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

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the area around Heathfield Circle in the 33573 ZIP code has access to several schools in the surrounding region. Since Sun City Center is primarily an age-restricted community for residents aged 55 and older, schools in the immediate vicinity may not be the primary focus for many residents. However, for families or those with grandchildren visiting or living nearby, there are public and private schools within a reasonable distance. Below is a list of schools near Heathfield Circle, Sun City Center, FL 33573, along with their ratings and relevant details.

I’ve gathered information based on proximity (within a 5-10 mile radius, as Sun City Center itself has limited schools directly within the community) and ratings 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. Distances are approximate and based on driving distance from Heathfield Circle.

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

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from Heathfield Circle
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the Ruskin area, just north of Sun City Center. It has a diverse student body and offers standard elementary education with a focus on foundational skills. Parent reviews often mention the supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Heathfield Circle
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in Ruskin, this middle school serves students in the surrounding communities, including Sun City Center. The rating reflects challenges with test scores compared to state averages, but the school offers extracurricular activities and programs to support student growth.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles from Heathfield Circle
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary public high school for the area. It offers a range of academic and vocational programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Reviews highlight the school’s efforts in career preparation but note room for improvement in overall academic performance.

   Charter Schools Near Heathfield Circle

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

   • Address: 5150 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Heathfield Circle
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a smaller, specialized option for students interested in sports-related careers. Parent feedback often praises the unique curriculum but mentions limited extracurricular options outside of sports.

5. Waterset Charter School

   • Address: 6540 Knowledge Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 7 miles from Heathfield Circle
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in the nearby Waterset community, this charter school offers a project-based learning approach. It’s a popular choice for families in Apollo Beach and surrounding areas, with a reputation for strong community involvement and innovative teaching methods.

   Private Schools Near Heathfield Circle

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Heathfield Circle
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews available on niche.com (generally positive)
   • Details: This private, faith-based school provides a Christian education with a focus on small class sizes and individualized attention. Tuition information and specific programs can be obtained directly from the school, but it’s known for a family-oriented environment.

   Additional Notes

   • School District: All public schools listed fall under the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, which oversees education in the region. You can visit their website (www.hillsboroughschools.org) for more information on zoning, bus routes, and enrollment.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school’s quality (e.g., teacher dedication, community feel). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Since Sun City Center is a planned community, some schools may require driving or bus services, as walking distances are often impractical.
   • Other Options: For families seeking alternatives, homeschooling and online schooling options are also available in Florida, with programs like Florida Virtual School (FLVS) offering flexible education.

   How to Research Further

   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33573) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Check school boundaries and enrollment processes.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially for private and charter options.
   • Local Community Input: Sun City Center and nearby Ruskin/Apollo Beach have active community forums and social media groups where residents discuss school experiences.

   If you’re looking for specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or extracurriculars), let me know, and I can narrow down the options further. Also, if you have a different address or radius in mind, I can adjust the search accordingly!