Florida/Hillsborough County Schools

[Cruella 66]

My husband has a potential job lead in the Tampa area, near Macdill. I graduated from high school there (Leto) in the mid-80's ; so my only perspective is from a high schoolers perspective, fogged by 20+++ years of adulthood; not very stable or clear.

I am hoping there are Dis'ers on here that live in the area or are educators and are willing to tell me about the schools in the Hillsborough County/Tampa/Lutz area. If we were to move there we'd probably look in the Carrollwood or Lutz area , unless you all have opinions that sway me.

I live in Virginia and from browsing the Florida Education site , my brain is mush . It's like apples to oranges the system here and there.

What's with all this charter school, McKay school, choice school, etc???

We also have RN's in every school here in Virginia but I can't even FIND a Department of Student Health services on any Florida School web site. What...kids' don't get sick in FL? The students' in FL don't have diabetes, seizures, cancer, ADHD, asthma, etc; need medication during the school day, or get screened for hearing/vision/scoliosis??? Or does FL just not allow those students' into their system? I happen to be a RN and run a clinic in an elementary school so this disturbs me.

Please, somebody or many somebody's, enlighten me! Cindy

 

[Magic Mom]

My husband has a potential job lead in the Tampa area, near Macdill. I graduated from high school there (Leto) in the mid-80's ;

What year did you graduate???

 

[Cruella 66]

Don't tell anyone...84.

 

[Magic Mom]

Don't tell anyone...84.

'85 Leto here!

 

[Cruella 66]

Cool

Can you help me with my quest???

 

[phorsenuf]

We are moving to that area this summer. I researched and researched until my eyes bled. From what I could figure out the Hillsborough County schools seemed like a good fit.
Of course that's all a moot point since he's ending up graduating a year early. There was one high school in particular I thought sounded good but I can't remember the name.

 

[Magic Mom]

I don't live there anymore, but my Mom just retired from the district after teaching math for 26 years. I can ask her. I do know Leto isn't the same school as it was when we went. Jefferson is an International Baccalaureate school, but she probably wouldn't recommend it for other reasons. I'll ask her.
In the mean time check out this website. militarychild.org. Its intended for miltary families, but anyone can use it. Its all information to help families transitions schools during a move, including information about districts to help you choose.

 

[Cruella 66]

Thank you for checking with your mom! My husband is retired Navy. I'll check that site out tomorrow. My brain is totally gone now from looking at potential houses. I had also heard Leto wasn't what it used to be. When I went there though, I didn't live any place NEAR the school, we were bused from Northdale as the new high school didn't open out there until a couple years after I graduated. I remember the bus ride seeming like it was hours long! Cindy

 

[momto2girls]

'85 Leto here!

deleted

 

[Longsx3]

Chamberlain '87...We just returned to Tampa after living away for 15yrs. We are currently looking to purchase a house but I can't find anything in or near Carrollwood in our price range. Sub 300 for a 4/3/3...I can in Pasco County or in Brandon. I really wish we coudl stay in this (Carrollwood) area as most of my family is nearby, but Pasco does have better schools and Brandon will be closer for DH to get to MacDill...I am sure it will all work out.

As for RN in the schools, it is my understanding in the schools daily is a Health Aide with a Rn supervising over several schools.

Also someone mentioned Jefferson as an IB, actually they have an International Studies program...the IB programs are King, Hillsborough and Robinson.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

We also have RN's in every school here in Virginia but I can't even FIND a Department of Student Health services on any Florida School web site. What...kids' don't get sick in FL? The students' in FL don't have diabetes, seizures, cancer, ADHD, asthma, etc; need medication during the school day, or get screened for hearing/vision/scoliosis??? Or does FL just not allow those students' into their system? I happen to be a RN and run a clinic in an elementary school so this disturbs me.

That may vary by the county. Not sure on that. I know the 3 schools my children have been/or in, have a school nurse or nurses aide on duty in the clinic the entire school day. They are able to perform all the duties you listed.

 

[Magic Mom]

Also someone mentioned Jefferson as an IB, actually they have an International Studies program...the IB programs are King, Hillsborough and Robinson.

Correct. I guess I shouldn't post as I'm dozing off.

 

[Cruella 66]

I looked at houses with our criteria in the Lutz, Brandon, Plant City, Valerio (new to me) areas last night, along with a couple in Carrollwood. I don't want the cookie cutter houses that seem to all have been built since 2000 that look the same inside and out. I would like what I have here; a house with good bones, in an established area, with trees and nice people! When I know more about the schools, that will ultimately guide where we'd live. We'd be looking for a minimum 4 bedrooms, three baths, garage, pool in the 250 to 350K range.

Our three that are still in school are currently in grade 7, 2 and KG; so we'll need good all around schools.

It's good to know there is some type of health care in the schools. I've had some pretty nasty injuries and I know our secretaries would FREAK out!

 

[Cruella 66]

bumping this up to see if anyone else has anything to add...

 

[portocall]

I went to the sixth grade center Lomax back in the 80's. I hope that things have improved in the education there. I lived in the Temple Terrace area. The elementary school was quite good though

 

[taylor1293]

Each school has an aide, they all have nurses visit...some have nurses more often than others .

If you go to their websites, you can get more details on their demographics and report cards.

http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/schools/SelectSchool.asp

School choice just means that you "may" be able to choose a school outside of your "neighborhood" school. Charter schools are paid for by businesses and run by the district, but I can only think of one that I think is good. Magnet schools are specialized schools that are placed in lower income areas to attract higher income families to their special programs.

If you narrow your search to a few specific schools, I may be able to help more .

Good luck with your decision.