School Choices Detailed and Rated Gloucester, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, with the ZIP code 33573, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, south of Tampa. The area is primarily designed for active adults aged 55 and older, so there are fewer traditional K-12 schools directly within the immediate vicinity of Sun City Center compared to family-oriented neighborhoods. However, there are schools in nearby areas that serve families who may live in or around the 33573 ZIP code. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Gloucester in Sun City Center, FL, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other public resources. Note that "Gloucester" may refer to a specific neighborhood or street within Sun City Center, but since it's not a widely recognized subdivision, I’ll focus on schools near the broader Sun City Center area.

Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (ZIP 33573)

I’ll list schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Sun City Center, as the community itself does not have many schools directly within its boundaries. Ratings are typically based on GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale, where 10 is the highest), which considers test scores, student progress, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate driving distances from central Sun City Center (near the intersection of Sun City Center Blvd and Pebble Beach Blvd N).

Elementary Schools

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This public school serves students in the Ruskin area, just north of Sun City Center. It has a focus on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note occasional concerns about class sizes.

2. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly further north in Ruskin, this school serves a diverse student population. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers community engagement programs. Reviews highlight a need for more resources.

3. Doby Elementary School

   • Address: 6720 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Situated in Apollo Beach, just northeast of Sun City Center, Doby Elementary is known for strong academic performance compared to nearby schools. It has positive parent feedback regarding teacher involvement and extracurricular options.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Sun City Center
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This public middle school is one of the closest to Sun City Center, located in Ruskin. It offers standard middle school curriculum with some elective options. Test scores are slightly below average, and reviews mention mixed experiences with student engagement.

4. Eisenhower Middle School

   • Address: 7620 Old Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located north of Sun City Center in Gibsonton, this school serves a larger area of southern Hillsborough County. It has a diverse student body and offers programs like band and sports. Parent reviews note a focus on improving student outcomes.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Sun City Center
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary high school serving the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurricular activities. Graduation rates are near the state average, though test scores lag slightly behind.

5. East Bay High School

   • Address: 7710 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in Gibsonton, this high school serves students from surrounding communities, including parts of Apollo Beach. It has a strong athletics program and offers AP and dual enrollment options. Reviews praise the school’s facilities but note challenges with overcrowding.

   Private and Charter Schools

   1. SouthShore Charter Academy
   2. Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 5 miles from central Sun City Center
   4. Grade Levels: K-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This public charter school offers an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on personalized learning. It has received positive feedback for smaller class sizes and innovative teaching methods.

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews vary
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering education from preschool through high school. It emphasizes Christian values alongside academics. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

   Additional Notes

   • School District: All public schools listed fall under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest in Florida. You can visit their website (www.hillsboroughschools.org) for zoning information, bus routes, and registration details.
   • Sun City Center Context: Since Sun City Center is a 55+ community, many residents may not have school-aged children, and thus, schools are located in adjacent areas like Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and Gibsonton. If you’re looking for schools for grandchildren or other family members, the above options are the most accessible.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: School ratings are subjective and based on available data as of my last update. Factors like test scores, equity, and parent reviews influence these ratings. For the most current information, check GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards.
   • Transportation: Most schools offer bus services for students within their zoning areas. Contact the Hillsborough County Schools Transportation Department for specific routes and eligibility.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County School Locator: Use the district’s online tool (available on their website) to input an exact address near Gloucester in Sun City Center to confirm zoned schools.
   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include detailed parent and student feedback.

   If you have a specific address in the Gloucester area of Sun City Center or additional details (e.g., preferred grade level or type of school), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you’d like more information on a particular school or other educational resources in the area!