School Choices Detailed and Rated Campus Shores, Ruskin, 33570

Campus Shores is a community located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of 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 the schools near Campus Shores, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note 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 firsthand information.

Public Schools Near Campus Shores, Ruskin, FL 33570

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Campus Shores area. I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary reference, along with additional context where available. These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like equity and environment.

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance from Campus Shores: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student growth compared to state averages. Parents often note the school’s community involvement but mention concerns about class sizes and resources.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies yearly)
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like after-school care and special education services.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP code but serves 33570)
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance from Campus Shores: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Overview: Shields Middle School has a lower rating primarily due to test scores falling below state averages. However, the school offers various extracurricular activities and has been working on improvement initiatives. Parent reviews are mixed, with some citing dedicated teachers and others noting challenges with student behavior and academic support.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 1,200-1,400 students
   • Additional Info: Features STEM programs and sports teams.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance from Campus Shores: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It has a moderate rating, with strengths in graduation rates (around 85-90%, per recent data) but mixed performance in college readiness and test scores. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. Parent and student feedback often highlights school spirit but mentions occasional overcrowding.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 2,500-3,000 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its agricultural education program, reflecting the area’s historical ties to farming.

   Private Schools Near Campus Shores, Ruskin, FL 33570

   Private schools are not zoned by address, so families can apply regardless of location, though proximity and transportation are factors to consider. Below are a couple of notable private options within a reasonable driving distance from Campus Shores.

4. First Baptist Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Distance from Campus Shores: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; limited public data
   • Overview: This faith-based school offers a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes compared to public schools. It emphasizes moral and spiritual development alongside academics. Reviews on platforms like Niche are generally positive, citing a close-knit community, though some note limited extracurricular options compared to larger schools.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000/year based on regional averages for similar schools).
   • Enrollment: Around 100-200 students (exact numbers unavailable publicly).

5. Livingstone Academy (Special Needs Focus)

   • Address: Nearby in Apollo Beach or surrounding areas (specific campus may vary)
   • Type: Private (Special Education, Grades vary)
   • Distance from Campus Shores: Approximately 5-10 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; specialized focus
   • Overview: Livingstone Academy caters to students with autism and other special needs, offering tailored education plans. It’s a smaller, more individualized environment. Parent feedback often praises the supportive staff, though it’s not a traditional academic setting.
   • Tuition: Higher due to specialized services; contact for details.
   • Enrollment: Small, typically under 100 students per campus.

   Charter Schools Near Campus Shores, Ruskin, FL 33570

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and often have enrollment lotteries or waitlists. Here are options nearby:

6. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7116 S US Hwy 301, Riverview, FL 33578 (close to Ruskin)
   • Type: Charter (Grades 6-12)
   • Distance from Campus Shores: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Overview: SLAM focuses on sports leadership and career preparation alongside academics. It’s an alternative for students interested in athletics-related fields. Ratings reflect average academic performance, with mixed reviews on discipline and facilities.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-700 students
   • Additional Info: Requires application; check availability.

7. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Type: Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Distance from Campus Shores: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: Winthrop Charter is a higher-rated option with a focus on academic rigor and character development. It often has a waitlist due to demand. Parent reviews highlight strong teacher engagement and a structured environment.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Application required; lottery system for admission.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity. A rating below 5 often indicates below-average performance compared to state standards, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of teaching or fit for every child. Niche.com and parent reviews can provide more nuanced perspectives.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments can change due to rezoning or capacity issues. Verify your exact zoning with the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) using your address.
   • Transportation: Hillsborough County provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines (typically 2+ miles from the school). Private and charter schools may not offer transportation, so confirm with each institution.
   • Demographics and Diversity: Ruskin schools generally reflect a diverse student body, with significant Hispanic/Latino populations (often 50% or more), alongside White, Black, and other groups. Socioeconomic diversity is also notable, with many schools having a high percentage of students eligible for free/reduced lunch (e.g., Ruskin Elementary often exceeds 80%).

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: hcps.net – Use the “School Locator” tool to confirm zoning and explore district programs.
   • GreatSchools.org: Detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data for most schools.
   • Niche.com: Offers parent and student reviews, plus rankings for academics, safety, and more.
   • Florida Department of Education: edstats.fldoe.org – Official state data on school performance and accountability.
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to assess the environment and meet staff.

   If you have a specific address within Campus Shores or additional criteria (e.g., focus on special needs, extracurriculars, or religious education), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you’d like more details on a particular school or assistance with contacting the district!