Jameson Greens is a neighborhood within Sun City Center, FL, a retirement community in Hillsborough County. Sun City Center is primarily an age-restricted community for residents aged 55 and older, so schools in the immediate vicinity may not be the primary focus for many residents. However, for families or individuals seeking information about schools near the 33573 ZIP code for grandchildren, relatives, or other reasons, I’ll provide details on nearby schools, their ratings, and other relevant information.
I’ll use data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education to identify schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Sun City Center, FL 33573. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source, and I’ll aim to provide a balanced overview. If you’re looking for specific details or have a different radius in mind, let me know!
Overview of Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573
Sun City Center is located south of Tampa, near communities like Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and Wimauma. Since Sun City Center itself does not have many schools within its immediate boundaries due to its retirement focus, most schools are in surrounding areas. Below are the primary public, charter, and private schools serving the area, along with their ratings and key details.
Public Schools
Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest in Florida. Here are some notable schools near 33573:
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Cypress Creek Elementary School
- Location: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573 (approx. 3-4 miles from Jameson Greens)
- Grades: K-5
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); C (Florida Department of Education 2022-2023)
- Details: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational skills. It has around 600-700 students and offers programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note occasional concerns about class sizes.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 15:1
- Distance: Close proximity makes it a convenient option for elementary-aged children in the area.
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Shields Middle School
- Location: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (approx. 4-5 miles from Jameson Greens)
- Grades: 6-8
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org); C (Florida Department of Education 2022-2023)
- Details: Shields Middle serves around 1,200 students and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Test scores are slightly below the state average, but the school has initiatives for student engagement and improvement.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 18:1
- Distance: Easily accessible from Sun City Center via local roads.
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Lennard High School
- Location: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570 (approx. 5-6 miles from Jameson Greens)
- Grades: 9-12
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida Department of Education 2022-2023)
- Details: Lennard High has about 2,500 students and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports. Graduation rates are around 90%, which is slightly above the state average. Reviews highlight a strong sense of community but mention occasional overcrowding.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 20:1
- Distance: A short drive from Sun City Center, located in nearby Ruskin.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. They can be an alternative for families seeking different educational approaches.
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SouthShore Charter Academy
- Location: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570 (approx. 5 miles from Jameson Greens)
- Grades: K-8
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida Department of Education 2022-2023)
- Details: This charter school emphasizes a personalized learning approach with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). It has around 1,000 students and often receives positive feedback for its innovative programs and smaller class sizes compared to some public schools.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 14:1
- Distance: Conveniently located near Ruskin, accessible from Sun City Center.
Private Schools
Private schools in the area often have a religious affiliation and may offer smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Options are somewhat limited directly in Sun City Center, so nearby communities are included.
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Ruskin Christian School
- Location: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570 (approx. 6 miles from Jameson Greens)
- Grades: PK-12
- Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; parent reviews on Niche.com give it a 4/5 average.
- Details: A small, faith-based school with a focus on Christian values and academic preparation. Enrollment is typically under 300 students, allowing for individualized attention. Tuition information is available upon request from the school, but private school costs in the area generally range from $5,000-$10,000 per year.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 10:1
- Distance: A short drive from Sun City Center.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Rating Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida Department of Education grades (A-F) are derived from standardized test performance (like FSA/FAST), graduation rates, and other metrics. Discrepancies between sources are common due to differing criteria.
- Demographics: Schools in the Ruskin and Sun City Center area often serve a diverse population, with a significant percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (an indicator of socioeconomic status). This can impact test scores and ratings but doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of education or teacher dedication.
- Transportation: Hillsborough County Public Schools provide bus services based on zoning, though distances from Sun City Center may require parental transportation for some charter or private options.
- Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For specific needs, contacting the Hillsborough County School District (813-272-4000) or individual schools is recommended.
Other Educational Resources Near Sun City Center
Since Sun City Center is a retirement community, there may be interest in adult education or community programs rather than K-12 schools. Here are a few options:
- Sun City Center Community Association: Offers lifelong learning classes and clubs for residents, often through partnerships with local colleges.
- Hillsborough Community College (SouthShore Campus): Located in Ruskin (approx. 5 miles away), this campus offers associate degrees, workforce training, and continuing education courses.
Summary of Schools Near Jameson Greens, Sun City Center, FL 33573
| School Name |
Type |
Grades |
Rating (GreatSchools/FL DOE) |
Approx. Distance |
Student-Teacher Ratio |
| Cypress Creek Elementary |
Public |
K-5 |
5/10, C |
3-4 miles |
15:1 |
| Shields Middle School |
Public |
6-8 |
4/10, C |
4-5 miles |
18:1 |
| Lennard High School |
Public |
9-12 |
5/10, B |
5-6 miles |
20:1 |
| SouthShore Charter Academy |
Charter |
K-8 |
6/10, B |
5 miles |
14:1 |
| Ruskin Christian School |
Private |
PK-12 |
4/5 (Niche) |
6 miles |
10:1 |
Recommendations and Next Steps
- Visit Schools: If you’re considering enrollment for a child or grandchild, schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
- Check Zoning: Confirm school zoning for your specific address in or near Jameson Greens using the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (www.hillsboroughschools.org).
- Updated Ratings: Ratings can change yearly based on test performance. Check the latest data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida DOE website (www.fldoe.org).
- Community Input: Sun City Center residents often share insights on local forums or through the community association about schools and programs for visiting family members.
If you’d like more detailed information on a specific school, program, or a broader search radius, or if you’re interested in preschools or after-school programs, please let me know! I’m happy to assist further.