If researching a move to Tampa....

[rvchat]

with kids, what areas has good public schools?

thanks. Tampa is REALLY nice.

 

[Bibbidi]

with kids, what areas has good public schools?

thanks. Tampa is REALLY nice.

I am not speaking from personal experience, but rather from a friend who used to live and teach down there--they came from Lutz, which is near Tampa and she said the schools were quite good. A point to consider though is that the Land O Lakes community which is a huge nudist colony/resort area is part of the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater area. I'd want to know how much of that is pervasive in local communities down there.

 

[leight]

I live in a planned master community in Lithia- a suburb of tampa. It is fishhawk ranch http://www.fishhawkconnect.com/ Our schools are A rated and the community itself is fantastic for families-young and old. We originally lived in New tampa and really liked some of the aspects of the area but wanted more of a community feel for the kids to grow into. Other great areas are New Tampa & Westchase.

 

[cjdj4]

I live in Lutz ,and I teach in Hillsborough County which Tampa is part of along most of the surrounding areas. The School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC) is the 7th largest school district in the country. Thus, there are many amazing schools and great areas to raise your kids. As already mentioned, Lutz is great, as is Fishhawk Ranch, and Westchase. The South Tampa area is excellent, too.

Link to SDHC webpage:http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/

If you have a prospective address you can find out the neighborhood school here: https://choice.sdhc.k12.fl.us/locator/Default.asp

We also have public magnet schools. They are often in the city, but also often very good. My DD attends a magnet elementary close to downtown, and we are VERY HAPPY.
SDHC Magnet School info page: http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/magnet/about.asp

FYI - in FL the state gives each public school a grade from A-F. Here is a link to the page you can look up the school grades: http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/

Keep in mind the school grade does not give a FULL picture of a school, nor is it a comprehensive assessment of whether or not a school is "good." However, it gives you a decent gauge to work from when you are researching.

In the central FL area the school districts are all county-wide.

PP mentioned Land O' Lakes (LOL) - that is Pasco County and a different school district. I think most schools in Pasco are very good especially in LOL and Wesley Chapel area. St. Pete and Clearwater are just over the bridge and are part of Pinellas County - know a tiny bit about St. Pete schools and nothing about Clearwater.

I have lived and worked here for 16 years. I love it here and I do not envision ever leaving.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[cjdj4]

I am not speaking from personal experience, but rather from a friend who used to live and teach down there--they came from Lutz, which is near Tampa and she said the schools were quite good. A point to consider though is that the Land O Lakes community which is a huge nudist colony/resort area is part of the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater area. I'd want to know how much of that is pervasive in local communities down there.

Indeed, there is a huge nudist colony. However, it is not pervasive at all. The colony is completely enclosed. I think what happens in the nudist colony stays in the nudist colony, lol. I have several friends who live practically next door and they have never even mentioned it.

 

[rvchat]

Thank you all so much for replying. This is the best board with the nicest people. I only wish I 'd found it sooner!

 

[Bibbidi]

Indeed, there is a huge nudist colony. However, it is not pervasive at all. The colony is completely enclosed. I think what happens in the nudist colony stays in the nudist colony, lol. I have several friends who live practically next door and they have never even mentioned it.

That is great to know. I'd love to move to Tampa one day--for now we're in Ohio for at least 3 more years, but if DH can ever find a mechanical engineering job down there we are packing up!

 

[cormmac3]

I am in CT, right now. Our schools SUCK, so bad-the state just announced, they are going to oversee everything!It is so expensive here in CT. We are also looking to relocate to Florida, also. My best friend and her family relocated from CT to Land O'Lakes, and love it! Her kids love it and she says she will only be back to visit,lol.

 

[jacksmom]

Have family in Dunedin and they love it!

 

[mhconley]

I used GreatSchools.org to research schools before we moved. The information on that website is one of the major reasons we chose where we live over the surrounding communities. I am happy we did - DS is in a fantastic school with a wonderful teacher - a huge improvement over his prior school.

Martin

 

[brobrosmom]

I grew up in South Tampa....West Shore area south of Kennedy Blvd. Great neighborhood and great schools.

 

[LovableGluttons]

I live in Land O Lakes (nope, not a nudist! LOL We have three nudist resorts here). Other than driving by their signs, the only way I know they are here is by the $2 bills they use to show their economic impact in the local businesses.

Not just good schools here, but fantastic! A+ ratings and education is taken very seriously!

We also have a lower property tax rate than surrounding counties like Hillsborough (Tampa) and Pinellas. MUCH lower, plus we aren't in a flood zone, so our homeowner;s insurance is cheaper.