Local Schools Near Laurel Park, Sarasota, 34236

Laurel Park is a charming, historic neighborhood in downtown Sarasota, FL, within the 34236 ZIP code. This area is known for its proximity to cultural attractions, parks, and a vibrant urban lifestyle. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Laurel Park, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational resources. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or the Sarasota County School District.

Since Laurel Park is centrally located in downtown Sarasota, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles or less) and include elementary, middle, and high schools that serve this area. I’ll also note if the schools are zoned for Laurel Park or if they are charter, magnet, or private options.

Public Schools Near Laurel Park (Sarasota County School District)

1. Southside Elementary School

   • Address: 1901 Webber St, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Approximately 1.5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: Southside Elementary is a highly regarded public school with a focus on academic excellence and a strong community feel. It often serves students in the downtown Sarasota area, including parts of Laurel Park. The school has a reputation for strong test scores and offers various enrichment programs.
   • Zoning: Likely zoned for many Laurel Park residents (confirm with Sarasota County Schools for exact boundaries).

2. Brookside Middle School

   • Address: 3636 S Shade Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Approximately 2.5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Brookside Middle School serves students in the Sarasota area, including those transitioning from Southside Elementary. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, though its ratings are slightly lower due to varied student performance metrics.
   • Zoning: Likely zoned for Laurel Park students (confirm with the district).

3. Sarasota High School

   • Address: 2155 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Approximately 2 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Sarasota High School is a well-known public high school with a strong arts program (including the MaST Research Institute for STEM-focused students) and a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It serves much of the downtown Sarasota area.
   • Zoning: Likely zoned for Laurel Park (confirm with the district).

   Charter and Magnet Schools Near Laurel Park

4. Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences (Charter)

   • Address: 645 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Less than 1 mile
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school is very close to Laurel Park and focuses on integrating arts and sciences into its curriculum. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools, with strong academic performance. Admission is typically by lottery or application.

5. Sarasota Military Academy (Charter)

   • Address: 801 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Prep Campus for middle school); high school campus nearby
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12 (two campuses)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org for Prep Campus)
   • Details: This public charter school offers a military-style structure with a focus on leadership and discipline alongside academics. It’s an option for families in the downtown area, with admission often based on application or lottery.

   Private Schools Near Laurel Park

6. The Out-of-Door Academy (Lower School Campus)

   • Address: 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242 (Lower School); Upper School nearby
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12 (across campuses)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly regarded locally
   • Details: A prestigious private school with a focus on college preparatory education, arts, and athletics. Tuition is significant, but it’s a popular choice for families in Sarasota seeking a private education.

7. Westcoast School for Human Development

   • Address: 403 N Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Less than 1 mile
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; smaller private school
   • Details: A smaller Christian-based private school offering individualized attention. It’s very close to Laurel Park and may appeal to families seeking a faith-based education.

8. Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (Sarasota Jewish Day School)

   • Address: 1050 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
   • Distance from Laurel Park: Approximately 2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; well-regarded in the community
   • Details: A private Jewish day school offering a blend of secular and religious education. It serves families in the Sarasota area looking for a culturally specific curriculum.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within Laurel Park. You can confirm zoning by visiting the Sarasota County Schools website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net) and using their school locator tool or contacting the district office at (941) 927-9000.
   • Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, student growth, and other metrics, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., culture, extracurriculars). Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide a fuller picture.
   • Charter/Magnet: These schools often require applications or lotteries for admission, so plan ahead if interested.
   • Private Schools: Tuition costs vary widely, and many offer financial aid or scholarships. Contact schools directly for details.

   How to Research Further

   • Sarasota County Schools Website: For zoning, bus routes, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: For detailed reviews and updated ratings.
   • School Tours: Many schools offer tours or virtual open houses, especially during enrollment periods.
   • Florida Department of Education: For state-level data on school performance (www.fldoe.org).

   If you have a specific address in Laurel Park or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or specific extracurriculars), let me know, and I can refine the search further! Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools or daycare options in the area, I can include those as well.