School Choices Detailed and Rated Lancaster, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the ZIP code 33573 covers this area, including the Lancaster neighborhood or nearby regions. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their 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 Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, so schools in the area may cater more to surrounding family-oriented neighborhoods. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from Sun City Center, FL 33573.

Public Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves elementary students in the Ruskin/Sun City Center area. It has a focus on core academics and offers programs for student support. Parent reviews often mention a caring staff but note occasional concerns about class sizes.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves the local middle school population. It has received mixed reviews, with some concerns about academic performance and discipline, though it offers extracurricular activities and support programs.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the area. It offers a range of academic and vocational programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Reviews highlight a diverse student body but note challenges with student engagement and test scores.

   Charter Schools Near 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. 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 Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a smaller school with a niche focus, which may appeal to students interested in sports-related careers.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly farther away in Riverview, this charter school has a stronger academic reputation compared to some local public schools. It emphasizes a structured curriculum and has positive parent feedback regarding teacher involvement.

   Private Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Private schools in the area are less numerous, as Sun City Center is a smaller community. However, there are a few options within a reasonable distance:

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews are limited but generally positive from parents on niche.com (around 4/5 stars)
   • Details: This is a faith-based school offering a Christian education with a focus on small class sizes and individualized attention. Tuition information is available directly from the school, typically ranging from $5,000-$8,000 per year depending on grade level.

7. St. Stephen Catholic School

   • Address: 10424 St Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in local reviews (4.5/5 on niche.com)
   • Details: A Catholic school providing a faith-based education with an emphasis on academics and community. Tuition is typically in the $6,000-$9,000 range annually, with discounts for parishioners.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., teacher quality, extracurriculars, or specific student needs). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Demographics: Sun City Center itself has fewer families due to its retirement focus, so many schools are located in nearby Ruskin, Apollo Beach, or Riverview, where family populations are higher.
   • Transportation: Hillsborough County Public Schools provide bus services based on zoning, but charter and private schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • School Choice: Florida offers school choice programs, including vouchers for private schools (e.g., Step Up For Students) and open enrollment for public and charter schools, subject to availability.

   How to Research Further

   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings, reviews, and test score data.
   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website (hcpsweb.hillsborough.k12.fl.us): For zoning maps, bus routes, and enrollment information.
   • Florida Department of Education: For detailed school performance reports.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter schools.

   If you’re looking for specific information about a particular school, grade level, or program (e.g., special education, gifted programs), let me know, and I can dig deeper. Additionally, if you have a specific address within the Lancaster community or elsewhere in Sun City Center, I can refine the distance calculations or zoning details.