School Choices Detailed and Rated Gull Haven, Ruskin, 33570

Gull Haven is a community located in Ruskin, Florida, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Gull Haven, including public schools zoned for the area and some private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. 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 firsthand information.

Public Schools Near Gull Haven, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Public schools in this area are assigned based on zoning by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Below are the schools typically zoned for or near the Gull Haven community. I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary reference, along with additional context where available. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to central Ruskin/Gull Haven.

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Gull Haven: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on early education. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student progress. The school offers various programs, including support for English Language Learners (ELL), as Ruskin has a diverse student population.
   • Additional Info: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for specific zoning and bus routes.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP, still serves 33570)
   • Distance from Gull Haven: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area. The lower rating is often tied to challenges in standardized test performance and student growth metrics. However, the school offers extracurricular activities and support programs.
   • Additional Info: Middle school zoning can vary slightly, so confirm with the district if Gull Haven falls within this boundary.

3. Lennard High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Gull Haven: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like sports and clubs. The rating reflects mixed performance in college readiness and test scores.
   • Additional Info: Lennard has a diverse student body and provides resources for career preparation.

   Charter and Magnet Schools Near Ruskin, FL (33570)

   Charter and magnet schools are also options in Hillsborough County, though they may require applications or lotteries for admission. Here are a couple of notable ones near Gull Haven:

4. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades 6-12)
   • Address: 7116 S US Hwy 301, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Distance from Gull Haven: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated due to its specialized nature; check Niche.com for reviews (often rated B- or similar).
   • Overview: SLAM focuses on sports leadership and management, combining academics with career-focused education in sports industries. It’s a smaller, specialized environment.
   • Additional Info: Admission is typically through an application process.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades K-8)
   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance from Gull Haven: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: Winthrop Charter offers a structured academic program with an emphasis on college preparation. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Additional Info: Enrollment is via lottery; check availability on their website.

   Private Schools Near Gull Haven, Ruskin, FL (33570)

   Private schools provide additional options for families in the Ruskin area. These often have tuition costs and may require specific admission processes. Here are a couple within a reasonable distance:

6. Livingstone Academy - Ruskin Campus

   • Type: Private School (Special Needs Focus, Grades K-12)
   • Address: Near Ruskin (exact location varies; often serves South Hillsborough)
   • Distance from Gull Haven: Approximately 1-3 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews on Niche or parent forums suggest positive feedback for specialized education.
   • Overview: Livingstone Academy caters to students with autism and related needs, offering tailored education plans.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school directly for tuition and enrollment details.

7. St. Stephen Catholic School

   • Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
   • Address: 10424 St Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance from Gull Haven: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; often well-regarded in community reviews (check Niche.com).
   • Overview: This school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academics and character development.
   • Additional Info: Tuition and admission requirements are available on their website.

   School Ratings Context and Additional Notes

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and sometimes equity metrics. A rating below 5 often indicates challenges in standardized testing or resource allocation, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of teaching or community fit. Visit schools or speak with parents for a fuller picture.
   • Florida Department of Education: Schools in Florida are also graded (A-F) based on state assessments. For the most current grades, visit the FDOE website (fldoe.org). As of recent years, Ruskin-area schools have often received C or D grades, with occasional improvements.
   • Zoning Confirmation: School zones can shift, especially with new developments in Ruskin. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools “School Locator” tool online to confirm which schools serve Gull Haven specifically.
   • Demographics: Ruskin schools often have diverse populations, with significant Hispanic/Latino representation and a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds. Many schools offer bilingual support or free/reduced lunch programs.

   How to Research Further

8. Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org – Check zoning, school calendars, and programs.

9. GreatSchools.org: Detailed ratings and parent reviews for most schools.
10. Niche.com: Offers user reviews and alternative ratings for public and private schools.
11. School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to see if a school fits your family’s needs.

12. Florida Department of Education: For state-issued school grades and performance data.

    If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, gifted programs, or a preference for private schools), let me know, and I can narrow down the options further. Also, if Gull Haven has a specific address or street you’d like me to focus on for precise distances, feel free to provide it!