Local Schools Near Belleair Shores, Pinellas Park, 33786

Belleair Shores is a small, affluent community located in Pinellas County, Florida, near the Gulf of Mexico. The ZIP code 33786 corresponds to Belleair Beach and Belleair Shores. Since Belleair Shores is a tiny residential area with no schools directly within its boundaries, I will provide information on schools in the nearby areas, including Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, and the broader Pinellas County School District, which serves this region. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education.

Overview of the Area and School District

Belleair Shores falls under the Pinellas County Schools district, which oversees public schools in the region. The district serves over 100,000 students across numerous schools and is known for offering a variety of educational programs, including magnet schools, charter schools, and career academies. For private school options, there are several in the nearby areas of Belleair, Clearwater, and Largo.

Below, I’ll list schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from Belleair Shores, focusing on public and private options for elementary, middle, and high school levels. Ratings are typically based on GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest) and may include test scores, student progress, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and year, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Belleair Shores (33786)

Elementary Schools

1. Belleair Elementary School

   • Location: 1156 Lakeview Rd, Clearwater, FL 33756 (approx. 3 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational skills. It has programs for exceptional student education (ESE) and English Language Learners (ELL). Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note challenges with class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 550 students
   • Contact: (727) 469-5983

2. Mildred Helms Elementary School

   • Location: 561 S Clearwater Largo Rd, Largo, FL 33770 (approx. 4 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for its community involvement and after-school programs, this school emphasizes STEM education. It has a slightly higher rating due to better test performance in math and reading compared to nearby schools.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600 students
   • Contact: (727) 588-3569

   Middle Schools

   1. Largo Middle School
   2. Location: 155 8th Ave SE, Largo, FL 33771 (approx. 5 miles from Belleair Shores)
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This school offers International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme for students seeking a rigorous curriculum. It also has extracurricular activities like band and sports. Reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some concerns about discipline.
   6. Enrollment: Approx. 800 students
   7. Contact: (727) 588-4600

3. Oak Grove Middle School

   • Location: 1370 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL 33764 (approx. 6 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school focuses on personalized learning and has a variety of elective courses. It serves a diverse population and offers support for students with special needs.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 750 students
   • Contact: (727) 524-4430

   High Schools

   1. Largo High School
   2. Location: 410 Missouri Ave N, Largo, FL 33770 (approx. 4 miles from Belleair Shores)
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Largo High offers an IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and career-focused academies (e.g., medical and veterinary sciences). It has a strong graduation rate (around 90%) compared to state averages.
   6. Enrollment: Approx. 1,800 students
   7. Contact: (727) 588-3758

4. Clearwater High School

   • Location: 540 S Hercules Ave, Clearwater, FL 33764 (approx. 6 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school provides AP courses, dual enrollment options with local colleges, and extracurriculars like athletics and arts. It has a diverse student body and mixed reviews regarding academic rigor and school culture.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,900 students
   • Contact: (727) 298-1620

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   Private Schools Near Belleair Shores (33786)

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private and religious schools in the vicinity.

5. St. Cecelia Interparochial School

   • Location: 1350 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756 (approx. 4 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B+ based on parent reviews
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition is approximately $7,000-$9,000 per year.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400 students
   • Contact: (727) 461-1207

6. Clearwater Central Catholic High School

   • Location: 2750 Haines Bayshore Rd, Clearwater, FL 33760 (approx. 7 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it an A- for academics and college prep
   • Details: A well-regarded Catholic high school with strong AP and honors programs, as well as competitive sports teams. Tuition is around $12,000-$14,000 annually.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
   • Contact: (727) 531-1449

7. First Lutheran School

   • Location: 1644 Nursery Rd, Clearwater, FL 33756 (approx. 5 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Details: A Christian school emphasizing a nurturing environment and small class sizes. Tuition ranges from $5,000-$7,000 per year.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 150 students
   • Contact: (727) 462-8000

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   Charter Schools and Magnet Programs

   Pinellas County Schools offer several charter and magnet options for families interested in specialized education. These schools often require applications and may have lotteries for admission.

8. Plato Academy Clearwater (Charter)

   • Location: 2045 Palmetto St, Clearwater, FL 33765 (approx. 6 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with a focus on classical education, including Greek language and culture. It consistently outperforms district averages in test scores.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
   • Contact: (727) 793-2400

9. Pinellas Preparatory Academy (Charter)

   • Location: 2300 S Belcher Rd, Largo, FL 33771 (approx. 6 miles from Belleair Shores)
   • Grade Levels: 4-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Focuses on college preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking and project-based learning.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400 students
   • Contact: (727) 536-3600

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   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on test scores, student growth, equity, and sometimes parent reviews. However, they don’t always reflect the full picture of a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or other parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments are based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools serve Belleair Shores by using the Pinellas County Schools’ “School Locator” tool on their website (www.p