School Choices Detailed and Rated Brookfield, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, with the ZIP code 33573, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, south of Tampa. The community of Brookfield is likely a specific neighborhood or subdivision within or near Sun City Center. Since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, schools in the area may not be directly within the immediate vicinity of Brookfield or Sun City Center itself, as the area is not typically focused on family-oriented housing. However, I will provide information on schools in the broader surrounding area, within a reasonable distance, based on public data and ratings from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education.

Below is a list of schools near Sun City Center, FL (ZIP 33573), including their ratings and key details. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, graduation rates), so I’ve used GreatSchools.org as a primary reference for consistency, supplemented by other sources where applicable. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to central Sun City Center.

Public Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Location: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. It has average test scores compared to state standards, with some parent reviews noting a supportive environment but occasional concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: ~600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~14:1

2. Shields Middle School

   • Location: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   • Details: Shields Middle School has below-average test scores compared to state averages, particularly in math and reading proficiency. Reviews mention challenges with student engagement and resources, though some parents appreciate individual teachers’ efforts.
   • Enrollment: ~1,200 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~16:1

3. Lennard High School

   • Location: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   • Details: Lennard High School offers a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. Graduation rates are around 85%, slightly below the state average. Test scores are mixed, with stronger performance in reading than math. Parent reviews highlight school spirit but note occasional safety or administrative concerns.
   • Enrollment: ~2,800 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~19:1

4. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Location: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   • Details: This school serves a significant number of economically disadvantaged students. Test scores are below state averages, but the school offers programs to support English Language Learners (ELL) and has some positive feedback on community involvement.
   • Enrollment: ~800 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~13:1

   Charter Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

5. SouthShore Charter Academy

   • Location: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes a personalized learning approach and has slightly above-average test scores compared to nearby public schools. Parent reviews often praise the smaller class sizes and curriculum focus, though some mention limited extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: ~1,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~15:1

   Private Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Location: 820 W College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Sun City Center: Approximately 6 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews.
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. It has a smaller student body, which allows for more individualized attention. Tuition and specific performance data are not publicly detailed, but reviews suggest a tight-knit community with a focus on values-based education.
   • Enrollment: ~200 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~10:1

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Rating Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, college readiness, student progress, and equity. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while below 5 indicates areas of concern, and above 5 suggests stronger performance. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, specific programs, or individual student needs may matter more than a numerical score.
   • School District: All public schools listed fall under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, which oversees education in the area and provides resources like school choice programs (e.g., magnet schools or charters).
   • Distance Consideration: Since Sun City Center is a retirement-focused community, families living in or near Brookfield may need to travel a few miles to access schools. Traffic and commute times (especially along I-75 or local roads like US-301) should be factored in.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments depend on specific addresses. You can verify zoning for a particular property using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ boundary locator tool (available on their website: hcpsweb.hcps.net).

   Other Educational Options

   • Homeschooling: Florida supports homeschooling with relatively flexible regulations. Families in the area can join local homeschool co-ops or access online resources.
   • Nearby Communities: If families are willing to look slightly farther (e.g., Apollo Beach or Riverview, 10-15 miles away), schools like Bell Creek Academy (charter, rated 7/10) or East Bay High School (rated 5/10) may offer additional options with better ratings.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have official sites with details on programs, events, and enrollment processes.
   2. GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: These platforms provide parent reviews and updated performance data.
   3. Hillsborough County Public Schools: Their website (www.hcpsweb.hcps.net) offers tools for finding schools by address and information on school choice options.
   4. Florida Department of Education: For state-level data and report cards on schools (www.fldoe.org).

   If you have a specific address within Brookfield or Sun City Center, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. 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.