School Choices Detailed and Rated Bahia Lakes Preserve, Ruskin, 33570

Bahia Lakes Preserve 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 Bahia Lakes Preserve, 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.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that school ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Public Schools Near Bahia Lakes Preserve, Ruskin, FL 33570

Public schools in this area are assigned based on zoning by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Bahia Lakes Preserve is generally zoned for the following schools (confirm zoning with the district as boundaries can shift):

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Bahia Lakes Preserve
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10 (based on test scores, student progress, and equity data as of recent updates)
   • Performance Notes: Cypress Creek Elementary focuses on core academics with programs for student support. Test scores are near or slightly below state averages in reading and math. Check the school’s website or Florida Department of Education for the latest report card.
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Bahia Lakes Preserve
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Performance Notes: Shields Middle School has faced challenges with test scores below state averages in key subjects. However, the school offers extracurricular activities and support programs. Parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com mention a mix of experiences regarding teacher engagement and school environment.
   • Additional Info: Part of the district’s efforts to improve middle school outcomes with STEM and other initiatives.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Bahia Lakes Preserve
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10 (based on test scores, college readiness, and graduation rates)
   • Performance Notes: Lennard High School has a graduation rate around 85-90% (based on recent Florida DOE data), which is close to the state average. Test scores in math and reading are below state averages, but the school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs like agriculture and technology.
   • Additional Info: Known for its Lennard Longhorns athletics and community involvement.

   Nearby Charter and Magnet Schools

   Hillsborough County offers several charter and magnet schools that residents can apply to, though admission is not guaranteed and may involve a lottery or specific criteria.

4. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7116 S US Hwy 301, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Bahia Lakes Preserve
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   • Performance Notes: A charter school focused on sports leadership and management, offering a unique curriculum for students interested in sports-related careers. Test scores are mixed, with some areas below state averages.
   • Additional Info: Requires application; check availability through the school’s website.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approximately 10 miles from Bahia Lakes Preserve
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Performance Notes: A highly regarded charter school with above-average test scores in math and reading. It emphasizes a rigorous academic program.
   • Additional Info: Admission via lottery; long waitlists are common.

   Private Schools Near Bahia Lakes Preserve

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

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Bahia Lakes Preserve
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche.com user reviews give it moderate feedback (around 3.5/5)
   • Performance Notes: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Focuses on traditional academics and spiritual development. Tuition and specific performance data can be obtained directly from the school.
   • Additional Info: Requires application and often an interview process.

7. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: 1204 Lenna Ave, Seffner, FL 33584 (serving nearby areas including Ruskin families)
   • Grade Levels: K-12 (special needs focus)
   • Distance: Approximately 15-20 miles from Bahia Lakes Preserve
   • Rating: Specialized school; ratings vary based on individual needs.
   • Performance Notes: Focuses on students with autism and other learning differences. Offers tailored education plans.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school for enrollment and tuition details.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and sometimes parent reviews. 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 recent state report cards (available at fldoe.org) can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Choice in Hillsborough County: The district offers a School Choice program, allowing families to apply for schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs (e.g., for arts or STEM) and charter schools are also options. Deadlines and processes are detailed on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net).
   • Transportation: For zoned public schools, bus services are typically provided if you live within the designated area (check with HCPS). Charter and private schools may not offer transportation or may charge for it.

   How to Verify Zoning and Get More Information

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Use the “School Locator” tool at hcps.net to confirm zoning for your specific address in Bahia Lakes Preserve.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards and detailed performance data at fldoe.org.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: Useful for parent reviews and additional ratings.
   • Direct Contact: Call or visit schools for open houses, tours, or to speak with administrators.

   If you have a specific address within Bahia Lakes Preserve, I can help narrow down the exact zoning. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, daycare options, or specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted), let me know, and I can expand the search. Would you like more details on any particular school or type of education?