School Choices Detailed and Rated Bonita Bluff, Ruskin, 33570

Bonita Bluff is a community located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of 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 Bonita Bluff, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

Public Schools Near Bonita Bluff, Ruskin, FL 33570

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Ruskin area, including Bonita Bluff. I’ve used GreatSchools.org ratings (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary reference, as it’s widely used, but I’ve also noted performance data from the Florida Department of Education where applicable.

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance from Bonita Bluff: Approximately 1-2 miles (depending on exact location within the community)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of the latest data)
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. The school has programs for English Language Learners (ELL) due to the area’s demographics. Test scores are below the state average in math and reading, but the school offers community support programs.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C (based on state assessments and accountability measures)

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP code but serves 33570)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Bonita Bluff: Approximately 3-5 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin and surrounding areas. It has faced challenges with test scores and student progress, falling below state averages in key subjects. However, the school offers extracurricular activities and support services.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Bonita Bluff: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like sports and clubs. Graduation rates are close to the state average, though test scores in math and reading are slightly below state benchmarks.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Graduation Rate: Approximately 90% (based on recent data from the Florida Department of Education)

   Charter and Magnet School Options

   Hillsborough County offers several charter and magnet schools that families in Ruskin can apply to, though admission often depends on lotteries or specific criteria. Here are a couple of notable options near the 33570 area:

4. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7116 S US Hwy 301, Riverview, FL 33578 (about 10 miles from Bonita Bluff)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated due to its specialized nature, but parent reviews are generally positive.
   • Overview: A charter school focusing on sports leadership and management, offering a unique curriculum for students interested in athletics and related careers.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578 (about 10-12 miles from Bonita Bluff)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Overview: A highly regarded charter school with strong test scores and a focus on academic excellence. Admission is lottery-based, and there may be a waitlist.

   Private Schools Near Bonita Bluff, Ruskin, FL 33570

   Private schools in the area provide alternative options for families seeking different educational environments. Here are a couple of nearby private schools:

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance from Bonita Bluff: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools, but parent reviews on Niche are generally positive.
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition and specific programs can be obtained by contacting the school directly.

7. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: Located in nearby Riverview, FL (specific campus details vary as it serves special needs students)
   • Grade Levels: Varies (focus on autism and special needs education)
   • Distance from Bonita Bluff: Approximately 10-15 miles
   • Overview: A private option for families with children who have special needs, focusing on individualized education plans.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes parent reviews. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors in the community. Visiting schools and speaking with staff is recommended.
   • Florida School Grades: Assigned by the state based on standardized test performance, graduation rates, and other metrics. Grades range from A to F, with most schools in Ruskin earning B or C grades.
   • School Zoning: Confirm zoning for Bonita Bluff specifically by using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online or by calling the district at (813) 272-4000, as boundaries can shift.
   • Transportation: Public school students in Hillsborough County may qualify for bus services depending on distance from the school. Check with the district for routes near Bonita Bluff.

   Conclusion and Recommendations

   The schools directly serving Bonita Bluff and the Ruskin area (Ruskin Elementary, Shields Middle, and Lennard High) have average to below-average ratings, reflecting challenges common in diverse, growing communities. However, Lennard High School’s B grade and decent graduation rate suggest it provides a solid secondary education. For families seeking higher-rated options, nearby charter schools like Winthrop Charter or private schools like Ruskin Christian School may be worth exploring, though they come with application processes or tuition costs.

   If you’re considering a move to Bonita Bluff or already live there, I recommend: 1. Visiting the schools in person or attending open houses to get a feel for the environment. 2. Checking the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) for updated zoning and performance data. 3. Exploring extracurricular offerings and support programs, as these can significantly impact a student’s experience.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, gifted programs, or a preference for private schools), or if you’d like me to dig deeper into a particular school, let me know! I can also help with contact information or additional resources.