School Choices Detailed and Rated College Park, Ruskin, 33570

College Park is a community in Ruskin, Florida, within the ZIP code 33570. Ruskin is located in Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the College Park community in Ruskin, FL, including public schools and potentially private or charter options within a reasonable distance. I’ll also include 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 checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to central Ruskin/College Park.

Public Schools Near College Park, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns students to schools based on zoning. Below are the schools most likely to serve the College Park community, along with nearby options. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools.

Elementary Schools

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central College Park
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers various support programs for students.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 800-900 students
   • Contact: (813) 671-5177

2. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby area)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from College Park
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves parts of Ruskin and surrounding areas. It has slightly higher test scores than Ruskin Elementary but still faces challenges with student progress compared to state averages.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
   • Contact: (813) 671-5167

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from College Park
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area. It has below-average test scores in math and reading compared to state benchmarks but offers extracurricular activities and support programs.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 1,200-1,400 students
   8. Contact: (813) 672-5338

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from College Park
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for Ruskin students. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a graduation rate close to the state average. Test scores are below state averages in some areas.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 2,500-3,000 students
   8. Contact: (813) 641-5611

   Charter Schools Near College Park, Ruskin, FL

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have different enrollment processes (e.g., lotteries). Here are some nearby options:

3. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7110 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from College Park
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It serves middle and high school students and has a smaller enrollment compared to traditional public schools.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400-500 students
   • Contact: (813) 920-8802

4. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from College Park
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Winthrop Charter is a highly rated option compared to local public schools, with stronger test scores and student progress metrics. Admission is typically by lottery.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,300 students
   • Contact: (813) 678-5120

   Private Schools Near College Park, Ruskin, FL

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies. Options in or near Ruskin are limited, so some families look to nearby Riverview or Apollo Beach.

5. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from College Park
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews vary on other platforms
   • Details: This is a small, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools, and the school emphasizes moral and spiritual development alongside academics.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200-300 students
   • Contact: (813) 645-6441
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (often $5,000-$8,000/year)

6. St. Stephen Catholic School (Riverview)

   • Address: 10424 St Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from College Park
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent reviews
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic rigor. It serves families in the greater Ruskin/Riverview area.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 300-400 students
   • Contact: (813) 741-9203
   • Tuition: Approx. $6,000-$9,000/year (varies by grade and parish membership)

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student academic growth, college readiness, and equity data. A rating below 5 often indicates challenges with test performance or resources, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of teaching or student experience. Parent reviews and school visits are recommended.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address in College Park. You can verify zoning and apply for school choice options (e.g., magnet programs) through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (www.hillsboroughschools.org).
   • School Choice and Magnet Programs: Hillsborough County offers magnet schools and choice programs that may be accessible to Ruskin residents, though they often require applications and transportation. Examples include programs for STEM or performing arts in nearby Tampa.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services within zoned areas. Charter and private schools may not offer transportation or may charge additional fees.

   How to Research Further

   1. Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Check for updated zoning maps, school choice options, and performance reports (www.hillsboroughschools.org).
   2. GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33570) for the latest ratings, reviews, and test score data.
   3. Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards and accountability data (www.fldoe.org).
   4. School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.

   If you have a specific address in College Park, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you like me to dive deeper into any particular school or aspect?