School Choices Detailed and Rated Golden Shiner, Ruskin, 33570

The community of Golden Shiner in Ruskin, FL (ZIP code 33570) is located in Hillsborough County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including public and private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 using factors such as test scores, student progress, and equity data. 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, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Ruskin area near Golden Shiner.

Public Schools Near Golden Shiner, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress as of recent data)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Ruskin areas like Golden Shiner
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. It has programs for English Language Learners (ELL) and special education. Parent reviews often mention the caring staff but note challenges with resources.

2. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Golden Shiner
   • Details: Lennard High offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. It also has a notable agriculture program. Reviews highlight school spirit but mention occasional concerns about class sizes.

3. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP, still serves 33570 area)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Golden Shiner
   • Details: This middle school serves students transitioning from elementary to high school with a focus on core academics. It has faced challenges with test scores, as reflected in the rating, but offers extracurriculars like sports and clubs.

4. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573 (serves nearby areas of 33570)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Golden Shiner
   • Details: A newer school in the area, Cypress Creek focuses on a supportive learning environment with modern facilities. It has mixed reviews, with some parents praising the teachers and others noting overcrowding.

   Charter Schools Near Golden Shiner, Ruskin, FL

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

5. SouthShore Charter Academy

   • Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Golden Shiner
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes personalized learning and a family-oriented environment. It often has a waitlist due to popularity among local families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools.

6. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578 (slightly outside 33570 but accessible)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Golden Shiner
   • Details: Known for strong academic performance and a structured environment, this school is a bit farther but remains a popular choice for Ruskin families willing to commute.

   Private Schools Near Golden Shiner, Ruskin, FL

   Private schools in the area often have a religious affiliation and may require tuition. Options are somewhat limited directly in Ruskin, but here are nearby choices:

7. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche.com give it around 3.5/5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Golden Shiner
   • Details: A small, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with a focus on moral values alongside academics. Class sizes are typically smaller, and tuition costs apply (contact the school for current rates).

8. Livingstone Academy (Special Needs Focus)

   • Address: Nearby in Riverview, FL (specific campus may vary, serves Ruskin area)
   • Grade Levels: Varies, often K-12 for students with autism or special needs
   • Rating: Not widely rated; specialized focus
   • Distance: Approximately 5-8 miles from Golden Shiner
   • Details: This academy caters to students with specific learning needs, offering tailored education plans. It’s a niche option for families seeking specialized support.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, student growth, and sometimes equity metrics. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, reading parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com, and checking Florida’s school report cards (via the Florida Department of Education) can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments depend on specific addresses within Ruskin. You can use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online to confirm which schools serve your exact location near Golden Shiner.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within designated zones. Charter and private schools may have limited or no bus options, so check with individual schools.
   • Future Growth: Ruskin is a growing area, and new schools may be planned or under construction. Keep an eye on Hillsborough County Schools’ announcements for updates.

   How to Research Further

   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33570) for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org for zoning maps and enrollment info.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access school performance reports at www.fldoe.org.
   • Visit Schools: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have a specific address within Golden Shiner or prefer details on a particular school type (e.g., only high schools or private options), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources in Ruskin, I’m happy to assist!