School Choices Detailed and Rated Whispering Oaks, Lake Magdalene, 33618

Whispering Oaks is a community located in the Lake Magdalene area of Tampa, Florida, with the ZIP code 33618. This area falls within Hillsborough County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide a list of public and private schools in or near the 33618 area, along with 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. Keep in mind 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 the Whispering Oaks community (based on a central point in the 33618 ZIP code) and some additional context about the schools.

Public Schools Near Whispering Oaks, Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Lake Magdalene Elementary School

   • Address: 2002 Pine Lake Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Notes: This is one of the closest elementary schools to the Whispering Oaks community. It has a diverse student body and offers standard elementary education programs. Parent reviews often mention the supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.

2. Carrollwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3516 McFarland Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Located within the 33618 ZIP code, this school is known for stronger academic performance compared to some nearby options. It has a focus on community involvement and offers after-school programs.

3. Buchanan Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: This middle school serves students in the Lake Magdalene area. It has mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating the extracurricular options while others mention challenges with student engagement.

4. Gaither High School

   • Address: 16200 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Gaither High School is one of the primary high schools serving the 33618 area. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Test scores are above the district average in some areas.

5. Chamberlain High School (Alternative High School Option)

   • Address: 9401 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Another high school option for some residents in the area, Chamberlain has a diverse student population and offers career and technical education programs alongside traditional academics.

   Private Schools Near Whispering Oaks, Lake Magdalene, FL (33618)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in or near the 33618 area. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and facilities.

6. Carrollwood Day School

   • Address: 1515 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded (often rated 4.5/5 on Niche.com)
   • Notes: This is a well-known private school in the area offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It emphasizes college preparatory education and has strong extracurricular offerings. Tuition is significant, often in the range of $15,000-$25,000 per year depending on grade level.

7. Hillel Academy of Tampa

   • Address: 2020 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: Positive parent feedback (specific ratings vary)
   • Notes: A Jewish day school providing a faith-based education alongside a strong academic curriculum. It’s smaller in size, offering a close-knit community feel.

8. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

   • Address: 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Whispering Oaks
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Highly rated (often 5/5 on parent reviews on Niche.com)
   • Notes: Known for its innovative teaching methods and small class sizes, this private school focuses on individualized learning. It’s a popular choice for families in the Carrollwood and Lake Magdalene areas.

   Charter Schools Near Whispering Oaks

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of options:

9. Learning Gate Community School

   • Address: 16215 Hanna Rd, Lutz, FL 33549 (K-5 Campus) and 13030 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 (6-8 Campus)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Whispering Oaks (middle school campus is closer)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: This charter school emphasizes environmental education and project-based learning. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific zoning boundaries within Hillsborough County. To confirm which schools your address is zoned for, visit the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) and use their School Locator tool by entering your exact address.
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones, but private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Special Programs: Some schools in the area offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, Gaither High School has AP courses, and Learning Gate focuses on environmental studies.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit hcps.net for zoning maps, school calendars, and enrollment information.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33618) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for both public and private schools.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer open houses or tours, especially private and charter schools.

   If you have a specific address within Whispering Oaks or want details on a particular school (e.g., enrollment process, specific programs, or updated ratings), let me know, and I can help narrow it down further! Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources in the area, I can provide that information as well.