School Choices Detailed and Rated Bayou Heights and Shores, St Petersburg, 33705

The community of Bayou Heights and Shores in St. Petersburg, FL, falls within the 33705 ZIP code, which is part of Pinellas County. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with 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 can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Pinellas County Schools website or visiting the schools. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity (approximately 5 miles) to the 33705 area.

Public Schools Near Bayou Heights and Shores (33705)

1. Lakewood Elementary School

   • Address: 4151 6th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
   • Type: Public (Pinellas County Schools)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Notes: This school serves a diverse student population and offers standard elementary education programs. It has faced challenges with test scores below the district average, but it may have specific programs or community support worth exploring.

2. Lakewood High School

   • Address: 1400 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
   • Type: Public (Pinellas County Schools)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Lakewood High offers various programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies like the Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT). Graduation rates and test scores are slightly below state averages, but the school has strong extracurricular options.

3. Bay Vista Fundamental Elementary School

   • Address: 5900 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
   • Type: Public (Pinellas County Schools)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: This is a fundamental school, meaning it emphasizes back-to-basics education with a structured curriculum and high parental involvement. It has above-average test scores compared to other local elementary schools.

4. Gibbs High School

   • Address: 850 34th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (just outside 33705)
   • Type: Public (Pinellas County Schools)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Gibbs High is known for its Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA), a magnet program for students interested in visual and performing arts. However, overall academic performance metrics are below average.

5. John Hopkins Middle School

   • Address: 701 16th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
   • Type: Public (Pinellas County Schools)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: This middle school offers a magnet program for the arts but struggles with test scores and student progress compared to district averages.

   Private Schools Near Bayou Heights and Shores (33705)

6. St. Raphael Catholic School

   • Address: 1376 Snell Isle Blvd NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 (nearby ZIP code)
   • Type: Private (Catholic)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-regarded in the community for its faith-based education and smaller class sizes.
   • Notes: Tuition-based with a focus on religious education alongside academics. Contact the school for current enrollment and tuition information.

7. Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg

   • Address: 2301 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (near 33705)
   • Type: Private (Independent)
   • Grade Levels: 5-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but known for serving underprivileged students with a rigorous curriculum.
   • Notes: This school focuses on preparing students for high school and beyond with a scholarship-based model. It has a strong reputation for student support.

   Charter Schools Near Bayou Heights and Shores (33705)

8. Midtown Academy

   • Address: 1701 10th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
   • Type: Public Charter (Pinellas County Schools)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Bayou Heights and Shores
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: As a charter school, it operates with more flexibility than traditional public schools but has lower-than-average test scores. It may offer unique programs worth investigating.

   Additional Notes on School Choice in Pinellas County

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments are based on residential zoning in Pinellas County. You can confirm which schools your address is zoned for by visiting the Pinellas County Schools website (pcsb.org) and using their School Zone Locator tool.
   • Magnet and Fundamental Programs: Pinellas County offers specialized magnet and fundamental programs that may require applications or lotteries for admission, even if outside your zoned area. Examples include Bay Vista Fundamental and the arts programs at Gibbs High.
   • School Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on metrics like test scores and may not fully reflect a school’s culture, extracurriculars, or individual student fit. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Pinellas County Schools provide bus services for zoned schools, but transportation may not be available for out-of-zone or charter schools unless specified.

   How to Research Further

   • Pinellas County Schools Website: pcsb.org for zoning, application processes, and school performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: For state report cards and detailed academic data (fldoe.org).
   • School Visits: Many schools offer open houses or tours, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have a specific address within Bayou Heights and Shores, I can help narrow down the zoned schools further. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific educational needs (e.g., special education or gifted programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information.