Local Schools Near Barrington Hills, Dunedin, 34698

Barrington Hills is a community located in Dunedin, FL, within the 34698 ZIP code. Dunedin is a charming city in Pinellas County, known for its small-town feel, proximity to beaches, and excellent schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Barrington Hills, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational resources. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend visiting the schools or checking the most current data for confirmation.

Public Schools Near Barrington Hills, Dunedin, FL (34698)

Public schools in this area are part of the Pinellas County Schools district, which serves the region. Below are the schools closest to Barrington Hills, based on proximity and zoning.

1. San Jose Elementary School

   • Address: 1670 San Helen Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance from Barrington Hills: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Overview: San Jose Elementary is a neighborhood school with a focus on foundational education. It offers programs for diverse learners and has a reputation for a supportive community environment. Parents often praise the dedicated staff, though some note room for improvement in advanced programs.
   • Additional Info: Check the Pinellas County Schools website for zoning maps to confirm if Barrington Hills falls within this school’s boundary.

2. Dunedin Highland Middle School

   • Address: 70 Patricia Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Barrington Hills: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Overview: This middle school serves the Dunedin area and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. It has a diverse student body and focuses on preparing students for high school. Reviews are mixed, with some parents appreciating the teachers while others mention concerns about class sizes or facilities.
   • Additional Info: Middle school zoning can vary, so confirm with the district.

3. Dunedin High School

   • Address: 1651 Pinehurst Rd, Dunedin, FL 34698
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Barrington Hills: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Overview: Dunedin High School is the primary high school for the area, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a range of extracurriculars like band and athletics. It’s known for its community pride (home of the Falcons) and has a generally positive reputation, though some parents note variability in teacher engagement.
   • Additional Info: Pinellas County offers school choice programs, so students may apply to other high schools with specialized programs (e.g., magnet or IB programs).

   Private Schools Near Barrington Hills, Dunedin, FL (34698)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable distance of Barrington Hills.

4. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

   • Address: 730 San Salvador Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Distance from Barrington Hills: Approximately 2 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in community reviews
   • Overview: This Catholic school emphasizes faith-based education alongside academics. It offers a structured environment with small class sizes and a focus on character development. Parents often highlight the sense of community and individual attention students receive.
   • Additional Info: Tuition and admission requirements can be found on the school’s website.

5. Cornerstone Christian School

   • Address: 317 Milwaukee Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance from Barrington Hills: Approximately 3 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited data available
   • Overview: A smaller Christian school offering a personalized education with a biblical worldview. It serves families looking for an alternative to public schooling with a focus on faith and academics. Reviews are sparse but generally positive regarding the close-knit environment.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school directly for enrollment and tuition details.

   Charter and Magnet School Options

   Pinellas County has several charter and magnet schools that families in the 34698 area can apply to through the district’s school choice program. These schools often have specialized programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or International Baccalaureate). Here are a couple of notable options within a reasonable driving distance:

6. Plato Academy Charter School (Clearwater Campus)

   • Address: 2045 Palmetto St, Clearwater, FL 33765 (closest campus to Dunedin)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance from Barrington Hills: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Overview: Plato Academy is a highly rated charter school with a focus on classical education, including Greek language and culture. It’s known for strong academics and high parent satisfaction. Admission is lottery-based.
   • Additional Info: Check the Plato Academy website for application deadlines.

7. Pinellas Preparatory Academy

   • Address: 2300 Belcher Rd S, Largo, FL 33771
   • Grade Levels: 4-8
   • Distance from Barrington Hills: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Overview: A charter school with a focus on college preparatory education. It offers a rigorous curriculum and smaller class sizes. Parents often commend the academic focus but note that extracurriculars may be limited compared to larger public schools.
   • Additional Info: Application is through the Pinellas County Schools choice program.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings: The ratings provided are based on GreatSchools.org data as of the most recent updates available to me (up to October 2023). GreatSchools ratings range from 1-10 and are derived from test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity metrics. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, specific programs, or individual student needs may be more important factors for your family.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Use the Pinellas County Schools “School Locator” tool online to confirm which schools serve Barrington Hills.
   • School Choice: Pinellas County offers a robust school choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area, including magnet programs, fundamental schools, and career academies. Deadlines for applications are typically in January for the following school year.
   • Visiting Schools: I strongly recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses to get a firsthand feel for the schools. Parent reviews on platforms like GreatSchools or local community forums (e.g., Nextdoor) can also provide insight.

   Resources for Further Information

   • Pinellas County Schools Website: www.pcsb.org (for zoning, school choice, and district updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data
   • Florida Department of Education: For state-level school performance reports
   • Local Community Groups: Dunedin has active parent and community groups on social media (e.g., Facebook) where you can ask for firsthand experiences.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular priorities, or a preference for a certain type of school), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Additionally, if you’d like me to look into a specific school or provide more details on programs or demographics, just ask!