Local Schools Near Fairway Woods, Sarasota, 34238

Fairway Woods is a community located in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34238. This area falls within Sarasota County, which is served by the Sarasota County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Fairway Woods, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, 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 schools or the district. Distances are approximate and based on the general location of Fairway Woods near the intersection of Beneva Road and Proctor Road.

Public Schools Near Fairway Woods, Sarasota, FL 34238

Public schools in this area are part of the Sarasota County School District, known for its strong academic programs and high graduation rates. Below are the closest public schools to Fairway Woods, along with their GreatSchools.org ratings (as of the latest available data, typically on a scale of 1-10) and approximate distances.

1. Ashton Elementary School

   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Address: 5110 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Ashton Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and family-friendly environment. It often scores above state averages in reading and math proficiency. The school also offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. Sarasota Middle School

   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Address: 4826 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Sarasota Middle School is known for its rigorous academic programs, including advanced placement courses and a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). It consistently ranks among the top middle schools in the county, with strong test scores and a variety of clubs and sports.

3. Riverview High School

   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Riverview High School is a well-respected public high school offering a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. It has a strong reputation for academics, arts, and athletics, with numerous extracurricular opportunities and a high graduation rate.

   Private Schools Near Fairway Woods, Sarasota, FL 34238

   For families seeking private education, there are several options near Fairway Woods. Private school ratings are less standardized than public school ratings, but I’ve included feedback from sources like Niche.com or parent reviews where available, along with general reputation.

4. The Out-of-Door Academy (Lower School Campus)

   • Grade Levels: PreK-5 (Lower School; Upper School for grades 6-12 is at a different campus)
   • Address: 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242 (Lower School)
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche.com (A+ for academics and overall experience)
   • Overview: The Out-of-Door Academy is a prestigious private school with a focus on college preparatory education, small class sizes, and individualized attention. It emphasizes academics, arts, and athletics, and is well-regarded in the Sarasota community. Tuition is significant, often in the range of $15,000–$20,000 per year depending on grade level.

5. Incarnation Catholic School

   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Address: 2911 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: Positive parent reviews; often praised for community and values (specific numerical ratings vary)
   • Overview: This Catholic school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It provides a nurturing environment and smaller class sizes. Tuition is typically more affordable than larger private academies, often around $8,000–$10,000 annually.

6. Cardinal Mooney High School

   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: A- on Niche.com; well-regarded for college prep and extracurriculars
   • Overview: A Catholic high school known for its strong academic programs, competitive sports teams, and commitment to faith-based education. It prepares students for college with a variety of AP courses and dual-enrollment options. Tuition is generally in the $12,000–$15,000 range per year.

   Charter Schools Near Fairway Woods, Sarasota, FL 34238

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

7. Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Address: 6220 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This charter school focuses on a student-centered learning environment with an emphasis on character education and academic achievement. It offers smaller class sizes and a variety of enrichment programs. Admission is typically by lottery if demand exceeds capacity.

8. Sarasota Suncoast Academy

   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Address: 8084 Hawkins Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Fairway Woods
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A charter school with a focus on academic excellence and innovative teaching methods. It often receives positive feedback for its engaged teachers and strong community involvement. Like most charters, enrollment may involve a lottery system.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments are based on zoning, so it’s important to confirm with the Sarasota County School District (www.sarasotacountyschools.net) whether Fairway Woods falls within the attendance zones for the listed schools. Boundaries can shift, and exceptions or choice programs may apply.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or other platforms are useful but subjective. They often reflect test scores heavily, which may not capture other important factors like school culture or specific programs. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Sarasota County provides bus services for public school students within designated zones, but private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer specialized programs, such as gifted education, STEM focus, or arts integration. For example, Riverview High School’s IB program is a draw for academically inclined students.

   How to Research Further

   • Sarasota County School District: Visit their website or call (941-927-9000) to confirm zoning and explore school choice options like magnet programs.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: These sites provide detailed reviews, test score data, and parent feedback for most schools listed.
   • School Tours: Contact individual schools to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for private and charter options.
   • Florida Department of Education: Their website (www.fldoe.org) offers report cards and performance data for public and charter schools.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, preschool options, or a focus on a particular curriculum), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like me to dive deeper into any specific school or aspect of education in the Fairway Woods area?