School Choices Detailed and Rated Crystal Downs Court Area, Sun City Center, 33573

The Crystal Downs Court area in Sun City Center, FL (ZIP code 33573) is a retirement community primarily designed for active adults aged 55 and older. As such, the immediate area may not have a high concentration of K-12 schools directly within the community itself, since Sun City Center is not typically focused on family-oriented schooling. However, there are schools in the surrounding areas of Hillsborough County that serve nearby neighborhoods and families who live in or near Sun City Center.

Below, I’ll provide information on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the Crystal Downs Court area in Sun City Center, FL. The data is based on general proximity and public information available as of my last update in October 2023. School ratings are often sourced from platforms like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale 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 latest information through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or other resources.

Public Schools Near Crystal Downs Court, Sun City Center, FL 33573

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Crystal Downs Court
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves elementary students in the Ruskin/Sun City Center area. It focuses on core academics and offers various support programs for students.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Crystal Downs Court
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves the Ruskin and Sun City Center communities. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs but has lower ratings due to test performance in some areas.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Crystal Downs Court
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School is one of the primary high schools serving the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities.

   Charter and Magnet Schools Near Sun City Center

4. SLAM Academy at Apollo Beach (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 5995 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Crystal Downs Court
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; check Florida Department of Education reports for performance data
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management, offering a unique curriculum for students interested in sports-related careers.

5. Waterset Charter School

   • Address: 6540 Knowledge Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Crystal Downs Court
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school in the nearby Apollo Beach area, Waterset offers a curriculum with an emphasis on personalized learning and community involvement.

   Private Schools Near Sun City Center

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Crystal Downs Court
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not typically rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews and performance can be found through parent feedback or school websites
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering education from preschool through high school with a focus on Christian values and academics.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on factors like test scores, student growth, and equity. A lower rating does not necessarily mean a school is "bad"—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, reading parent reviews, and checking recent performance data on the Florida Department of Education website (fldoe.org) is recommended.
   • School District: All public schools listed fall under Hillsborough County Public Schools, which provides resources for school choice, zoning, and transportation. You can check specific school boundaries and bus routes on their website (hillsboroughschools.org).
   • Sun City Center Context: Since Sun City Center is a 55+ community, many residents may not have school-aged children, and schools are located in adjacent areas like Ruskin and Apollo Beach. If you’re looking for schools for grandchildren or other family members, the above options are the closest.

   How to Get More Information

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit hillsboroughschools.org or call (813) 272-4000 for enrollment, zoning, and school choice options.
   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: For state-level performance data and report cards on schools.
   • School Tours: Contact individual schools to arrange visits or attend open houses.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, preschool options, or a different radius for schools), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools for a different purpose (e.g., adult education or community programs in Sun City Center), I can provide information on those as well.