School Choices Detailed and Rated Brookside, Ruskin, 33570

Brookside is a community in Ruskin, Florida, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is located in 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 the Brookside community, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on available 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 Brookside, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Public schools in this area are assigned based on zoning by Hillsborough County Public Schools. You can confirm zoning for a specific address using the district’s School Locator tool (available on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website). Below are the schools typically serving the Ruskin area, including Brookside:

Elementary Schools

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Brookside: Approximately 1-2 miles (depending on exact location within Brookside)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10 (as of recent data; based on test scores, equity, and student progress)
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. It offers programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to support non-native speakers, reflecting the area’s demographics.
   • Additional Info: Check the school’s website or the district for information on after-school programs and parent involvement opportunities.

2. Cypress Creek Elementary School (alternative or nearby option depending on zoning)

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573 (slightly outside 33570 but serves parts of Ruskin)
   • Distance from Brookside: Approximately 3-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: This school often serves families in the broader Ruskin area and has a focus on STEM initiatives and community engagement.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance from Brookside: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   6. Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Academic performance has been a concern based on test scores, but the school is working on improvement initiatives.
   7. Additional Info: The school provides magnet programs or choice options for some students; check with the district for eligibility.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance from Brookside: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   6. Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for Ruskin students. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurriculars like athletics and band. Graduation rates and college readiness metrics are areas of focus for improvement.
   7. Additional Info: Lennard has a strong community presence and hosts events to engage families.

   Private Schools Near Brookside, Ruskin, FL (33570)

   Private school options in Ruskin are limited, but there are a few within a reasonable driving distance. These schools often require tuition and may have specific enrollment criteria (e.g., religious affiliation).

3. Livingstone Academy - Ruskin Campus (Special Needs Focus)

   • Address: Near Ruskin (exact location varies; part of a network for autism and special needs education)
   • Distance from Brookside: Approximately 5-10 miles
   • Grade Levels: Varies (often K-12 for special needs students)
   • Rating: Not widely rated on standard platforms due to its specialized focus; reviews from parents are generally positive for tailored education.
   • Overview: This academy caters to students with autism and other learning differences, offering individualized education plans.

4. First Baptist Christian School (in nearby Brandon or Wimauma)

   • Address: Specific location varies; closest may be in Brandon, about 15-20 miles from Ruskin
   • Distance from Brookside: 15-20 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-12 (varies by campus)
   • Rating (Niche): Often rated B or higher by parents for small class sizes and faith-based education.
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum alongside standard academics. Tuition and enrollment details are available directly from the school.

   Charter Schools Near Brookside, Ruskin, FL (33570)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment may require a lottery or application process.

5. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7110 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Distance from Brookside: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: Focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a popular choice for students interested in athletics and related careers.

6. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance from Brookside: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: Known for a strong academic program and high parent satisfaction. Enrollment is competitive due to limited spots.

   School Ratings Summary

   • Elementary: Ruskin Elementary (4/10), Cypress Creek Elementary (5/10)
   • Middle: Shields Middle School (3/10)
   • High: Lennard High School (4/10)
   • Charter: Winthrop Charter (7/10), SLAM Academy (5/10)
   • Private: Ratings vary; often based on parent reviews rather than standardized metrics.

   Additional Notes

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on factors like test scores, student progress, and equity. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide a better sense of fit for your family.
   • Transportation: Hillsborough County Public Schools provides bus services for zoned students; check the district website for routes. Private and charter schools may not offer transportation or may charge for it.
   • School Choice Program: Hillsborough County offers a School Choice program, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area (including magnet programs) if space is available. Deadlines and requirements apply.
   • Demographics: Ruskin schools often serve a diverse population, with a significant number of Hispanic/Latino students and English language learners. Many schools have programs to support these students.

   How to Get More Information

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org (use the School Locator tool for zoning confirmation)
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data
   • Florida Department of Education: For state report cards and accountability data
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or speak with administrators.

   If you have a specific address within Brookside or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports focus), I can refine this information further. Let me know if you’d like details on a particular school or other nearby communities!