Local Schools Near Belleair Bluffs, Largo, 33770

Belleair Bluffs is a small community within the city of Largo, FL, with the ZIP code 33770. This area is part of Pinellas County, and the schools serving this community are primarily under the Pinellas County Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Belleair Bluffs, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information as of the latest updates. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, graduation rates), so I’ll note the general consensus and provide context where possible. Note that school assignments can depend on specific addresses within the ZIP code, so it’s always a good idea to confirm zoning with the Pinellas County Schools website or by contacting the district directly.

Public Schools Near Belleair Bluffs (33770)

Public schools in this area are assigned based on zoning by Pinellas County Schools. Here are the schools typically serving the Belleair Bluffs/Largo area in ZIP code 33770, along with their ratings and key details. Ratings are often on a scale of 1-10 (from GreatSchools.org unless otherwise noted) and reflect academic performance, equity, and other factors.

Elementary Schools

1. Mildred Helms Elementary School

   • Address: 561 Clearwater Largo Rd S, Largo, FL 33770
   • Distance from Belleair Bluffs: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular options. Test scores are near the state average, with strengths in reading but room for improvement in math. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note occasional concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Ridgecrest Elementary School (serves nearby areas of 33770)

   • Address: 1901 119th St N, Largo, FL 33778 (just outside 33770 but serves some parts of the area)
   • Distance from Belleair Bluffs: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for a strong community feel and a focus on STEM programs. Test scores are slightly above average for the district. It’s a smaller school, which some parents appreciate for personalized attention.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Largo Middle School
   2. Address: 155 8th Ave SE, Largo, FL 33771 (close to 33770)
   3. Distance from Belleair Bluffs: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school offers International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme for eligible students, which is a draw for some families. However, overall test scores are below the state average, and parent reviews are mixed, with some citing concerns about discipline and others praising specific teachers and programs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 800 students
   8. Additional Info: Offers various electives and extracurricular activities like band and sports.

   High Schools

   1. Largo High School
   2. Address: 410 Missouri Ave N, Largo, FL 33770
   3. Distance from Belleair Bluffs: Approximately 1-2 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating on Niche
   6. Details: Largo High offers an IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and career-focused academies (e.g., medical, technology). Graduation rates are around 85-90%, slightly below the state average, but the school is praised for its diversity and program variety. Parent and student reviews often highlight the IB program as a strength but note challenges with school size and occasional safety concerns.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,800 students
   8. Additional Info: Active sports programs and extracurriculars.

   Private Schools Near Belleair Bluffs (33770)

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in or near the 33770 area. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and niche.com data.

3. St. Patrick Catholic School

   • Address: 1501 Trotter Rd, Largo, FL 33770
   • Distance from Belleair Bluffs: Approximately 2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Generally positive reviews (Niche: B+; parent feedback on GreatSchools is favorable)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a traditional Catholic education with an emphasis on academics and character development. Class sizes are smaller than public schools, and the curriculum includes religion alongside core subjects. Tuition is around $6,000-$8,000 per year, depending on grade and parish membership.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-250 students
   • Additional Info: Offers extracurriculars like sports and music.

4. Westside Christian School (nearby)

   • Address: 11633 137th St N, Largo, FL 33774 (just outside 33770)
   • Distance from Belleair Bluffs: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent reviews on Niche
   • Details: A smaller Christian school with a focus on individualized learning and biblical teachings. Tuition varies by grade but is typically in the $5,000-$7,000 range annually.
   • Enrollment: Around 100-150 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a tight-knit community and flexible curriculum.

   Charter Schools Near Belleair Bluffs (33770)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific educational focuses. Availability depends on enrollment lotteries and zoning.

5. Plato Academy Largo Charter School

   • Address: 7100 142nd Ave N, Largo, FL 33771 (near 33770)
   • Distance from Belleair Bluffs: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Part of the Plato Academy network, this charter school emphasizes a classical education with a focus on Greek language and culture alongside standard academics. Test scores are above average for the state, and it’s highly regarded by parents for its rigorous curriculum.
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students
   • Additional Info: Admission is via lottery; often has a waitlist due to popularity.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on factors like test scores, college readiness, student progress, and parent reviews. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s fit for an individual child. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Belleair Bluffs is a small area, and school assignments can vary even within the 33770 ZIP code. Use the Pinellas County Schools “School Locator” tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve a specific address.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Pinellas County offers magnet programs (e.g., arts, technology) and school choice options that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area. Examples include the IB programs at Largo Middle and High Schools, which are accessible via application.
   • Special Needs and Support: Most public schools in the area offer programs for students with special needs (e.g., ESE programs), and Pinellas County has resources for gifted education as well.

   How to Research Further

   • Pinellas County Schools Website: www.pcsb.org – Check for zoning, school choice options, and updated performance data.
   • GreatSchools.org: Detailed ratings, test scores, and parent reviews for most schools.
   • Niche.com: Offers rankings and reviews for public, private, and charter schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and accountability data at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address in Belleair Bluffs or Largo (33770) or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., arts, STEM, special needs), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, daycare options, or higher education institutions nearby, I’m happy to assist!