Local Schools Near Kensington Park, Sarasota, 34235

Kensington Park is a community in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34235. This area is part of Sarasota County, and families in this community have access to several public and private schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Kensington Park, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Kensington Park, as this is a typical range for school assignments and commuting. Schools are generally categorized into elementary, middle, and high schools, and I’ll include both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near Kensington Park, Sarasota, FL 34235

Public schools in this area are managed by the Sarasota County School District, which is known for having a strong reputation in Florida. The district often assigns schools based on zoning, so it’s important to confirm with the Sarasota County School District (https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/) for exact boundaries and enrollment eligibility.

Elementary Schools

1. Gocio Elementary School

   • Address: 3450 Gocio Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
   • Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Gocio Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. It has programs for student support and enrichment. Parent reviews often mention the caring staff but note areas for improvement in facilities and academic performance.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Emma E. Booker Elementary School

   • Address: 2350 Dr Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 3/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Overview: This school serves a significant number of economically disadvantaged students and has initiatives to support academic growth. Test scores are below the state average, but the school is working on improvement plans.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Additional Info: Part of community outreach programs to support families.

   Middle Schools

   1. Booker Middle School
   2. Address: 2250 Myrtle St, Sarasota, FL 34234
   3. Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 on GreatSchools.org
   6. Overview: Booker Middle offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including arts and technology. It has a focus on preparing students for high school, though test scores are slightly below average.
   7. Enrollment: Around 800 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its visual and performing arts programs.

   High Schools

   1. Booker High School
   2. Address: 3201 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
   3. Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 3-5 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org
   6. Overview: Booker High is known for its Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program, which attracts students interested in creative fields. It also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. Graduation rates are near the state average.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   8. Additional Info: Strong extracurricular offerings, including sports and clubs.

3. Riverview High School

   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Overview: Riverview High is one of the higher-rated public high schools in the area, offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, AP courses, and a strong athletic program. Test scores and college readiness metrics are above average.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   • Additional Info: Known for academic rigor and a competitive environment.

   Private Schools Near Kensington Park, Sarasota, FL 34235

   Private schools offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Tuition costs vary widely, and many require an application process.

4. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in parent reviews on Niche (A- rating)
   • Overview: This school follows a classical education model, emphasizing liberal arts, critical thinking, and character development. It’s a charter-like private school with a rigorous curriculum.
   • Enrollment: Around 300 students
   • Additional Info: Tuition assistance may be available; strong focus on traditional values.

5. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 on Niche (based on parent and student reviews)
   • Overview: A Catholic college-preparatory school with a focus on faith-based education, academics, and extracurriculars. Known for strong community involvement and college placement.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Additional Info: Tuition is approximately $12,000-$15,000 per year; financial aid available.

6. St. Martha Catholic School

   • Address: 4380 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with an emphasis on academic excellence and moral development.
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students
   • Additional Info: Tuition varies by grade; offers after-school programs.

   Charter Schools Near Kensington Park, Sarasota, FL 34235

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools, often focusing on specific educational approaches.

7. Sarasota Academy of the Arts

   • Address: 4466 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Kensington Park: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Overview: This charter school integrates arts into its curriculum, offering students opportunities in music, dance, and visual arts alongside core academics.
   • Enrollment: Around 300 students
   • Additional Info: Free to attend, but enrollment may require a lottery system.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, specific programs, or fit for an individual child.
   • Zoning and Enrollment: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Use the Sarasota County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve Kensington Park addresses.
   • Visiting Schools: I strongly recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities, meet staff, and understand the environment.
   • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, Booker High’s VPA program and Riverview’s IB program are notable.
   • Transportation: Sarasota County provides bus services for public school students within certain zones, but private and charter schools may require private transportation.

   Conclusion

   The Kensington Park area in Sarasota, FL (34235), has access to a variety of educational options, including public schools like Gocio Elementary and Booker High, private institutions like Cardinal Mooney, and charter schools like Sarasota Academy of the Arts. Ratings range from 3/10 to 8/10 depending on the school and source, with Riverview High and Cardinal Mooney standing out for higher academic performance and specialized programs. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the Sarasota County School District or individual schools directly, and consider your child’s specific needs when making a decision.

   If you’d like more detailed information on a specific school, program, or assistance with contacting the district, let me know! I can also help research additional schools or provide insights into specific aspects like extracurriculars or special education services.