School Choices Detailed and Rated Blackstone at Bay Park, Ruskin, 33570

The community of Blackstone at Bay Park is located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of Hillsborough County, and the schools serving this area are primarily under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the school district or visiting the schools if possible.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33570 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Distances are approximate based on the general location of Blackstone at Bay Park in Ruskin.

Public Schools Near Blackstone at Bay Park, Ruskin, FL 33570

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Blackstone at Bay Park
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on early education. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student progress compared to other Florida schools. The school offers standard curriculum and some extracurricular activities.
   • Additional Info: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for zoning details, as boundaries can shift.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP code but serves 33570)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Blackstone at Bay Park
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   • Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area. The lower rating is often tied to challenges in test performance and student growth metrics. However, the school provides various programs, including electives and sports, to support student development.
   • Additional Info: Middle school zoning can vary; confirm with the district for exact assignments.

3. Lennard High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Blackstone at Bay Park
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers a range of academic programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and career-focused academies. The rating indicates moderate performance, with strengths in graduation rates but room for improvement in test scores.
   • Additional Info: Lennard also has extracurricular options like sports and clubs. Check for specific programs of interest.

   Charter Schools Near Blackstone at Bay Park

4. SLAM Academy at Apollo Beach (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades 6-12)
   • Address: 5995 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572 (near Ruskin)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Blackstone at Bay Park
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   • Overview: SLAM Academy focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a smaller, specialized school that may appeal to students interested in sports-related careers. Enrollment is typically through a lottery system.
   • Additional Info: Charter schools often have different application processes; visit their website for details.

   Private Schools Near Blackstone at Bay Park

5. Ruskin Christian School

   • Type: Private School (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Blackstone at Bay Park
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools due to its private status; however, reviews on Niche and parent feedback suggest a focus on faith-based education with smaller class sizes.
   • Overview: This school offers a Christian-based curriculum for all grade levels. Tuition costs apply, and enrollment may require adherence to religious or behavioral standards.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school directly for tuition rates and admission requirements.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on metrics like test scores, equity, and student progress. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, meeting with staff, and reviewing parent feedback can provide a fuller picture.
   • Zoning Verification: School assignments depend on exact addresses within Blackstone at Bay Park. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) by entering your specific address to confirm zoned schools.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services for zoned students; check with the district for routes. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.
   • Other Options: If the local schools don’t meet your needs, Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, including magnet schools and virtual learning options. Application deadlines and lotteries apply for many of these programs.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org – For zoning, school choice, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33570) for detailed ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and performance data at www.fldoe.org.
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and culture.

   If you have a specific address within Blackstone at Bay Park or prefer details on a particular grade level or school type (e.g., only high schools or private options), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, after-school programs, or special needs resources in the area, I’m happy to assist!