Local Schools Near Desota Lakes, Sarasota, 34235

Desoto Lakes is a small residential community located in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34235. This area is part of Sarasota County, which is served by the Sarasota County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Desoto Lakes, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other publicly available information. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current data directly with the school district or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Location Context

Desoto Lakes is situated near University Parkway and close to major roads like Lockwood Ridge Road and Honore Avenue. It’s a short drive from downtown Sarasota and near other communities like The Meadows and Kensington Park. The schools listed below are within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from Desoto Lakes, as assigned by the Sarasota County School District zoning or based on proximity for private schools.

Public Schools Near Desoto Lakes (Sarasota County School District)

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and Desoto Lakes falls within specific school boundaries. You can confirm zoning with the Sarasota County School District (https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/). Below are the likely assigned schools and nearby options, along with their GreatSchools.org ratings (as of the latest available data, typically on a scale of 1-10):

1. Gocio Elementary School

   • Address: 3450 Gocio Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Gocio Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics with programs for student support. Test scores are near or slightly below state averages in reading and math. Check the school’s website or Sarasota County Schools for specific programs like gifted education or extracurriculars.

2. Booker Middle School

   • Address: 2250 Myrtle St, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Booker Middle offers a range of academic and elective courses, including arts programs (as part of the Booker VPA program for visual and performing arts). Test scores are somewhat below state averages, but the school has initiatives for student engagement and improvement.

3. Booker High School

   • Address: 3201 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Booker High is known for its Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program, which attracts students interested in creative fields. It also offers AP courses and career-focused programs. Graduation rates and test scores are near state averages, with strengths in specific programs.

   Alternative Public Schools or Magnet/Charter Options

   Families in Sarasota County can apply for magnet programs, school choice, or charter schools outside their zoned schools, subject to availability and application processes.

4. Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences (Charter)

   • Address: 645 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This charter school emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus on arts and sciences. It often has higher test scores than state averages and requires an application for enrollment.

5. Suncoast Polytechnical High School (Magnet)

   • Address: 4650 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A technology-focused magnet school with strong STEM programs and high academic performance. Admission is competitive and based on application.

   Private Schools Near Desoto Lakes

   Private schools offer alternative education options and often require tuition. Below are some notable private schools within a reasonable distance from Desoto Lakes.

6. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded based on parent reviews
   • Overview: A private school with a classical education model focusing on liberal arts, logic, and rhetoric. Tuition and admission requirements apply; check their website (https://tcasarasota.com/) for details.

7. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; known for strong academics and athletics
   • Overview: A Catholic high school offering a faith-based education with college-prep courses. Tuition and application are required (https://www.cmhs-sarasota.org/).

8. St. Martha Catholic School

   • Address: 4380 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Desoto Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; positive community feedback
   • Overview: A Catholic elementary and middle school with a focus on faith and academics. Tuition applies, and more information is available at their website (https://www.stmarthaschool.net/).

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 5/10 is considered average compared to other Florida schools, while 8-10 indicates above-average performance. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter.
   • School Choice: Sarasota County allows families to apply for out-of-zone schools or magnet programs through their School Choice program. Deadlines and availability vary, so check https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schoolchoice for details.
   • Updates: School ratings and zoning can change. For the most current information, visit the Sarasota County Schools website or contact the district at (941) 927-9000.

   Conclusion

   For families in Desoto Lakes, the primary public schools are Gocio Elementary, Booker Middle, and Booker High, with ratings ranging from 4-5/10, indicating average performance with specific strengths (e.g., arts at Booker). Charter and magnet options like Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences (8/10) or Suncoast Polytechnical High (9/10) offer higher-rated alternatives if families are willing to apply. Private schools like Cardinal Mooney and St. Martha provide faith-based or classical education options. I recommend visiting schools, attending open houses, and reviewing recent report cards on the Florida Department of Education website (https://www.fldoe.org/) to make an informed decision.

   If you’d like more details on a specific school, program, or assistance with contacting the district, let me know!