School Choices Detailed and Rated Highgate, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the Highgate neighborhood is one of the many subdivisions within it. The zip code 33573 covers Sun City Center and surrounding areas. Since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, many residents may not have school-aged children, but there are still schools in the vicinity that serve families in nearby areas. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Highgate community in Sun City Center, FL 33573, including their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like teacher quality and parent reviews. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on these platforms or the school district's website.

Overview of Schools Near Highgate, Sun City Center, FL 33573

The schools listed below are within or near the Sun City Center area, serving the 33573 zip code or adjacent communities. Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is the governing school district. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as any notable private or charter options. Distances are approximate from the central area of Sun City Center/Highgate.

Elementary Schools

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Location: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highgate, Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: This public school serves a diverse student population and focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. Test scores are near the state average, with strengths in reading but room for improvement in math.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews; some praise the teachers’ dedication, while others note concerns about class sizes.

2. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Location: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Highgate
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public school with a focus on community engagement. Academic performance is slightly below the state average, with ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 800 students
   • Parent Feedback: Some parents appreciate the school’s community feel, while others mention challenges with resources.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Location: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highgate
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This public middle school serves students in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. Test scores are below the state average, with challenges in math and science proficiency.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   8. Parent Feedback: Reviews are mixed; some parents note supportive staff, while others express concerns about discipline and academic rigor.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Location: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Highgate
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: A public high school offering a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused tracks. Graduation rates are near the state average, with test scores showing moderate performance.
   7. Enrollment: Approximately 2,500 students
   8. Parent Feedback: Some praise the school’s extracurriculars (sports, band), while others mention overcrowding as an issue.

   Charter and Private Schools

   1. SouthShore Charter Academy
   2. Location: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Highgate
   4. Grade Levels: K-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: A tuition-free public charter school with a focus on personalized learning and STEM education. Academic performance is slightly above average compared to nearby public schools.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   8. Parent Feedback: Generally positive, with parents appreciating smaller class sizes and innovative teaching methods.

3. Ruskin Christian School

   • Location: 820 W College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Highgate
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum alongside standard academics. Tuition applies, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students
   • Parent Feedback: Parents often highlight the school’s values and close-knit community, though some note limited extracurricular options.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity. Niche ratings (letter grades) incorporate parent and student reviews alongside academic data. Keep in mind that ratings are just one factor; visiting schools or speaking with current families can provide deeper insight.
   • School Assignment: Public school assignments in Hillsborough County are based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools serve a specific Highgate address using the HCPS School Locator tool (available on the district website: hcps.net).
   • Transportation: Hillsborough County provides bus services for public school students within designated zones. Charter and private schools may have different transportation policies.
   • Future Developments: Sun City Center and Ruskin are growing areas, so new schools or changes to zoning may occur. Check with HCPS for updates.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: hcps.net – Offers detailed info on zoning, enrollment, and school performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by zip code (33573) for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Provides user reviews and additional data on schools in the area.
   • Florida Department of Education: edudata.fldoe.org – Access state report cards for detailed academic metrics.

   If you’re looking for schools for a specific grade level, have an exact address in Highgate for zoning purposes, or want more details on a particular school (like programs or facilities), let me know, and I can refine the information further! Additionally, if you’re considering schools slightly outside the immediate area (e.g., in Apollo Beach or Wimauma), I can expand the search radius.