Turkey Creek Middle School
General Information
Reviews
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 is a public middle school serving grades 6 through 8 in the Hillsborough County Public School District with a community reputation that is mixed and nuanced. Some students and parents describe the school as having caring teachers who go out of their way to support individual learners and build rapport, noting that classroom instruction can be engaging and that staff often try to nurture student strengths. Other feedback points to challenges typical of larger urban middle schools, such as concerns about student behavior, bullying, and safety, with anecdotal reports emphasizing that experiences can vary widely across different peer groups and grade levels.
Many reviewers express appreciation for the diversity of the student body and the caring intentions of many educators, while also noting that academic performance and climate issues require ongoing attention and improvement. Surveys and community feedback indicate that students and parents appreciate supportive relationships with teachers and the school’s efforts to foster inclusivity, but also hope for expanded opportunities, better communication, and stronger academic outcomes. Together, this collection of perspectives suggests a school environment where positive interactions and attentive teaching coexist with challenges in academic proficiency and student behavior, reflecting a typical dynamic in large, diverse middle school communities in suburban Florida.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: (813) 757‑9442
- Main Address: 5005 South Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, Florida 33567, United States
- General Email Address: Contact via Hillsborough County Public Schools district directory
- Administrative Office: 5005 South Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, FL 33567
- School Website Contact Form: Available through the district’s official school page
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | Historic roots trace to early 20th-century institutions at this site; modern middle school serves the community (historic school building dates to early 1900s) — Wikipedia |
| School Type | Public Middle School — Public School Review |
| School District | Hillsborough County Public School District — SchoolDigger |
| Motto | “Home of the Gobblers” (school identity emphasizing community and pride) — hillsboroughschools.org |
| Grades Served | 6–8 — Public School Review |
| Campus Setting | Suburban — Public School Review |
| Mascot | Gobblers — hillsboroughschools.org |
| Enrollment | Approximately 1,026 students — Public School Review |
Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position |
|---|---|
| Country Ranking | Not nationally ranked (standard for middle schools) |
| State Ranking | Ranked among the bottom 50% of Florida middle schools based on combined proficiency metrics — Public School Review |
| District Ranking | Middle tier within the Hillsborough County Public School District based on performance indicators — SchoolDigger |
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 Academics
Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Fine Arts (including band, art, and music)
- Physical Education and Health
- Guidance and Counseling
- Special Education Services
- Technology and STEM Exploratory
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Core curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
- Elective courses in music, art, and drama
- Physical education and wellness programs
- Technology integration classes and STEM exploratory activities
- After‑school clubs and student government opportunities
- Guidance‑linked personal development sessions
Online Learning
Turkey Creek Middle School incorporates online learning platforms to support blended instruction and digital skill development. These platforms allow students to access coursework, supplemental exercises, and collaborative projects beyond traditional classroom time. Online tools are used for reinforcing core curriculum skills, facilitating communication between teachers and families, and enabling continuity of learning during temporary disruptions or individual absences. Emphasis on digital literacy also prepares students for technology‑enhanced environments in higher grade levels.
Degrees and Certifications
As a K12 middle school, Turkey Creek Middle School does not confer postsecondary degrees or professional certifications. Students who successfully complete the academic requirements for grades 6 through 8 receive grade‑level advancement and are deemed prepared for high school entrance within the Hillsborough County Public School pathway.
Summer School
Turkey Creek Middle School participates in district‑coordinated summer learning initiatives designed to reinforce academic skills, particularly in literacy and mathematics, and provide enrichment experiences that sustain student engagement during the summer break. These programs are optional and offer targeted support or exploratory learning opportunities for participating students.
Average Test Scores
| Assessment | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | Approximately 42%, below the Florida state average of 52% — Public School Review |
| Reading / Language Arts Proficiency | Approximately 32%, below the state average of 52% — Public School Review |
| Science Proficiency | Approximately 26%, below state trends — Public School Review |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a middle school, traditional graduation rates do not apply. Student progression is measured through annual advancement from 6th to 7th grade and from 7th to 8th grade based on academic performance, attendance, and behavior expectations. Most students successfully complete each academic year and transition to high school, reflecting the school’s focus on continuous academic growth.
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Turkey Creek Middle School is based on residence within the Hillsborough County Public School District’s zoning boundaries and is not dependent on GPA or standardized college entrance exam scores. Middle school enrollment criteria focus on age‑appropriate grade placement and compliance with district and state policies rather than performance thresholds.
Acceptance Rate
| Assessment | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | Approximately 42%, below the Florida state average of 52% — Public School Review |
| Reading / Language Arts Proficiency | Approximately 32%, below the state average of 52% — Public School Review |
| Science Proficiency | Approximately 26%, below state trends — Public School Review |
Application Requirements
Enrollment at Turkey Creek Middle School requires verification of residency in the attendance zone, submission of age and identity documentation, up‑to‑date immunization records per Florida state requirements, and previous school records where relevant. The district’s registration process ensures proper placement and access to necessary academic supports, with administrative staff guiding families through documentation and placement steps.
