Local Schools Near Mira Lago, Sarasota, 34238

The community of Mira Lago is located in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34238, which falls within the Sarasota County School District. This area is known for its family-friendly environment and access to quality education. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Mira Lago, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org (ratings out of 10) and other publicly available information. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like parent reviews. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend visiting the schools or checking the latest data for the most current information.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the Mira Lago community, located near Palmer Ranch in southern Sarasota. The schools are categorized by level (elementary, middle, high), and I’ve included both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near Mira Lago, Sarasota, FL 34238

Elementary Schools

1. Ashton Elementary School

   • Address: 5110 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Distance from Mira Lago: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Ashton Elementary is a highly regarded public school serving grades K-5. It is known for strong academic performance, a supportive environment, and active parent involvement. The school often scores above the state average on standardized tests.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Programs: Offers gifted programs, after-school care, and extracurricular activities.

2. Gulf Gate Elementary School

   • Address: 6500 S Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance from Mira Lago: Approximately 5 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serving grades K-5, Gulf Gate Elementary is another solid option in the area with a focus on student growth and community engagement. It has a diverse student body and offers various support programs.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Programs: Includes special education services and extracurricular options.

   Middle Schools

   1. Sarasota Middle School
   2. Address: 4826 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   3. Distance from Mira Lago: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This public school serves grades 6-8 and is one of the top-rated middle schools in the area. It offers advanced academic programs, including pre-AP courses, and has a strong reputation for preparing students for high school.
   6. Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   7. Programs: Includes a variety of sports, clubs, and arts programs.

   High Schools

   1. Riverview High School
   2. Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   3. Distance from Mira Lago: Approximately 6-7 miles
   4. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Riverview High School serves grades 9-12 and is known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, strong athletics, and performing arts. It’s one of the larger high schools in Sarasota County with a diverse student population.
   6. Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   7. Programs: Offers AP and IB courses, career and technical education, and numerous extracurriculars.

   Private Schools Near Mira Lago, Sarasota, FL 34238

   1. The Out-of-Door Academy (Lower School and Upper School)
   2. Address (Lower School): 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242 (about 8 miles)
   3. Address (Upper School): 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (about 10 miles)
   4. Distance from Mira Lago: 8-10 miles
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community
   6. Details: This prestigious private school serves grades PK-12 across two campuses. It emphasizes college preparatory education, small class sizes, and a well-rounded curriculum including arts and athletics.
   7. Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$20,000 per year (varies by grade)
   8. Enrollment: Around 700 students total

3. NewGate School

   • Address: 5237 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Distance from Mira Lago: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but known for its Montessori approach
   • Details: NewGate offers a Montessori-based education for students from preschool through high school. It focuses on individualized learning and global education, including international programs.
   • Tuition: Varies by program, generally $10,000-$15,000 per year
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students

   Charter Schools Near Mira Lago, Sarasota, FL 34238

   1. Imagine School at Palmer Ranch
   2. Address: 6220 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   3. Distance from Mira Lago: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This public charter school serves grades PK-8 and emphasizes character education alongside academics. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   6. Enrollment: Around 600 students
   7. Programs: Focuses on project-based learning and community involvement.

   Additional Notes on School Zoning and Selection

   • Zoning: Public school assignments in Sarasota County are based on residential address. Mira Lago residents are typically zoned for Ashton Elementary, Sarasota Middle, and Riverview High, but zoning can change, so it’s best to confirm with the Sarasota County School District (website: www.sarasotacountyschools.net) or by calling their office at (941) 927-9000.
   • School Choice: Sarasota County offers a school choice program, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. This includes magnet programs and charter schools.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they may not fully reflect a school’s culture or specific strengths. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with other parents can provide deeper insight.

   Conclusion

   The Mira Lago community in Sarasota, FL (34238) is surrounded by several high-quality educational options, particularly in the public school sector, with schools like Ashton Elementary and Sarasota Middle earning top ratings. Private and charter schools like The Out-of-Door Academy and Imagine School at Palmer Ranch provide additional choices for families seeking alternative educational approaches. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on school performance, zoning, or enrollment, I recommend contacting the Sarasota County School District or visiting the schools directly.

   If you’d like more specific details about a particular school, program, or assistance with contacting the district, let me know! I can also help with information on extracurricular activities, special needs programs, or other educational resources in the area.