School Choices Detailed and Rated Mayfield Palms, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, with the ZIP code 33573, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, south of Tampa. The community of Mayfield Palms is likely a specific neighborhood or subdivision within Sun City Center. Since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, schools in the area may not be directly within the immediate vicinity of Mayfield Palms, as the community is not typically focused on families with school-aged children. However, there are schools in the surrounding areas that serve nearby neighborhoods.

Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Sun City Center, FL (ZIP 33573), including 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 school assignments can vary based on exact address, so it’s recommended to confirm zoning with the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Distances are approximate from the general Sun City Center area.

Public Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) serves the area. 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, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves elementary students in the Ruskin/Sun City Center area. It has a focus on foundational education with moderate performance in state assessments.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves the Ruskin area and has faced challenges with test scores, though it offers various programs to support student growth.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the area, offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs. It has average performance in state metrics.

   Charter Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have different enrollment processes (e.g., lotteries).

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 serves students in the greater South Shore area.

5. Waterset Charter School

   • Address: 6540 Knowledge Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in the Waterset community, this charter school emphasizes a well-rounded curriculum and has slightly above-average ratings.

   Private Schools Near Sun City Center, FL (33573)

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies.

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 vary based on parent feedback
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian education with smaller class sizes. Contact the school for enrollment and tuition information.

7. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 7030 Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: PK-3
   • Rating: Not widely rated; Montessori schools focus on individualized learning
   • Details: This school follows the Montessori method, emphasizing hands-on, self-directed learning for younger children.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Since Mayfield Palms is within Sun City Center, a 55+ community, residents may not have school-aged children, and zoning may not apply directly. However, for nearby families or those considering the area, the Hillsborough County School District’s website (hcps.net) offers a school locator tool to confirm assignments based on a specific address.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on available data as of my last update (October 2023) and may change. They reflect test scores, equity, and other metrics but may not capture the full experience of a school. Visiting schools or reading parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com can provide additional insight.
   • Transportation: Public school students in Hillsborough County may qualify for bus services depending on distance from the school. Charter and private schools often have different transportation policies.
   • Higher Education: For post-secondary options, the nearest community college is Hillsborough Community College (HCC) SouthShore Campus in Ruskin, about 5-6 miles away, offering associate degrees and workforce training.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools: Visit hcps.net or call (813) 272-4000 to confirm school zoning and enrollment processes.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: Check for updated ratings, reviews, and detailed school profiles.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to arrange visits or attend open houses if you’re considering enrollment.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access state report cards for detailed performance data on public and charter schools.

   If you have a specific address within Mayfield Palms or additional details (e.g., grade level of interest), I can refine the search further. Let me know if you'd like more information on a particular school or type of education!