Enrollment Overview
Turkey Creek Middle School serves a diverse cohort of approximately 1,026 students in grades 6–8, maintaining a student‑teacher ratio that is higher than the state average. Enrollment supports balanced class sizes intended to facilitate academic instruction, extracurricular participation, and social‑emotional support for learners transitioning through early adolescence.
Application Process
- Provide proof of residency within Hillsborough County Public School District zoning
- Submit birth certificate and identity documentation
- Present current immunization and health records
- Provide academic records if transferring from another school
Application Deadlines and Important Dates
| Category | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Period | Year-round for eligible residents |
| School Year Start | August |
| Registration / Orientation | Prior to the beginning of the academic year |
Essay Prompt
An admissions essay is not required for enrollment at Turkey Creek Middle School; placement is based on residency eligibility and completion of standard district documentation as part of the open enrollment process.
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 Scholarships
As a public middle school financed by state and local education budgets, Turkey Creek Middle School does not administer scholarship programs. Students may pursue awards or recognitions through extracurricular achievements or community organizations as they advance toward high school.
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 Tuition Fees and Costs
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Tuition-free public education |
| Registration Fees | None |
| Instructional Materials | Provided through district funding |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Turkey Creek Middle School’s student population is diverse, with a majority of Hispanic students complemented by White, Black, and multiracial learners, reflecting broader demographic patterns in the Plant City area. Minority enrollment is approximately 73%, higher than the Florida state average, contributing to a multicultural school environment where varied cultural perspectives inform classroom interactions and community life.
Low‑Income Students and Students with Disabilities
A significant proportion of students at Turkey Creek Middle School qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch programs, indicating a substantial share of economically disadvantaged families within the school community. The school’s support structures include differentiated instruction, intervention services, and special education resources designed to address diverse learning needs and help students with disabilities access equitable academic opportunities.
Student Body Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 1,026 students — Public School Review |
| Grades | 6–8 — Public School Review |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | Approximately 23:1, higher than the Florida average — Public School Review |
University Diversity
Diversity at Turkey Creek Middle School plays a pivotal role in shaping student experiences and broadening perspectives within the learning environment. The high proportion of Hispanic students, alongside White, Black, and multiracial peers, creates a rich cultural tapestry that informs daily interactions, curricular discussions, and community events. This blend of backgrounds fosters an environment where students are exposed to varied worldviews, enhancing social awareness and encouraging respect for different cultural norms and traditions. Engaging with peers from diverse identities deepens students’ understanding of global citizenship and helps them develop empathy, communication skills, and collaboration competencies—traits that are increasingly important in an interconnected society.
Teachers leverage this diversity by designing inclusive curricula that reflect multiple perspectives and encourage students to share their unique experiences. This practice enhances classroom engagement and ensures that learning extends beyond academic content to include social‑emotional learning and cultural competence. Exposure to diverse voices also prepares students to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, appreciate varied approaches to problem‑solving, and build confidence in diverse social settings. By valuing diversity as a strength, Turkey Creek Middle School supports holistic student development and fosters a community where cultural exchange and mutual understanding are integral to learning.
Average Earnings
Average earnings data are not directly applicable to a middle school; however, the academic foundation provided at Turkey Creek Middle School contributes to long‑term academic trajectories and potential future career outcomes. Students who develop strong literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills are better prepared for high school and subsequent postsecondary opportunities.
Graduation Rate
Traditional graduation rates are not relevant at the middle school level. Progression is reflected in successful promotion from grade to grade, ensuring readiness for high school based on academic, social‑emotional, and developmental milestones.
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Turkey Creek Middle School employs certified educators, support specialists, counselors, and administrative staff committed to supporting student growth. Faculty members work collaboratively to deliver curriculum aligned with state standards while fostering supportive relationships that encourage academic engagement and personal development.
Faculty Profiles
Staff at Turkey Creek Middle School bring professional experience in middle grade education, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Many educators hold certifications in subject‑specific instruction, special education, and counseling, enabling them to address diverse student needs and support inclusive classroom environments.
Turkey Creek Middle School, Florida, K12 Campus and Student Life
Campus Life and Housing
Campus life at Turkey Creek Middle School includes academic routines, social events, clubs, and extracurricular activities that enhance student engagement beyond classroom instruction. Students participate in sports, arts, clubs, and leadership programs that build community involvement and peer interaction. Residential housing is not provided, as the school functions as a public day institution serving local families.
Transportation
Transportation services include district‑operated buses that serve students within their assigned attendance zones. Reliable transportation ensures student access to the school campus and participation in school programs and activities.
Job Openings and Career Opportunities
Career opportunities at Turkey Creek Middle School include teaching positions, classroom support roles, counseling services, and administrative support. Openings are typically posted through Hillsborough County Public Schools’ human resources portal and encompass roles focused on instruction, student support, and school operations for professionals dedicated to public education.