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

Sun City Center, FL 33573, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the area around Harefield Circle is primarily residential with a focus on adult living. As such, schools in the immediate vicinity may not be as densely located as in family-oriented neighborhoods, but there are several schools within a reasonable driving distance that serve the broader Sun City Center and surrounding areas like Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and Wimauma. Below, I’ll provide information on nearby schools, including 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 and school performance can vary over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. Distances are approximate and based on driving from the Harefield Circle area.

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

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Harefield Circle
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. It has mixed reviews on student progress and test scores, with some areas showing room for improvement in math and reading proficiency.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Harefield Circle
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Shields Middle School has lower-than-average test scores compared to state standards, particularly in math. However, it offers various programs to support student growth and engagement.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Harefield Circle
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Lennard High School offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores in core subjects like math are below average.

4. Wimauma Elementary School (Alternative Elementary Option)

   • Address: 5709 Hickman St, Wimauma, FL 33598
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Harefield Circle
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves the nearby Wimauma community and has a focus on supporting a diverse student body, including English language learners. Test scores are slightly below state averages.

   Charter Schools Near Harefield Circle

5. SLAM Academy at Apollo Beach (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 5150 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Harefield Circle
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes sports leadership alongside academics. It’s a smaller school with a specialized curriculum, and test scores are near or slightly below state averages.

6. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Harefield Circle
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Located a bit farther out in Riverview, this charter school has stronger academic performance compared to many local public schools, with higher test scores in reading and math.

   Private Schools Near Harefield Circle

7. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Harefield Circle
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org (private schools often lack standardized ratings)
   • Details: This is a faith-based school offering a Christian education with smaller class sizes. Tuition and specific performance data would need to be obtained directly from the school.

   Additional Notes on School Options and Ratings

   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on zoning, so families near Harefield Circle should confirm their assigned schools using the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) by entering their address into the school locator tool.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., teacher quality, extracurriculars, or community feel). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide additional insight.
   • Transportation: Since Sun City Center is a 55+ community, many residents may not have school-aged children, and public school bus routes may not directly serve Harefield Circle. Families should check with the district for transportation options.
   • Higher-Rated Options: If families are seeking higher-rated schools, they may need to look further toward Riverview or Apollo Beach, where schools like Winthrop Charter or Bell Creek Academy (another charter option) have ratings of 7/10 or higher.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit hcps.net for zoning information, school choice options (e.g., magnet programs), and updated performance data.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33573) for the latest ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at fldoe.org for detailed state assessment data.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to arrange tours or speak with administrators if you’re considering enrollment.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, preschool options, or a preference for private schools), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools in a different nearby area or have a specific age group in mind, I’m happy to adjust the search!