School Choices Detailed and Rated Little Harbor, Ruskin, 33570

The community of Little Harbor in Ruskin, FL (ZIP code 33570) is located in Hillsborough County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including public and private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 using factors such as test scores, student progress, and equity data. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from Little Harbor, Ruskin, FL.

Public Schools Near Little Harbor, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to Little Harbor, based on zoning and proximity:

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance from Little Harbor: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on early education. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student progress. The school offers various programs to support student development, including after-school care. Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for zoning details to confirm if Little Harbor falls within its attendance boundary.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Type: Public (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance from Little Harbor: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Ruskin area. The rating indicates below-average performance in academic metrics. The school offers extracurricular activities and support programs. Zoning maps on the district website can confirm if this is the assigned middle school for Little Harbor residents.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance from Little Harbor: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers a range of academic and vocational programs, as well as sports and clubs. The rating reflects moderate performance in test scores and college readiness metrics.

   Charter Schools Near Little Harbor, Ruskin, FL

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.

4. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7110 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Type: Charter (Grades 6-12)
   • Distance from Little Harbor: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated due to newer status; check Niche.com for reviews
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management, offering a unique curriculum for students interested in athletics and related careers. Contact the school for enrollment availability.

   Private Schools Near Little Harbor, Ruskin, FL

   Private schools often require tuition and may have specific admission requirements. Here are some options within a reasonable distance:

5. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 W College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Distance from Little Harbor: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche.com are generally positive
   • Details: This faith-based school offers a Christian education with a focus on academic and spiritual development. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools. Contact the school for tuition and enrollment information.

6. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: 5151 S US Hwy 301, Tampa, FL 33610 (serving nearby areas)
   • Type: Private (Special Needs Focus, Grades K-12)
   • Distance from Little Harbor: Approximately 15-20 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; specialized focus
   • Details: This school caters to students with autism and other special needs, offering tailored education plans. It may be an option for families seeking specialized support.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, equity, and sometimes college readiness. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, reading parent reviews on sites like Niche.com, and checking Florida Department of Education report cards can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Little Harbor. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve your specific location.
   • Transportation: Little Harbor’s proximity to US-41 and I-75 makes commuting to schools outside immediate Ruskin feasible, though bus services for public schools are typically limited to zoned areas.
   • Future Developments: Ruskin is a growing area, and new schools or charter options may emerge. Check with the Hillsborough County School District for updates on school construction or rezoning.

   How to Research Further

   1. GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33570) for updated ratings and reviews.
   2. Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit www.hillsboroughschools.org for zoning maps, school choice options (e.g., magnet programs), and district performance data.
   3. Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards at www.fldoe.org for detailed academic and demographic data.
   4. Visit Schools: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter options.

   If you have a specific address within Little Harbor or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., STEM, arts, special needs), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, daycare options, or higher education institutions nearby, I’m happy to assist!