School Choices Detailed and Rated Kings Point, Sun City Center, 33573

Kings Point is a gated, 55+ active adult community within Sun City Center, FL, located in Hillsborough County with the ZIP code 33573. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, focusing on public and private options within a reasonable distance (approximately a 5-10 mile radius). Since Kings Point is in a retirement community, schools may not be directly within the immediate vicinity, but I’ll include nearby options that serve the broader Sun City Center area. I’ll also include ratings based on data 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 verifying the latest information.

Public Schools Near Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL 33573

Public schools in this area are managed by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below are some of the closest schools to Sun City Center, along with their approximate distance from Kings Point and ratings (based on GreatSchools.org as of the latest available data):

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Kings Point
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves elementary students in the Sun City Center/Ruskin area. It has a focus on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though test scores are around average for the state.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Kings Point
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves the local middle school population. It has a diverse student body, but test scores and academic progress are below the state average, which contributes to the lower rating. Some reviews highlight dedicated teachers despite challenges.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Kings Point
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school serving the Sun City Center and Ruskin areas. It offers a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. Graduation rates are decent, but test scores lag behind state averages.

   Charter Schools Near Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Here are a couple of options nearby:

4. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Kings Point
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school is highly rated due to strong test scores and academic progress. It emphasizes a rigorous curriculum and has a good reputation among parents in the area. However, it may have a waitlist due to high demand.

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

   • Address: 5150 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Kings Point
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a unique option for students interested in athletics, though academic ratings are average.

   Private Schools Near Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Private schools in the area may cater to families seeking alternative education options, often with religious affiliations or specialized programs.

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Kings Point
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews vary on other platforms
   • Details: This is a private, faith-based school offering education from preschool through high school. It emphasizes Christian values alongside academics. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

7. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 6411 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Kings Point
   • Grade Levels: PK-3
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited data available
   • Details: This school follows the Montessori method, focusing on individualized learning for younger children. It’s a smaller, private option for early education.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on factors like test scores, equity, and student progress. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools or reading parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com can provide more insight.
   • School Assignment: Public school assignments are based on zoning in Hillsborough County. You can confirm which schools serve a specific address using the district’s school locator tool at HillsboroughSchools.org.
   • Distance Consideration: Since Kings Point is in a retirement community, schools are not directly within the neighborhood. Most families in the broader Sun City Center/Ruskin area will need to drive or use school bus services.
   • Higher-Rated Options: If seeking higher-rated schools, some families look toward Riverview (10-15 miles away), where schools like Newsome High School (rated 9/10) are located, though this may require special enrollment or magnet programs.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Check for updated zoning, bus routes, and school performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: For detailed reviews and ratings.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially for private and charter options.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides state-level data on school performance and accountability.

   If you have a specific address within Kings Point or Sun City Center, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools for a particular grade level or with specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted, etc.), let me know, and I can tailor the information further!