School Choices Detailed and Rated Walden Woods, Plant City, 33563

Walden Woods is a community located in Plant City, FL, with the ZIP code 33563. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, 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 Walden Woods community (based on a central point in the 33563 ZIP code area) and note that these are estimates.

Public Schools Near Walden Woods, Plant City, FL 33563

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to Walden Woods, focusing on elementary, middle, and high schools:

1. Walden Lake Elementary School

   • Address: 2800 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL 33566
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves many families in the Plant City area and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular options. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1 (based on recent data). Parents often note the community feel but mention occasional concerns about class sizes.

2. Tomlin Middle School

   • Address: 501 N Woodrow Wilson St, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Tomlin Middle School serves a diverse student population and offers standard middle school curriculum along with some elective programs. Reviews highlight dedicated teachers but note challenges with student performance on standardized tests.

3. Plant City High School

   • Address: 1 Raider Pl, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the primary high school for the area, offering a range of academic programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. It has a large student body (over 2,000 students), and graduation rates are around the state average. Some parents praise the school spirit, while others mention concerns about overcrowding.

4. Bryan Elementary School

   • Address: 2006 W Oak Ave, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another elementary option in the area, Bryan Elementary serves a diverse population. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers support programs for students needing extra help.

5. Marshall Middle Magnet School (Magnet Option)

   • Address: 18 S Maryland Ave, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a magnet school with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. Admission may require an application or lottery, depending on availability. It’s a good option for families seeking a more specialized curriculum.

   Private Schools Near Walden Woods, Plant City, FL 33563

   Private schools in the area offer alternative educational options, often with a religious or specialized focus. Here are a couple of notable ones:

6. Hope Christian School

   • Address: 114 S Evers St, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche.com are generally positive but limited in number.
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Tuition information and enrollment details are typically available directly from the school. Class sizes are often smaller than public schools, and the environment emphasizes moral and spiritual development alongside academics.

7. First Baptist Christian Academy

   • Address: 1407 N Wheeler St, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; parent feedback on local forums suggests a supportive community.
   • Details: Another faith-based option affiliated with First Baptist Church of Plant City. The school focuses on integrating Christian values with education and offers a range of extracurriculars for younger students.

   Charter Schools Near Walden Woods, Plant City, FL 33563

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. Options are somewhat limited in immediate proximity, but here’s one nearby:

8. Advantage Academy of Hillsborough

   • Address: 350 W Prosser Dr, Plant City, FL 33563
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Walden Woods
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school offers an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on individualized learning plans. Enrollment may require a lottery system if demand exceeds capacity.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and academic progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture, specific programs, or teacher quality). Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide a better sense of fit for your family.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. You can confirm which schools serve Walden Woods by using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ boundary locator tool online or contacting the district at (813) 272-4000.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones, but private and charter schools may not. Check with individual schools for details.
   • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, Marshall Middle Magnet School’s IB program might appeal to families seeking a rigorous curriculum.

   How to Research Further

   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33563) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org for zoning maps, enrollment info, and district news.
   • Florida Department of Education: edudata.fldoe.org for detailed school performance reports.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or speak with administrators.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, preschool options, or a focus on certain extracurriculars), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Also, if you’re considering other nearby communities or have a specific address within Walden Woods, I can refine the distance estimates. What else would you like to know?