School Choices Detailed and Rated Indigo Creek, Ruskin, 33570

Indigo Creek is a community located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Indigo Creek, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33570 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Distances are approximate based on the general location of Indigo Creek in Ruskin. If you have a specific address within the community, you can use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online for exact zoning.

Public Schools Near Indigo Creek, Ruskin, FL 33570

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Approximate Distance from Indigo Creek: 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Niche Rating: C (based on academics, diversity, and parent reviews)
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on early education. It has a diverse student population and offers standard elementary programs. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, which contributes to the lower rating. However, it may still be a convenient option for families in Indigo Creek due to proximity.
   • Additional Info: Check for after-school programs or community involvement opportunities directly with the school.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP, still serves 33570)
   • Approximate Distance from Indigo Creek: 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Niche Rating: C-
   • Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area transitioning from elementary to high school. Academic performance is below average compared to state standards, with challenges in math and reading proficiency. However, the school offers extracurricular activities and support programs.
   • Additional Info: Parents may want to explore reviews or visit the school to assess fit for their child.

3. Lennard High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Approximate Distance from Indigo Creek: 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Niche Rating: B-
   • Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school serving the Ruskin area. It has a graduation rate around 90% (based on recent data), which is solid, and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. Test scores are near or slightly below state averages, but the school has a strong community presence and sports programs.
   • Additional Info: Lennard also has an agricultural program, reflecting the area’s history, which might appeal to some students.

   Charter Schools Near Indigo Creek

4. SouthShore Charter Academy

   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades K-8)
   • Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Approximate Distance from Indigo Creek: 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B
   • Overview: This charter school offers an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on personalized learning and smaller class sizes. It generally performs better than nearby public schools in test scores and has positive parent feedback for its environment. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.
   • Additional Info: Check their website for enrollment deadlines and curriculum specifics.

   Private Schools Near Indigo Creek

5. Ruskin Christian School

   • Type: Private School (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 820 W College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Approximate Distance from Indigo Creek: 1-2 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated due to limited public data
   • Niche Rating: B (based on limited reviews)
   • Overview: This faith-based school provides a Christian education with a smaller student body, emphasizing moral and academic development. Tuition costs apply, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools. Academic performance data is less publicly available, so a school visit or direct inquiry is recommended.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school for tuition rates and admission requirements.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, while Niche grades (A-F) incorporate parent reviews, diversity, and other qualitative factors. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is a poor fit; it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other external factors. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Indigo Creek’s exact zoning depends on your specific address. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hillsboroughschools.org) and enter your address in their “Find My School” tool to confirm assigned schools.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones. Check with the district for bus stop locations near Indigo Creek.
   • Other Options: If the local schools don’t meet your needs, Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, including magnet schools and virtual learning options. Nearby areas like Apollo Beach or Sun City Center may also have accessible schools with different ratings.

   Summary of Schools and Ratings

   School Name	Type	Grades	Approx. Distance	GreatSchools Rating	Niche Rating
   Ruskin Elementary School	Public	PK-5	1-2 miles	4/10	C
   Shields Middle School	Public	6-8	3-4 miles	3/10	C-
   Lennard High School	Public	9-12	2-3 miles	5/10	B-
   SouthShore Charter Academy	Public Charter	K-8	1-2 miles	6/10	B
   Ruskin Christian School	Private	PK-12	1-2 miles	Not widely rated	B

   If you’d like more detailed information on a specific school, curriculum, extracurriculars, or assistance with contacting the district, let me know! Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or schools slightly outside Ruskin, I can expand the search.