School Choices Detailed and Rated Dorchester Place, Sun City Center, 33573

Dorchester Place is a community located in Sun City Center, FL, within the 33573 ZIP code. Sun City Center is a retirement community in Hillsborough County, but it is near several schools that serve families in the surrounding areas. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Dorchester Place, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational resources. 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 information directly with the schools or the Hillsborough County Public Schools district.

Since Dorchester Place is in Sun City Center, which is primarily a 55+ community, schools are not located directly within the immediate neighborhood but are available in the broader Sun City Center area and nearby towns like Ruskin and Wimauma. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles).

Public Schools Near Dorchester Place, Sun City Center, FL 33573

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below are some of the closest schools, along with their GreatSchools.org ratings (as of the latest available data) and approximate distances from Dorchester Place.

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Dorchester Place
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Cypress Creek Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. The school offers various programs to support student growth and has a moderate rating based on test scores and academic progress.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Dorchester Place
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. It has a lower rating due to challenges in test scores and student progress, but it offers extracurricular activities and support programs for students.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Dorchester Place
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Lennard High School is one of the primary high schools serving the area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and college readiness.

   Charter Schools Near Dorchester Place

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Here are a couple of options nearby:

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 Dorchester Place
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org yet due to being a newer school; check Florida Department of Education reports for performance data.
   • Overview: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management, combining academics with career preparation in sports-related fields.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 10 miles from Dorchester Place
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Winthrop Charter School is a well-regarded option with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It has higher ratings compared to some local traditional public schools.

   Private Schools Near Dorchester Place

   Private schools in the area offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized programs. Here are a couple of notable ones:

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Dorchester Place
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews and performance data can be found through parent feedback or direct contact with the school.
   • Overview: This faith-based school provides a Christian education with a focus on academic and spiritual development. Tuition and enrollment details are available directly from the school.

7. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 201 2nd St NW, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Dorchester Place
   • Grade Levels: PreK-3
   • Rating: Not widely rated; Montessori schools often focus on individualized learning rather than standardized test scores.
   • Overview: This school follows the Montessori method, emphasizing hands-on, self-directed learning for young children.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings (on a scale of 1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: You can explore more options or apply for school choice programs (e.g., magnet schools or out-of-zone enrollment) through the district’s website at www.hillsboroughschools.org.
   • Florida Department of Education: For the most up-to-date school performance data, including state-assigned grades (A-F), visit www.fldoe.org.
   • Transportation: Since Sun City Center is a retirement community, school bus services may not operate directly within Dorchester Place. Confirm transportation options with the school district or individual schools.

   Conclusion

   Near Dorchester Place in Sun City Center, FL 33573, families have access to a mix of public, charter, and private schools within a 5-10 mile radius, primarily in Ruskin and Apollo Beach. Public school ratings range from 3/10 to 5/10 for the closest options, with charter and private schools offering alternative choices. For more personalized or higher-rated options, families may consider schools slightly farther away, such as Winthrop Charter School in Riverview.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular preferences, or religious education), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, I recommend scheduling visits or attending open houses to get a firsthand look at the schools. Would you like me to provide contact information for any of these schools or explore options in a broader radius?