School Choices Detailed and Rated Eagle Palms, Ruskin, 33570

Eagle Palms is a community located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. This area falls under Hillsborough County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide a list of public and private schools in or near Ruskin, FL, along with their 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. Keep in mind 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. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Eagle Palms community (based on a central point in Ruskin, FL) for reference.

Public Schools Near Eagle Palms, Ruskin, FL 33570

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to the Eagle Palms community:

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Eagle Palms
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on early education. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student progress compared to other Florida schools. Parents often note the school’s community involvement but mention concerns about class sizes and resources.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP code but serves 33570 area)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Eagle Palms
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Details: Shields Middle School has a diverse student body and offers various programs, but its rating indicates below-average performance in academic metrics. Reviews often highlight the need for improved facilities and academic support.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Eagle Palms
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school serving the Ruskin area. It offers a range of extracurricular activities and career-focused programs. The rating suggests average performance, with some parent feedback pointing to strengths in specific programs like agriculture and athletics.

   Charter Schools Near Eagle Palms, Ruskin, FL 33570

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are some options near Ruskin:

4. SLAM Academy at Apollo Beach (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 5150 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572 (near Ruskin)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Eagle Palms
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated yet due to being a newer school; check Florida DOE for performance data.
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management, appealing to students interested in athletics and related careers. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Eagle Palms
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Details: Winthrop Charter is a highly rated option for families willing to commute a bit further. It emphasizes academic excellence and has strong test scores compared to state averages.

   Private Schools Near Eagle Palms, Ruskin, FL 33570

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes and specific religious or pedagogical focuses. Options are somewhat limited directly in Ruskin but are available in nearby areas.

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Eagle Palms
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; private school ratings are less standardized.
   • Details: This faith-based school provides a Christian education with a focus on biblical values. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school. Parent reviews often praise the close-knit community but note limited extracurriculars compared to larger schools.

7. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: Located in nearby Apollo Beach or Riverview (specific campus may vary as it serves special needs students regionally)
   • Grade Levels: Varies (often K-12 for special needs)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-8 miles from Eagle Palms
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; specialized focus.
   • Details: Livingstone Academy caters to students with autism and other special needs, offering tailored education plans. Contact the school for specific enrollment criteria and location details.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and sometimes equity factors. A rating below 5 often indicates below-average performance compared to state standards, while 8 or above suggests strong academic outcomes. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and individual student fit are also critical.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Verify your specific address with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district website (hcps.net) using their school locator tool to confirm which schools serve Eagle Palms.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones, but charter and private schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Other Resources: Check the Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org) for detailed school report cards, including graduation rates, teacher qualifications, and safety records. Niche.com also provides parent and student reviews alongside ratings.

   Summary of Schools Near Eagle Palms, Ruskin, FL 33570

   • Elementary: Ruskin Elementary (4/10) is the closest option, with Winthrop Charter (8/10) as a higher-rated alternative slightly farther away.
   • Middle: Shields Middle School (3/10) serves the area, with SLAM Academy as a charter option.
   • High: Lennard High School (5/10) is the primary local high school, with SLAM Academy as an alternative for grades 6-12.
   • Private: Ruskin Christian School offers a faith-based education nearby, and Livingstone Academy serves special needs students in the region.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, advanced programs, or a preference for private schools), or if you’d like me to dig deeper into a particular school’s programs or reviews, let me know! Additionally, visiting schools or attending open houses can provide firsthand insight into whether they’re a good fit for your family. Would you like assistance with contacting the schools or finding more detailed data on a specific one?