Bayridge is a community in Ruskin, Florida, within the ZIP code 33570. Ruskin is located in Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Bayridge community, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that school ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or visiting the schools.
Public Schools Near Bayridge, Ruskin, FL 33570
Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the Bayridge community falls within specific school zones in Hillsborough County. Below are the schools most likely zoned for or near the Bayridge area, along with their ratings and details. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to central Ruskin (Bayridge’s exact boundaries may vary slightly).
Elementary Schools
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Ruskin Elementary School
- Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Distance from Bayridge: Approximately 1-2 miles (depending on exact location within Bayridge)
- Grade Levels: PreK-5
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 3/10 (based on test scores, equity, and student progress as of recent data)
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and offers standard elementary education with a focus on foundational skills. The school has programs for English Language Learners (ELL) due to the area’s demographics. Parent reviews on GreatSchools mention a caring staff but note challenges with resources and test performance.
- Enrollment: Approximately 800-900 students (varies yearly)
- Contact: (813) 671-5177
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Cypress Creek Elementary School (alternative or nearby option)
- Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
- Distance from Bayridge: Approximately 3-4 miles
- Grade Levels: PreK-5
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 5/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Details: Located slightly outside central Ruskin, Cypress Creek may serve some parts of the broader Ruskin area or be an option via school choice programs. It has better test scores compared to Ruskin Elementary and offers a variety of student support services.
- Enrollment: Approximately 600-700 students
- Contact: (813) 671-5167
Middle Schools
- Shields Middle School
- Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
- Distance from Bayridge: Approximately 3-5 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 3/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: Shields Middle School is the primary middle school serving the Ruskin area. It offers standard middle school curriculum along with extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some concerns about class sizes and discipline.
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,200-1,400 students
- Contact: (813) 672-5338
High Schools
- Lennard High School
- Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Distance from Bayridge: Approximately 2-3 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 4/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: Lennard High School is the zoned high school for most of Ruskin, including Bayridge. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurriculars like athletics and band. The school has a diverse student body, and graduation rates are near the state average (around 85-90% based on recent data). Parent and student reviews mention supportive teachers but some challenges with facilities and overcrowding.
- Enrollment: Approximately 2,500-3,000 students
- Contact: (813) 641-5611
Private Schools Near Bayridge, Ruskin, FL 33570
Private school options in Ruskin are limited, but there are a few within a reasonable driving distance. These schools may require tuition and often have specific enrollment processes.
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Ruskin Christian School
- Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Distance from Bayridge: Approximately 1-2 miles
- Grade Levels: PreK-12
- Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche give it moderate feedback (around 3.5/5)
- Details: A small, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools, and the school emphasizes moral and spiritual development alongside academics. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.
- Enrollment: Approximately 200-300 students
- Contact: (813) 645-6441
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Livingstone Academy (nearby in Apollo Beach)
- Address: 219 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
- Distance from Bayridge: Approximately 5-7 miles
- Grade Levels: K-12 (special needs focus)
- Rating: Limited public ratings; specialized school
- Details: This school caters to students with autism and other special needs, offering individualized education plans. It’s a private option for families seeking specialized support.
- Contact: (813) 922-2777
Charter Schools Near Bayridge, Ruskin, FL 33570
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have different enrollment processes (often lottery-based).
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SouthShore Charter Academy
- Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Distance from Bayridge: Approximately 2-3 miles
- Grade Levels: K-8
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 6/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Details: A charter school offering an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on personalized learning. It has received positive feedback for its academic programs and smaller class sizes compared to nearby public schools.
- Enrollment: Approximately 500-600 students
- Contact: (813) 419-2999
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, student progress, and equity, while Florida DOE grades (A-F) focus on state assessment results, graduation rates, and other metrics. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it may reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools and speaking with staff/parents can provide deeper insight.
- School Choice: Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area (including magnet schools and charters) if space is available. Check the district website (www.hillsboroughschools.org) for application deadlines and options.
- Transportation: Public school students in zoned schools typically have access to bus services if they live beyond a certain distance (usually 2 miles). Private and charter schools may not provide transportation.
How to Verify Zoning and Get More Information
Since Bayridge’s exact location within Ruskin may affect school zoning, I recommend using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “School Locator” tool on their website (www.hillsboroughschools.org). Enter your specific address to confirm the zoned schools for your residence. You can also contact the district’s Office of Student Planning at (813) 272-4608 for assistance.
If you have a specific address within Bayridge or additional preferences (e.g., focus on special programs, sports, or academics), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Would you like me to explore magnet programs, after-school activities, or other nearby options?