School Choices Detailed and Rated Fosters Creek, Palmetto, 34221

Fosters Creek is a community located in Palmetto, FL, within the 34221 ZIP code. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available 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 verifying the most current information through the Manatee County School District website or visiting the schools. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the Fosters Creek community.

Public Schools Near Fosters Creek, Palmetto, FL 34221

The following schools are assigned to or near the Fosters Creek area within the Manatee County School District. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools.

1. James Tillman Elementary School

   • Address: 1415 26th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. It offers various programs to support student growth, including after-school activities. Check the Manatee County School District for zoning details, as boundaries can shift.

2. Lincoln Memorial Middle School

   • Address: 305 17th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on academic performance and equity)
   • Details: This middle school provides a range of academic and extracurricular options, including sports and clubs. It has faced challenges with test scores in recent years but offers support programs for students.

3. Palmetto High School

   • Address: 1200 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on graduation rates, college readiness, and test scores)
   • Details: Palmetto High offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and extracurriculars. Graduation rates are generally on par with state averages.

   Additional Nearby Public Schools

   If families are open to schools slightly farther away or have specific zoning, these options in nearby Bradenton (still within reasonable driving distance) may also serve the area:

4. Virgil Mills Elementary School

   • Address: 7200 69th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for a strong focus on student engagement and academic improvement, this school serves parts of the Palmetto area and has a slightly higher rating than Tillman Elementary.

5. Buffalo Creek Middle School

   • Address: 7320 69th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school offers a solid curriculum with opportunities for advanced coursework and extracurriculars. It serves students in the broader Palmetto area.

   Private Schools Near Fosters Creek, Palmetto, FL 34221

   Private schools in the area provide alternative educational options for families seeking smaller class sizes or specific religious or pedagogical approaches.

6. Horizon Christian School

   • Address: 1900 15th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews suggest a focus on individualized attention and Christian values.
   • Details: This school offers a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on academic and spiritual development. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

7. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (Bradenton, nearby)

   • Address: 315 41st St W, Bradenton, FL 34209
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (based on niche.com and parent reviews for academic rigor and college prep)
   • Details: A highly regarded private school with a strong reputation for academics, arts, and athletics. It follows an Episcopal tradition but welcomes students of all backgrounds. Tuition is higher, reflecting the comprehensive programs offered.

   Charter Schools Near Fosters Creek

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more flexibility than traditional public schools. Enrollment often requires an application or lottery.

8. Imagine Charter School at North Manatee

   • Address: 9275 49th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades PK-8)
   • Distance from Fosters Creek: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes personalized learning and project-based education. It’s an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: School assignments in Manatee County are based on residential zoning, which can change. To confirm which schools serve Fosters Creek specifically, use the Manatee County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website: manateeschools.net) or contact their office at (941) 708-8770.
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are useful but not definitive. They often reflect test scores heavily, which may not capture a school’s culture, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public school students in Manatee County may qualify for bus services depending on distance from the school. Check with the district for routes near Fosters Creek.
   • Preschools and Daycares: For younger children, several preschools and daycare centers are available in Palmetto, such as Palmetto Presbyterian Preschool (closer to downtown Palmetto). Ratings for these are less standardized but can be researched via parent reviews on platforms like Care.com.

   If you’d like more specific details about a particular school, such as enrollment processes, specific programs (e.g., special education or gifted programs), or updated ratings, let me know, and I can help narrow it down further. Additionally, if you’re considering schools outside a certain radius or have specific needs (e.g., STEM focus, sports programs), I can expand the search accordingly.