Local Schools Near Cascades, Bradenton, 34243

The community of Cascades in Bradenton, FL, with the ZIP code 34243, is located in Manatee County. This area is served by the Manatee County School District, which includes a variety of public schools. Additionally, there may be private and charter school options nearby. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Cascades community, including 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 school district or visiting the schools.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the Cascades community, which is near University Parkway and Lockwood Ridge Road in Bradenton/Sarasota.

Public Schools Near Cascades, Bradenton, FL 34243

The following schools are assigned to or near the 34243 ZIP code area. Zoning can depend on exact address, so it’s best to confirm with the Manatee County School District (https://www.manateeschools.net/).

Elementary Schools

1. Tara Elementary School

   • Address: 6950 Linger Lodge Rd E, Bradenton, FL 34203 (approx. 3-4 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: Tara Elementary focuses on a strong academic foundation with programs in reading, math, and science. It also offers extracurricular activities and support services.

2. Kinnan Elementary School

   • Address: 3415 Tallevast Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243 (approx. 2-3 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Kinnan serves a diverse student population and emphasizes core academics. It has programs for student support and community involvement, though test scores are below the district average.

3. G.D. Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School

   • Address: 515 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205 (approx. 5-6 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school focuses on individualized learning plans and community engagement but faces challenges with academic performance compared to state averages.

   Middle Schools

   1. Braden River Middle School
   2. Address: 6215 River Club Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202 (approx. 5-6 miles from Cascades)
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Braden River Middle offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced programs and extracurriculars like sports and band. It serves students transitioning from nearby elementary schools like Tara.

4. Electa Arcotte Lee Magnet Middle School

   • Address: 4000 53rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34210 (approx. 7-8 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This magnet school focuses on technology and arts integration, offering unique programs for students. Admission may require an application.

   High Schools

   1. Braden River High School
   2. Address: 6545 State Road 70 E, Bradenton, FL 34203 (approx. 5-6 miles from Cascades)
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Braden River High offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a variety of sports and clubs. It has a reputation for a supportive environment and decent graduation rates.

5. Southeast High School

   • Address: 1200 37th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208 (approx. 6-7 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Southeast High provides International Baccalaureate (IB) programs alongside standard and vocational tracks. It serves a diverse population but has lower test scores compared to state averages.

   Private Schools Near Cascades, Bradenton, FL 34243

   Private schools offer alternative education options and often have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Here are a few near the Cascades community:

6. Saint Joseph Catholic School

   • Address: 2990 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205 (approx. 6 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in the community
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a rigorous academic program with a focus on Catholic values. Tuition and enrollment information can be found on their website (https://www.sjcsfl.org/).

7. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240 (approx. 7-8 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for strong academics
   • Details: This private school emphasizes a classical education model with a focus on critical thinking, literature, and history. It’s a smaller, community-driven institution.

   Charter Schools Near Cascades, Bradenton, FL 34243

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs.

8. Imagine Charter School at North Manatee

   • Address: 9275 49th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221 (approx. 8-9 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on personalized learning and project-based education. It’s an option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools.

9. State College of Florida Collegiate School

   • Address: 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207 (approx. 5-6 miles from Cascades)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A unique charter school partnered with State College of Florida, offering dual enrollment opportunities for high school students to earn college credits.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: The specific schools assigned to your address in Cascades may vary. Use the Manatee County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website) to confirm zoning based on your exact street address.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture, teacher quality, or specific programs). Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Higher Education: The Cascades community is near the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USF Sarasota-Manatee) campus, located at 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 (approx. 3-4 miles away), and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) at 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207 (approx. 5 miles away), for post-secondary education options.

   How to Research Further

   • Manatee County School District: Visit https://www.manateeschools.net/ for school zoning, enrollment information, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search specific schools for updated ratings, reviews, and parent feedback.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at https://www.fldoe.org/ for state-level data on performance and accountability.

   If you have a specific address within Cascades or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further!