowry Elementary (5/10), Farnell Middle (8/10), and Alonso High (6/10), with Farnell standing out for its strong performance. Nearby charter and magnet options like Hillsborough Academy of Math and Science (7/10) and Walker Middle Magnet (9/10) offer high-quality alternatives if families are willing to apply. Private schools such as Berkeley Preparatory provide elite education at a higher cost, while more affordable options like Faith Outreach Academy cater to faith-based preferences.

   If you have a specific address within Westwood Lakes, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more details on a particular school (e.g., programs, extracurriculars, or recent performance data), let me know! You can also contact the Hillsborough County Public Schools district at (813) 272-4000 or visit their website at www.hillsboroughschools.org for the latest information.