Local Schools Near Forest lakes, Sarasota, 34232

Forest Lakes is a community located in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34232. This area is part of Sarasota County, which is served by the Sarasota County Schools district, known for its strong educational programs and highly rated schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Forest Lakes community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to the 34232 ZIP code, generally within a 5-10 mile radius, as this covers most schools that residents of Forest Lakes would likely consider. The schools are categorized by level (elementary, middle, high) and include both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near Forest Lakes, Sarasota, FL 34232

Sarasota County Schools operates the public schools in this area. The district is well-regarded, often ranking among the top in Florida. Below are some of the closest and most relevant schools to the Forest Lakes community.

Elementary Schools

1. Fruitville Elementary School

   • Address: 601 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Fruitville Elementary is a highly regarded school with a focus on academic achievement and a supportive environment. It has strong test scores in math and reading compared to state averages.
   • Student Population: Around 700 students
   • Notable Features: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. Brentwood Elementary School

   • Address: 2500 Budweiser Ct, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Brentwood serves a diverse student body and focuses on individualized learning. Test scores are slightly above state averages.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students
   • Notable Features: Strong community involvement and after-school programs.

   Middle Schools

   1. McIntosh Middle School
   2. Address: 701 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   3. Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 1-2 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: McIntosh Middle is known for its academic rigor and extracurricular offerings, including sports and arts programs. It has solid test scores and prepares students well for high school.
   7. Student Population: Around 800 students
   8. Notable Features: Offers advanced courses and STEM programs.

3. Sarasota Middle School

   • Address: 4826 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This school is one of the top-rated middle schools in the area, with excellent test scores and a focus on college preparatory programs.
   • Student Population: Around 1,200 students
   • Notable Features: Strong gifted and honors programs.

   High Schools

   1. Sarasota High School
   2. Address: 1000 S School Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
   3. Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: Sarasota High is a well-established school with a variety of academic and extracurricular options, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a strong arts program.
   7. Student Population: Around 2,000 students
   8. Notable Features: Known for its performing arts and athletics programs.

4. Riverview High School

   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Riverview High is highly rated for its academic performance, college readiness, and International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
   • Student Population: Around 2,500 students
   • Notable Features: Offers IB and AP courses, as well as a strong focus on STEM.

   Private Schools Near Forest Lakes, Sarasota, FL 34232

   For families seeking private education, Sarasota has several reputable options near the Forest Lakes community. These schools often have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula, including religious or Montessori approaches.

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

   • Address (Lower School): 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242 (about 6-7 miles)
   • Address (Upper School): 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (about 5-6 miles)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A+ overall)
   • Overview: A prestigious independent school offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum with a focus on academics, arts, and athletics.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$25,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes, extensive extracurriculars, and strong college placement.

6. Sarasota Christian School

   • Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Well-regarded on Niche (A- overall)
   • Overview: A faith-based school providing a Christian education with a focus on academic excellence and character development.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000-$12,000 per year
   • Notable Features: Strong community focus and biblical integration in curriculum.

7. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Good reputation on Niche (B+ overall)
   • Overview: A Catholic high school emphasizing faith, academics, and service, with a variety of AP and honors courses.
   • Tuition: Around $12,000-$15,000 per year
   • Notable Features: Strong athletics and community service programs.

   Charter Schools Near Forest Lakes, Sarasota, FL 34232

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

8. Sarasota Academy of the Arts

   • Address: 4466 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Focuses on integrating arts into the curriculum alongside core academics.
   • Notable Features: Emphasis on creativity and performing arts.

9. Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

   • Address: 6220 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Distance from Forest Lakes: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A charter school with a focus on character education and academic achievement.
   • Notable Features: Project-based learning and community involvement.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments in Sarasota County are based on residential zoning. To confirm which schools your address is zoned for, you can use the Sarasota County Schools’ School Locator tool on their website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net).
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from sources like GreatSchools.org or Niche are useful but subjective. They often reflect test scores heavily, which may not capture other important factors like school culture or teacher quality. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Sarasota County Schools provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Private and charter schools may have different transportation options or require parent coordination.
   • Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer gifted programs, special needs support, and extracurriculars. For specific needs (e.g., autism support or advanced academics), contact the schools directly or consult the district office.

   How to Research Further

   • Sarasota County Schools Website: www.sarasotacountyschools.net for zoning, enrollment, and district updates.
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