Local Schools Near Founders Club, Sarasota, 34240

The Founders Club is a luxury golf community located in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34240. This area is part of Sarasota County, which is served by the Sarasota County School District, known for its high-quality education system. Below, I’ll provide information on nearby schools, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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 school district or visiting the schools if possible.

Location Context

The Founders Club is situated in eastern Sarasota, near Fruitville Road and I-75. Schools assigned to this area are determined by proximity and zoning within the Sarasota County School District. I’ll focus on public schools zoned for this area as well as nearby private school options. Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools.

Public Schools Near Founders Club (ZIP 34240)

1. Tatum Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance from Founders Club: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Overview: Tatum Ridge Elementary is highly regarded for its academic performance and supportive environment. It often ranks among the top elementary schools in Sarasota County, with strong scores in math and reading proficiency.
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities. Check the Sarasota County Schools website for zoning confirmation, as boundaries can shift.

2. McIntosh Middle School

   • Address: 701 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Founders Club: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Overview: McIntosh Middle School serves students in the eastern Sarasota area and has a solid reputation for academics and extracurriculars, including sports and arts programs. Test scores are above the state average in several subjects.
   • Additional Info: Known for a diverse student body and a focus on preparing students for high school.

3. Sarasota High School

   • Address: 2155 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance from Founders Club: Approximately 10-11 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education in recent years
   • Overview: Sarasota High School is one of the main high schools serving the area. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong arts program. It has a historic campus and a reputation for community involvement.
   • Additional Info: Features the MaST Research Institute, a specialized STEM program for eligible students.

   Note on School Zoning: The above schools are likely zoned for the Founders Club area based on proximity and district maps, but zoning can vary by specific address. To confirm the exact schools assigned to a property in Founders Club, use the Sarasota County School District’s School Locator tool (available on their website: www.sarasotacountyschools.net) or contact the district directly at (941) 927-9000.

   Private Schools Near Founders Club

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools within a reasonable driving distance of Founders Club. These schools often have different admission processes and tuition costs.

4. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance from Founders Club: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly reviewed by parents on Niche.com (A- overall)
   • Overview: A charter-like private school with a classical education focus, emphasizing liberal arts, critical thinking, and character development. It’s a popular choice for families in the area seeking a rigorous curriculum.
   • Additional Info: Tuition varies by grade level; contact the school for specifics (www.tcasarasota.com).

5. Out-of-Door Academy (Lower School and Upper School)

   • Address (Lower School): 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242 (about 15 miles)
   • Address (Upper School): 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (about 5-6 miles)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12 (split between two campuses)
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche.com (A+ overall)
   • Overview: A prestigious independent school offering a college-preparatory curriculum with strong arts and athletics programs. The Upper School campus is closer to Founders Club.
   • Additional Info: Tuition is significant (around $20,000-$30,000 per year depending on grade); financial aid may be available (www.oda.edu).

6. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Founders Club: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: A- on Niche.com
   • Overview: A private Catholic high school with a focus on faith-based education and college preparation. Known for strong academics and a tight-knit community.
   • Additional Info: Tuition is around $10,000-$15,000 annually; offers scholarships (www.cmhs-sarasota.org).

   Charter Schools Near Founders Club

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are a couple of options nearby:

7. Sarasota Suncoast Academy

   • Address: 8084 Hawkins Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241
   • Distance from Founders Club: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Overview: A charter school emphasizing academic excellence and character development. It often has a waitlist due to high demand.
   • Additional Info: Admission is lottery-based; check www.sarasotasuncoastacademy.org for application details.

8. Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

   • Address: 6220 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Distance from Founders Club: Approximately 10 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Overview: Part of the Imagine Schools network, focusing on project-based learning and individualized instruction.
   • Additional Info: Enrollment is open but may have waitlists (www.imagineschools.org).

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics. Niche.com uses letter grades (A+ to F) incorporating parent reviews and additional data. Florida DOE assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments.
   • School Choice: Sarasota County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs and specialized academies (e.g., Pine View School for the Gifted, about 12 miles away) are also options for qualifying students.
   • Updates: School ratings and zoning can change annually. For the most current data, visit the Sarasota County Schools website or the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards.

   Conclusion

   The Founders Club community in Sarasota, FL (34240), is served by highly rated public schools like Tatum Ridge Elementary, McIntosh Middle, and Sarasota High School, with ratings generally above average. Private and charter options, such as The Classical Academy of Sarasota and Out-of-Door Academy, provide additional choices for families seeking alternative education models. I recommend confirming zoning with the Sarasota County School District and visiting schools or attending open houses to get a firsthand sense of their environment and programs.

   If you have a specific address within Founders Club or need more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can assist further!