Local Schools Near Idlewood, Sun City Center, 33573

The there! I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the Idlewood community in Sun City Center, FL, within the 33573 ZIP code. Sun City Center is a retirement community, but there are schools in the surrounding areas that serve families in nearby neighborhoods. I'll provide details on schools within a reasonable distance, their ratings, and other relevant information. Since Idlewood is a specific subdivision within Sun City Center, I'll focus on schools in the broader Sun City Center and nearby areas like Ruskin and Wimauma, which fall under Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Overview of the Area

Sun City Center is located in southern Hillsborough County, Florida, and is primarily a 55+ community. As such, there may not be schools directly within the immediate vicinity of Idlewood, but there are several schools in surrounding areas that serve families living nearby. The schools are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, and ratings are often based on sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and Florida Department of Education data.

Below, I'll list schools (elementary, middle, and high) within a 5-10 mile radius of Sun City Center, FL 33573, along with their ratings and key details. Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10 (based on GreatSchools.org) and may include academic performance, test scores, and parent reviews. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and year, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal impression.

Schools Near Idlewood, Sun City Center, FL 33573

Elementary Schools

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and academic progress)
   • Details: Serves grades K-5. This school has a diverse student body and offers standard elementary education with a focus on foundational skills. It has mixed reviews from parents regarding class sizes and teacher engagement.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Contact: (813) 671-5167

2. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Sun City Center
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-5. This school focuses on core academics and has programs for student support. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but it serves a significant portion of the local community.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Contact: (813) 671-5177

3. Doby Elementary School

   • Address: 6720 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 7-9 miles from Sun City Center
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-5. Doby Elementary is known for stronger academic performance compared to other nearby schools, with higher test scores in math and reading. It also has positive parent feedback for its environment and extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Contact: (813) 672-5388

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Sun City Center
   4. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serves grades 6-8. This school offers a standard middle school curriculum with some elective options. Test scores are below the state average, and parent reviews mention concerns about discipline and overcrowding.
   6. Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   7. Contact: (813) 672-5338

4. Eisenhower Middle School

   • Address: 7620 Old Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Sun City Center
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 6-8. Eisenhower has a focus on preparing students for high school with various academic and extracurricular programs. It has average test scores and mixed parent feedback.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,300 students
   • Contact: (813) 671-5121

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Sun City Center
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serves grades 9-12. Lennard High School offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused tracks. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores lag in some subjects.
   6. Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   7. Contact: (813) 641-5611

5. East Bay High School

   • Address: 7710 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Sun City Center
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 9-12. East Bay High School has a decent reputation for academics and sports programs. It offers AP courses and has a graduation rate slightly above the state average.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,200 students
   • Contact: (813) 671-5134

   Charter and Private School Options

   1. Winthrop Charter School
   2. Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   3. Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Sun City Center
   4. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serves grades K-8. This public charter school is highly rated for its academic rigor and smaller class sizes. Admission is lottery-based, so availability may be limited.
   6. Enrollment: Around 1,300 students
   7. Contact: (813) 678-5121

6. Livingstone Academy (Private)

   • Address: Nearby in Riverview or Ruskin (exact location varies as it’s a smaller institution)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-10 miles from Sun City Center
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools, but parent reviews on Niche.com are generally positive.
   • Details: A private school option focusing on individualized learning, often for students with special needs or alternative learning styles. Tuition applies.
   • Contact: Check local listings or the school’s website for the most current information.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Since Sun City Center is primarily a retirement community, many families in the area may be zoned for schools in Ruskin, Apollo Beach, or Wimauma. You can confirm specific zoning for an address in Idlewood by visiting the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) and using their "School Locator" tool.
   • Transportation: Hillsborough County provides bus services for public school students based on zoning and distance from the school. Check with the district for specific routes near Idlewood.
   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes equity factors. However, they don’t always reflect the full picture of a school’s environment or community fit. Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Future Developments: Sun City Center and surrounding areas are growing, so new schools or changes in zoning may occur. Keep an eye on updates from Hillsborough County Public Schools.

   How to Research Further

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

   If you have a specific address in Idlewood or want me to narrow down the list based on certain criteria (e.g., only high-rated schools or private options), let me know! I can also help with information on extracurricular programs, special education services, or other details. What else would you like to know?