School Choices Detailed and Rated Canterbury, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the zip code 33573 covers this area, including the Canterbury neighborhood or nearby communities. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Sun City Center, FL 33573, focusing on public and private options within a reasonable distance. Since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, schools in the immediate vicinity may cater to families living in surrounding areas. I’ll 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 and school assignments can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district or individual schools for the most current information.

Public Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

The following schools serve the Sun City Center area or nearby communities. School assignments are typically based on zoning by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district.

Elementary Schools

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Sun City Center/Canterbury area
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves many students in the Sun City Center and Ruskin areas. It has a focus on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment but note occasional concerns about class sizes.

2. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly further away in Ruskin, this school serves a diverse student population. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers community engagement programs and after-school activities.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sun City Center
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary middle school for the area. It has a focus on STEM programs and extracurriculars like sports and band. Reviews indicate mixed experiences, with some concerns about student behavior and academic rigor.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Sun City Center
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Lennard High School serves students in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and sports teams. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores lag slightly behind.

   Private Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Private school options are limited directly in Sun City Center due to its demographic focus, but there are a few within a 10-15 mile radius.

3. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on platforms like Niche are generally positive for its small class sizes and faith-based curriculum.
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering a Christian education with a focus on individualized attention. Tuition information is available directly from the school.

4. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 20120 US Hwy 301 S, Wimauma, FL 33598
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; parent feedback highlights a nurturing environment.
   • Details: This school follows the Montessori method, emphasizing hands-on learning and independence. It’s a smaller option for families seeking alternative education.

   Charter Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

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

   1. SLAM Apollo (Sports Leadership and Management)
   2. Address: 5739 Tyson Rd, Tampa, FL 33625 (temporary location; check for updates as they serve South Hillsborough)
   3. Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Sun City Center
   4. Grade Levels: 6-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a popular choice for students interested in athletics-related careers.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and academic progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., teacher quality, extracurriculars, or culture). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Sun City Center residents or nearby families should confirm zoning with Hillsborough County Public Schools (hcps.net) as boundaries can shift. The district also offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zone under certain conditions (e.g., magnet programs).
   • Demographic Note: Since Sun City Center is a retirement community, many families with school-aged children live in adjacent areas like Ruskin or Wimauma, which influences school proximity and enrollment.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Visit hcps.net for school assignment tools, bus routes, and application details for choice programs.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: These sites offer detailed reviews, ratings, and parent feedback.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for private or charter options.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at fldoe.org for state-level data on performance and accountability.

   If you’re looking for specific information about a particular school, program (e.g., special needs, gifted education), or have a different address in mind within 33573, let me know, and I can refine the search! Additionally, if you’re considering schools for grandchildren or other family members, I can focus on specific needs or preferences.