School Choices Detailed and Rated Acadia Greens, Sun City Center, 33573

The community of Acadia Greens in Sun City Center, FL (ZIP code 33573) is located in Hillsborough County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below, I’ll provide information on nearby public and private schools, 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 Sun City Center.

Since Acadia Greens is a specific neighborhood within Sun City Center, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable radius (approximately 5-10 miles) that families in this area might consider. Sun City Center is a retirement community, so schools may not be directly within the immediate neighborhood but are accessible in surrounding areas.

Public Schools Near Acadia Greens, Sun City Center, FL 33573

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. Parents often note the supportive staff, though some mention concerns about class sizes.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School has mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating extracurricular opportunities while others cite challenges with student performance and resources.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School offers a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Reviews highlight a strong sense of community but note areas for improvement in academic performance.

4. Ruskin Elementary School (Alternative Elementary Option)

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another option for elementary students, Ruskin Elementary has a focus on community engagement but faces challenges with test scores compared to state averages.

   Charter Schools Near Acadia Greens

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of options nearby:

5. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7116 S US Hwy 301, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management, appealing to students interested in athletics-related careers. Academic performance varies.

6. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 10 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Winthrop Charter is well-regarded for its academic programs and structured environment, often receiving positive feedback from parents for student engagement.

   Private Schools Near Acadia Greens

   Private schools in the area offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Here are a couple of notable ones:

7. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 W College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche.com suggest a 4/5 average from parents.
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian education with a focus on academics and values. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

8. Livingstone Academy (Special Needs Focus)

   • Address: Nearby in Riverview, FL (exact address varies by campus)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Acadia Greens
   • Grade Levels: Varies (often K-12 for special needs students)
   • Rating: Not widely rated; specialized focus.
   • Details: This school caters to students with autism and other special needs, offering tailored education plans. Contact the school for specific programs and availability.

   Additional Notes

   • School Assignment: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on zoning, so families in Acadia Greens should confirm their assigned schools using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website: hcpsweb.sdhc.k12.fl.us/schoollocator).
   • Transportation: Since Sun City Center is a retirement-focused community, schools are not directly within walking distance for most residents. Families may need to arrange transportation or use school bus services provided by the district.
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on available data as of my last update (October 2023 cutoff). They reflect test scores, equity, and other metrics but may not capture the full experience of a school. Visiting schools, reading parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com, and attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Hillsborough County offers magnet schools and school choice programs that may allow students to attend schools outside their zoned area. Examples include programs for STEM, arts, or International Baccalaureate (IB). Check the district website for application details.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hcpsweb.sdhc.k12.fl.us (for zoning, bus routes, and district updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code 33573 for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed parent and student reviews, along with rankings.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and performance data at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, preschool options, or a focus on a particular grade level), let me know, and I can narrow down the information further. Would you like me to look into a specific school or provide more details on any of the above?