School Choices Detailed and Rated Epperson Ranch, Wesley Chapel, 33545

Epperson Ranch is a master-planned community located in Wesley Chapel, FL, within the 33545 ZIP code. This area falls under Pasco County, which is served by the Pasco County Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Epperson Ranch, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private or charter options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school ratings) and other relevant information. Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. Note 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. Additionally, school zoning can shift, so confirming with Pasco County Schools is advised.

Public Schools Zoned for Epperson Ranch (Wesley Chapel, FL 33545)

1. Watergrass Elementary School

   • Address: 32750 Overpass Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance from Epperson Ranch: Approximately 1-2 miles (very close, often the assigned elementary school for Epperson Ranch residents)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Watergrass Elementary serves many students from the Epperson Ranch community. It focuses on a standard curriculum with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs. Parent reviews often highlight the school’s modern facilities (it’s a newer school) and involved teachers, though some mention concerns about class sizes.
   • Additional Info: Check the Pasco County Schools zoning map, as some parts of Epperson Ranch might be zoned for other nearby elementary schools like New River Elementary (rating: 5/10, located about 3 miles away).

2. Thomas E. Weightman Middle School

   • Address: 30649 Wells Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Epperson Ranch: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: This is the typical middle school for students in the Epperson Ranch area. It offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Academic performance is average for the district, with some parent feedback noting a need for more individualized attention for students.
   • Additional Info: The school has a focus on preparing students for high school with programs like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination).

3. Wesley Chapel High School

   • Address: 30651 Wells Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Epperson Ranch: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Overview: This is the zoned high school for most Epperson Ranch residents. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and extracurriculars. Test scores are around the state average, and graduation rates are solid, though some reviews mention challenges with overcrowding due to rapid growth in the area.
   • Additional Info: The school has a strong athletics program and community involvement.

   Nearby Charter and Magnet Schools

4. Innovation Preparatory Academy

   • Address: 7800 Avery Scope Ave, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance from Epperson Ranch: Less than 1 mile (within or adjacent to the community)
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not yet rated (newer school, opened in 2020)
   • Overview: This charter school is a major draw for Epperson Ranch families, as it’s located right in the community. Operated by Charter Schools USA, it emphasizes a personalized learning approach with a focus on technology and innovation. Since it’s relatively new, long-term performance data isn’t widely available, but early feedback from parents is generally positive regarding the curriculum and facilities.
   • Additional Info: Admission is lottery-based if demand exceeds capacity, so early application is recommended.

5. Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel

   • Address: 33347 FL-54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
   • Grade Levels: K-8 (expansion plans for high school grades)
   • Distance from Epperson Ranch: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated yet (newer charter school)
   • Overview: Another charter option nearby, Pinecrest Academy focuses on a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on character development. It’s a tuition-free public charter school, and initial parent feedback highlights small class sizes and a family-oriented environment.
   • Additional Info: Like other charters, enrollment is subject to availability and lottery.

   Nearby Private Schools

6. Saddlebrook Preparatory School

   • Address: 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
   • Grade Levels: 3-12
   • Distance from Epperson Ranch: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack standardized ratings)
   • Overview: This private school is known for its focus on academics combined with elite sports training (especially tennis and golf), as it’s part of the Saddlebrook Resort. It’s a smaller, more personalized environment but comes with significant tuition costs.
   • Additional Info: Tuition and admission details can be found on their website; it’s ideal for families seeking a niche educational experience.

7. Faith Baptist Academy

   • Address: 5712 Oakley Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance from Epperson Ranch: Approximately 5 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools
   • Overview: A private Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum. It’s a smaller school with a tight-knit community, focusing on biblical teachings alongside academics. Tuition is more affordable compared to larger private institutions.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school for enrollment and tuition details.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and sometimes parent reviews. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, while 7+ is above average. Keep in mind that ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, specific programs, or teacher quality might matter more to your family.
   • Growth in Wesley Chapel: The area around Epperson Ranch is growing rapidly, which can lead to overcrowding in public schools and potential rezoning. Pasco County Schools often builds new schools to accommodate growth, so staying updated via their website (pascoschools.org) is important.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students, while charter and private schools may or may not offer transportation—check with individual schools.
   • Special Programs: If your child has specific needs (e.g., gifted programs, special education), contact the schools directly to inquire about available resources.

   How to Verify Zoning and Get More Info

   • Pasco County Schools Zoning Tool: Visit the Pasco County Schools website and use their School Locator tool by entering your specific address in Epperson Ranch to confirm zoned schools.
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Many schools, especially charters and private options, offer tours or virtual open houses—reach out to schedule a visit.
   • Florida Department of Education: For detailed performance reports and state-assigned school grades (A-F scale), check the FLDOE website (fldoe.org).

   If you have a specific address within Epperson Ranch or additional details (like grade level or specific needs), I can refine this information further. Let me know if you’d like me to dig deeper into a particular school or provide contact information!