School Choices Detailed and Rated Hailstone Circle, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL 33573, is a community in Hillsborough County, and the area around Hailstone Circle has access to several schools within a reasonable distance. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including public and private options, 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 verifying the most current information through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or visiting the schools. Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools like Google Maps.

Public Schools Near Hailstone Circle, Sun City Center, FL 33573

These schools are assigned based on zoning by Hillsborough County Public Schools. You can confirm zoning for a specific address using the district’s school locator tool (available on their website: hcpsweb.sdhc.k12.fl.us/schoollocator).

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from Hailstone Circle
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Cypress Creek Elementary serves students in the Sun City Center and Ruskin areas. The school focuses on core academics and offers programs like STEM activities. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though some note concerns about class sizes. Test scores are near the state average for reading and math.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Hailstone Circle
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves the local middle school population and has a focus on preparing students for high school with standard curriculum and extracurriculars. The rating reflects below-average test scores compared to state benchmarks, and some reviews mention challenges with student engagement and resources.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from Hailstone Circle
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused tracks. The school has a diverse student body, and graduation rates are close to the state average. Reviews are mixed, with some praising teacher dedication and others noting issues with facilities or discipline.

   Charter Schools Near Hailstone Circle

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with enrollment lotteries or waitlists. These are options within a reasonable driving distance.

4. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7116 S US Hwy 301, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 7 miles from Hailstone Circle
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: SLAM Academy focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a smaller school with a specialized curriculum, but test scores are below state averages, contributing to the lower rating.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 8 miles from Hailstone Circle
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Winthrop Charter is a highly regarded option with strong test scores and a focus on academic excellence. It often has a waitlist due to popularity, and parent reviews highlight a rigorous curriculum and involved community.

   Private Schools Near Hailstone Circle

   Private schools often require tuition and may have specific admission processes. Here are a couple of options nearby.

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Hailstone Circle
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews available on niche.com (B- overall)
   • Details: This is a faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Class sizes are typically smaller, and the school emphasizes moral development alongside academics. Tuition information and specific reviews can be found on their website or by contacting the school directly.

7. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: 5151 S US Hwy 301, Tampa, FL 33610 (multiple campuses; check for closest)
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Hailstone Circle
   • Grade Levels: K-12 (special needs focus)
   • Rating: Not widely rated; specialized program
   • Details: Livingstone Academy caters to students with autism and other special needs, offering tailored education plans. It’s a bit farther but may be relevant for families seeking specialized education.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while above 7/10 is above average. Ratings below 5/10 often indicate challenges in academic performance or resources.
   • Other Factors: Ratings don’t capture everything. Consider visiting schools, meeting with staff, and reviewing extracurricular offerings, class sizes, and parent feedback on platforms like Niche.com.
   • School Boundaries: Sun City Center is a retirement-focused community, but families in the area are zoned for schools in nearby Ruskin and Riverview. Use the Hillsborough County School Locator for exact assignments.
   • Transportation: Public school bus services are available based on zoning and distance (typically for students living over 2 miles from their school). Charter and private schools may not offer transportation.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit www.hcpsweb.sdhc.k12.fl.us for zoning, enrollment, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: For detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at www.fldoe.org for state-assigned grades (A-F scale).

   If you have a specific address within Hailstone Circle or need details on a particular school (like programs for special needs or gifted students), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or after-school programs, I can include those as well.