School Choices Detailed and Rated Gulf Shores Harbor, Madeira Beach, 33708

The community of Gulf Shores Harbor in Madeira Beach, FL (ZIP code 33708) is located in Pinellas County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve this area. Below, I’ll provide information on the available public and private schools near Gulf Shores Harbor, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from Gulf Shores Harbor (based on a central point in Madeira Beach) for reference.

Public Schools Near Gulf Shores Harbor, Madeira Beach, FL (33708)

Public schools in this area are part of the Pinellas County Schools district. Here are the schools zoned for or near the 33708 area:

1. Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 School

   • Address: 591 Tom Stuart Causeway, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from Gulf Shores Harbor
   • Grade Levels: Kindergarten through 8th Grade
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This is a fundamental school, meaning it emphasizes a back-to-basics curriculum with a focus on parental involvement and student responsibility. It serves students in the Madeira Beach area and has a reputation for strong community engagement. Test scores are generally above the state average in reading and math.

2. Seminole High School

   • Address: 8401 131st Street North, Seminole, FL 33776
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Gulf Shores Harbor
   • Grade Levels: 9th through 12th Grade
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This is the zoned high school for much of the Madeira Beach area. It offers a variety of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career academies. The school has a diverse student body and average test scores compared to state benchmarks.

3. Orange Grove Elementary School (Alternative for some nearby areas)

   • Address: 10300 65th Avenue North, Seminole, FL 33772
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Gulf Shores Harbor
   • Grade Levels: Kindergarten through 5th Grade
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: While Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 is the primary school for the area, some students in nearby zones may attend Orange Grove Elementary. It is well-regarded for its academic performance and supportive environment.

   Private Schools Near Gulf Shores Harbor, Madeira Beach, FL (33708)

   There are also private school options in and around Madeira Beach for families seeking alternatives to public education.

4. Keswick Christian School

   • Address: 10101 54th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Gulf Shores Harbor
   • Grade Levels: Pre-K through 12th Grade
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but reviews highlight a strong faith-based curriculum and small class sizes.
   • Details: This is a private Christian school offering a comprehensive education with an emphasis on biblical values. It has a reputation for a close-knit community and individualized attention.

5. Country Day School

   • Address: 11499 131st Street North, Largo, FL 33774
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Gulf Shores Harbor
   • Grade Levels: Pre-K through 8th Grade
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but parent reviews often praise the Montessori-inspired approach.
   • Details: This private school offers a Montessori-based education with a focus on hands-on learning and child-centered development. It serves families in the broader Pinellas County area.

   Charter Schools Near Gulf Shores Harbor

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

6. Plato Academy Largo Charter School

   • Address: 10888 126th Avenue North, Largo, FL 33778
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Gulf Shores Harbor
   • Grade Levels: Kindergarten through 8th Grade
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Part of the Plato Academy network, this charter school emphasizes a classical education with a focus on STEM and character development. It consistently receives high marks for academic performance.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. A rating of 7 or above generally indicates above-average performance compared to other schools in Florida.
   • Zoning: School zoning can vary within a ZIP code. To confirm which public schools serve a specific address in Gulf Shores Harbor, use the Pinellas County Schools’ School Zone Locator tool (available on their website, www.pcsb.org).
   • School Choice: Pinellas County offers a robust school choice program, allowing families to apply for magnet programs, fundamental schools, or other options outside their zoned schools. Application periods and availability vary, so check the district website for details.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance data can change annually. For the most current information, visit GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards.

   Other Educational Resources

   • Preschools and Daycares: There are several preschools and daycare centers in Madeira Beach and nearby Seminole, such as Little Learning Preschool (nearby in Seminole). These are ideal for younger children not yet in kindergarten.
   • After-School Programs: Many schools and local organizations, like the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, offer after-school care and enrichment programs for students in the area.

   If you have a specific address within Gulf Shores Harbor or are looking for more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can help refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like assistance with contacting the Pinellas County Schools district or finding application deadlines for choice programs, I’m happy to assist!