School Choices Detailed and Rated Fairway Pointe, Sun City Center, 33573

Fairway Pointe is a community within Sun City Center, FL, located in Hillsborough County with the ZIP code 33573. Sun City Center is a retirement community, but there are schools in the surrounding areas that serve families living nearby or in adjacent neighborhoods. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Fairway Pointe, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best) and are based on test scores, academic progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current data.

Since Fairway Pointe is in Sun City Center, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-15 miles) in the surrounding areas, as Sun City Center itself does not have many schools due to its retirement community focus. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the 33573 ZIP code or nearby areas, but always confirm zoning with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district as boundaries can shift.

Public Schools Near Fairway Pointe, Sun City Center, FL 33573

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) operates the public schools in this area. You can check specific school assignments and zoning on the HCPS website (hcps.net) by entering an address. Below are the schools commonly associated with the Sun City Center area:

Elementary Schools

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance from Fairway Pointe: Approx. 3-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Cypress Creek serves students in the Sun City Center and Ruskin areas. It focuses on core academics with programs for student support and extracurricular activities. Test scores are around average for the state, with some variation in math and reading proficiency.
   • Additional Info: Check the HCPS website for specific programs like gifted education or after-school care.

2. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Fairway Pointe: Approx. 6-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Overview: This school serves a diverse population in the Ruskin area. It has lower-than-average test scores compared to state benchmarks, but offers community support programs and resources for families.
   • Additional Info: The school may have Title I funding, providing extra resources for students.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance from Fairway Pointe: Approx. 4-6 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   6. Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Sun City Center and Ruskin areas. Academic performance is below the state average, but the school offers various electives and extracurriculars like sports and clubs.
   7. Additional Info: Look into magnet or choice programs if seeking specialized education options through HCPS.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance from Fairway Pointe: Approx. 5-7 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   6. Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and extracurricular activities. Graduation rates are near the state average, though test scores lag slightly behind.
   7. Additional Info: The school has a notable agriculture program and other vocational opportunities.

   Private Schools Near Fairway Pointe, Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Private schools offer alternative education options and may have different admission requirements, tuition costs, and curricula, often with a religious or specialized focus.

3. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Fairway Pointe: Approx. 6-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews vary on other platforms like Niche.com (often 3-4 stars out of 5 based on parent feedback)
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. It emphasizes biblical teachings alongside academics.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school directly for tuition and enrollment details (ruskinchristianschool.com).

4. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 2015 College Ave E, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Fairway Pointe: Approx. 5-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-3 (limited grade range)
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; parent reviews are generally positive for early childhood education.
   • Overview: This school follows the Montessori method, focusing on individualized learning for younger students.
   • Additional Info: Best for families seeking alternative early education; check availability as spots may be limited.

   Charter Schools Near Fairway Pointe, Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Enrollment may require a lottery or application.

5. SouthShore Charter Academy

   • Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Fairway Pointe: Approx. 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: This charter school emphasizes a rigorous curriculum with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and character development. Test scores are slightly above the district average.
   • Additional Info: Visit their website (southshorecharter.org) for application deadlines and lottery information.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes equity factors. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other variables. Visit schools or read parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com for a fuller picture.
   • School Choice in Florida: Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, including magnet schools and charters. Families can apply to schools outside their zoned area if spots are available. Check the HCPS School Choice website for options and deadlines.
   • Transportation: Public school bus services are available based on zoning and distance (typically for students living 2+ miles from school). Private and charter schools may not offer transportation, so confirm with each institution.
   • Updates: School ratings and zoning can change yearly. Use tools like the HCPS School Locator (hcps.net) or call the district at (813) 272-4000 to confirm assignments for a specific address in Fairway Pointe.

   Conclusion

   For families near Fairway Pointe in Sun City Center, FL 33573, there are several schooling options within a short drive, primarily in Ruskin and surrounding areas. Public schools like Cypress Creek Elementary and Lennard High School are the zoned options for many in this area, though ratings are average to below average (3-5/10). Charter schools like SouthShore Charter Academy (6/10) and private options like Ruskin Christian School provide alternatives. I recommend visiting schools, attending open houses, and reviewing recent Florida Department of Education report cards (fldoe.org) for the most up-to-date performance data.

   If you have a specific address within Fairway Pointe or need details on a particular school (e.g., programs for special needs, sports, or arts), let me know, and I can dig deeper! Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, homeschool resources, or schools further afield (e.g., in Apollo Beach or Wimauma), I can expand the search.