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

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the Lyndhurst area within or near Sun City Center falls under the ZIP code 33573. 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, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, schools in the area may cater more to families living in nearby neighborhoods or surrounding areas like Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and Wimauma.

Public Schools Near Lyndhurst, Sun City Center, FL (ZIP 33573)

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below are some of the closest schools, along with their ratings and approximate distance from central Sun City Center (near Lyndhurst). Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10 from GreatSchools.org unless otherwise noted, and I’ve included additional context where available.

Elementary Schools

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Sun City Center/Lyndhurst area
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-5. This school has a diverse student body and focuses on foundational skills. Test scores are near the state average, with some areas for improvement in math and reading proficiency.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and has a focus on community involvement.

2. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Lyndhurst/Sun City Center
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. This school has a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and test scores are slightly below the state average.
   • Student Population: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: Provides pre-kindergarten programs and support services for English language learners.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lyndhurst/Sun City Center
   4. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serves grades 6-8. This school struggles with test scores compared to the state average, particularly in math and reading proficiency. However, it offers extracurricular activities and support programs.
   6. Student Population: Around 1,200 students
   7. Additional Info: Focuses on preparing students for high school with various elective courses.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Lyndhurst/Sun City Center
   4. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serves grades 9-12. Lennard High School has a graduation rate of around 85%, slightly below the state average. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs.
   6. Student Population: Around 2,500 students
   7. Additional Info: Known for its agricultural and veterinary science programs, reflecting the area’s rural roots.

   Private Schools Near Lyndhurst, Sun City Center, FL (ZIP 33573)

   Private school options are limited directly within Sun City Center due to its demographic focus, but there are a few nearby in Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and surrounding areas.

3. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Lyndhurst/Sun City Center
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche give it a B- overall
   • Details: Serves grades PK-12. This is a faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.
   • Student Population: Around 200 students
   • Additional Info: Emphasizes biblical teachings alongside academics and offers extracurricular activities like sports.

4. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 405 6th St SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lyndhurst/Sun City Center
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent reviews on local forums
   • Details: Serves preschool and early elementary grades with a Montessori approach, focusing on individualized learning.
   • Student Population: Small, under 100 students
   • Additional Info: Ideal for parents seeking alternative education methods.

   Charter Schools Near Lyndhurst, Sun City Center, FL (ZIP 33573)

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

5. SouthShore Charter Academy

   • Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from Lyndhurst/Sun City Center
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-8. This school focuses on a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Test scores are slightly above the district average.
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Offers a lottery-based enrollment system, as with most charter schools.

6. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Lyndhurst/Sun City Center
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-8. Known for strong academic performance and a structured environment. Test scores are consistently above state averages.
   • Student Population: Around 1,300 students
   • Additional Info: Highly sought after, with a waitlist for enrollment.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are useful but not definitive. They often prioritize test scores, which may not reflect the full quality of a school, especially in diverse or economically challenged areas. Visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and reviewing parent feedback on platforms like Niche can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Boundaries: Since Sun City Center is a retirement community, many families with school-aged children live in adjacent areas like Ruskin or Apollo Beach. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) to confirm zoning and bus routes for specific addresses near Lyndhurst.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically offer bus services within their zones, but private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Demographics: Schools in this area often serve a diverse population, with a significant number of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch programs, which can impact test scores and resources.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Use the school locator tool at hcps.net to find exact zoning for an address in or near Lyndhurst, Sun City Center.
   • GreatSchools.org: Offers detailed breakdowns of test scores, demographics, and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Provides user reviews and additional rankings for public, private, and charter schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at fldoe.org for state-level data on performance and accountability.

   If you have a specific address within Lyndhurst or Sun City Center, I can help narrow down the zoned schools further. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or extracurriculars), let me know, and I can provide more targeted information.