School Choices Detailed and Rated Andover, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the ZIP code 33573 covers this area. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Andover community in Sun City Center, FL, within or close to the 33573 ZIP code. Since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, schools in the immediate vicinity may be limited, and families with school-aged children often look at nearby areas for educational options. I’ll include public and private schools within a reasonable distance (up to 10-15 miles) and 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. Note that ratings and availability can change, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or visiting the schools.

Public Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

Hillsborough County Public Schools operates the public schools in this area. Below are some of the schools serving students near Sun City Center, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Since Andover is a specific neighborhood within Sun City Center, these schools are generally zoned for nearby residential areas outside the 55+ community restrictions.

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Sun City Center/Andover.
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves many families in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. It has a focus on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. Enrollment is around 600-700 students. Check zoning with Hillsborough County Schools as boundaries can shift.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 3-4 miles from Andover.
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and equity)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas with a student population of about 1,200. It offers standard middle school curriculum and some extracurricular activities. Academic performance is below the state average in some areas, per recent data.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 5-6 miles from Andover.
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the area, with over 2,000 students. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and sports programs. Graduation rates are close to the state average, but test scores lag in some subjects.

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Farther Out)

   If families are willing to look a bit farther (within 10-15 miles), additional options in Apollo Beach or Wimauma may be available:

4. Doby Elementary School (Apollo Beach)

   • Address: 6720 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: About 7-8 miles from Sun City Center.
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Higher-rated elementary school with strong test scores compared to district averages.

5. Eisenhower Middle School (Apollo Beach)

   • Address: 7620 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: About 10 miles from Sun City Center.
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves a broader area of southern Hillsborough County with a mix of academic and extracurricular offerings.

6. East Bay High School (Gibsonton)

   • Address: 7710 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: About 10 miles from Sun City Center.
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Offers a variety of programs including AP courses and a strong athletics department.

   Private Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

   Private school options are limited directly in Sun City Center due to its demographic focus, but there are a few within a reasonable driving distance:

7. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: About 5 miles from Andover/Sun City Center.
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on platforms like Niche suggest mixed feedback on academics and facilities.
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition and enrollment details should be confirmed directly with the school.

8. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 201 2nd St NW, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: About 6 miles from Sun City Center.
   • Grade Levels: PK-3
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent reviews for early childhood education.
   • Details: Focuses on Montessori methods for younger children. Best for families seeking alternative early education.

   Charter Schools Near Sun City Center, FL

   Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated and can be an option for families in the area:

   1. SLAM Apollo (Sports Leadership and Management)
   2. Address: 5735 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 (closer locations may be available; check enrollment)
   3. Distance: About 15 miles from Sun City Center.
   4. Grade Levels: 6-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Focuses on sports leadership alongside academics. Enrollment may be competitive and often requires an application or lottery.

9. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: About 12 miles from Sun City Center.
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with strong academic performance. Admission is often via lottery due to high demand.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Since Sun City Center itself is a 55+ community, families with children typically reside in nearby areas like Ruskin or Apollo Beach. School zoning depends on the exact address, so use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve a specific address near Andover.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are a starting point but don’t capture everything (e.g., teacher quality, specific programs, or recent improvements). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public school bus services are available based on zoning, but distances may require parent drop-off for private or charter schools.
   • Demographics: Schools in this area serve diverse populations, with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Check individual school profiles for specifics on student-teacher ratios and free/reduced lunch percentages if relevant to your decision.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit www.hcpswebcasts.com/school-locator for zoning and enrollment info.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: For updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: For state report cards and performance data.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses.

   If you have a specific address in or near Andover, Sun City Center, or need details on a particular grade level or program (e.g., special needs, gifted, etc.), let me know, and I can refine the search!