School Choices Detailed and Rated Covina at Bay Park, Ruskin, 33570

The community of Covina at Bay Park is located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of Hillsborough County, and the schools serving this area are primarily under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Covina at Bay Park, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like parent reviews. Keep in mind that 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.

Overview of Covina at Bay Park, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Covina at Bay Park is a residential community in Ruskin, a growing area in South Hillsborough County near Tampa Bay. The community is close to major highways like I-75, making it accessible to nearby schools and amenities. The schools listed below are assigned based on proximity and zoning for the 33570 area, though exact school assignments can depend on specific addresses within the community. You can confirm zoning through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) using their school locator tool.

Schools Near Covina at Bay Park, Ruskin, FL

Elementary Schools

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Covina at Bay Park
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. Test scores in math and reading are below the state average, but the school offers programs to support student growth. Parent reviews mention a supportive staff but note challenges with resources.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Covina at Bay Park
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Details: Located slightly north of Ruskin in the Sun City Center area, Cypress Creek Elementary has slightly better test scores than Ruskin Elementary, with a focus on STEM programs. It serves a growing community with a mix of suburban and rural influences.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Known for community involvement and extracurricular activities.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Covina at Bay Park
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   6. Details: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. Test scores are below the state average, particularly in math, though the school offers various electives and sports programs. Reviews highlight a need for improved facilities and academic support.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 1,200-1,400 students
   8. Additional Info: Part of the Hillsborough County magnet and choice programs, offering some specialized tracks.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Covina at Bay Park
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   6. Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs, including an agricultural science academy. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores lag in some areas.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 2,500-3,000 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its large campus and active extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs.

   Charter and Private School Options

   1. SouthShore Charter Academy
   2. Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Covina at Bay Park
   4. Grade Levels: K-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   6. Details: A public charter school offering an alternative to traditional public schools, SouthShore Charter Academy emphasizes personalized learning and smaller class sizes. Test scores are slightly above the district average.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   8. Additional Info: Tuition-free, but enrollment may require a lottery system due to demand.

3. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Covina at Bay Park
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; reviews on Niche are generally positive for its faith-based education.
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Class sizes are smaller, and the school focuses on moral and academic development. Tuition costs apply.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200-300 students
   • Additional Info: Offers extracurricular activities and a family-oriented environment.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are often based on standardized test scores, which may not fully reflect a school’s quality, culture, or fit for a specific student. Factors like teacher engagement, extracurriculars, and community involvement are also important.
   • School Choice in Hillsborough County: Hillsborough County offers a robust school choice program, including magnet schools, charter schools, and virtual learning options. Families in Covina at Bay Park can apply for schools outside their zoned area, though transportation may not be provided.
   • Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades to schools based on performance metrics. For the most recent grades:
   • Ruskin Elementary: C
   • Cypress Creek Elementary: C
   • Shields Middle: D
   • Lennard High: C These grades are from the 2022-2023 school year and can be verified at fldoe.org.

   How to Verify School Zoning and Explore Options

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Locator: Visit hcps.net and use the “Find My School” tool by entering your specific address in Covina at Bay Park to confirm zoned schools.
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.
   • Parent and Community Feedback: Local forums, social media groups (e.g., Ruskin community pages on Facebook), and websites like Niche.com offer parent reviews and insights.

   Conclusion

   The Covina at Bay Park community in Ruskin, FL (33570), has access to several public, charter, and private schools within a short distance. While ratings for the zoned public schools (Ruskin Elementary, Shields Middle, and Lennard High) are generally below average, there are alternative options like SouthShore Charter Academy and Ruskin Christian School that may better suit some families’ needs. I encourage you to explore these schools further by visiting their websites, contacting administrators, or connecting with local parents for firsthand experiences. If you have a specific address within Covina at Bay Park or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports focus), I can help narrow down the options further! Let me know if you’d like more details on any specific school or program.