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

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the ZIP code 33573 covers this area. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Manchester community in Sun City Center, FL, within or close to the 33573 ZIP code. Since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, schools in the immediate vicinity may be limited, and families often look to nearby areas for educational options. I’ll include public and private schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) and 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 ratings and school details may change, so I recommend verifying the latest information through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or other local resources.

Public Schools Near Manchester, Sun City Center, FL (33573)

The following schools are assigned to or near the Sun City Center area, based on zoning by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Since Sun City Center itself does not have many schools directly within the community (due to its demographic focus), these are located in nearby areas like Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and Wimauma.

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 students in the Sun City Center and Ruskin areas. It has a focus on foundational education with moderate test scores in math and reading compared to state averages. The student-teacher ratio is around 14:1, and the school has a diverse student population.

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 middle school population in the area. It has lower-than-average test scores compared to the state, with challenges in student progress. However, it offers various extracurricular activities and support programs. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 16:1.

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 serving students near Sun City Center. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a graduation rate of around 85%. Test scores are below the state average, but the school provides career and technical education options. The student-teacher ratio is about 18:1.

   Additional Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Farther but Relevant)

   If families are willing to consider schools a bit farther out (within 10 miles), the following options in Apollo Beach and Wimauma are also accessible:

4. Doby Elementary School (Apollo Beach)

   • Address: 6720 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A higher-rated elementary school with strong test scores in reading and math. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1 and is known for a supportive learning environment.

5. Eisenhower Middle School (Apollo Beach)

   • Address: 7620 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves students in the greater Apollo Beach and Gibsonton areas with average performance on state assessments. Offers various clubs and sports programs.

6. East Bay High School (Gibsonton)

   • Address: 7710 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A larger high school with a diverse student body and a range of academic and extracurricular offerings. Graduation rates are around 90%, with test scores near the state average.

   Private Schools Near Manchester, Sun City Center, FL (33573)

   Private school options are limited directly in Sun City Center, but there are a few within a 10-15 mile radius for families seeking alternatives to public education.

7. 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 on other platforms
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition and specific performance data should be obtained directly from the school. It emphasizes moral and academic development.

8. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 7030 Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: PK-3
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited data available
   • Details: Focuses on the Montessori method for early childhood education. Ideal for younger children, with an emphasis on individualized learning. Contact the school for enrollment and tuition details.

   Charter Schools Near Manchester, Sun City Center, FL (33573)

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

   1. SLAM Apollo (Sports Leadership and Management)
   2. Address: 5735 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 (temporary location; check for updates)
   3. Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Sun City Center
   4. Grade Levels: 6-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a unique option for students interested in athletics and related careers.

9. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance: Approximately 10 miles from Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with strong academic performance and a focus on college preparatory education. It has a rigorous application process due to high demand.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on residential addresses. You can confirm specific school zones for a property in Manchester, Sun City Center, by using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online at www.hillsboroughschools.org.
   • Transportation: Since Sun City Center is a retirement-focused community, school bus services may not operate directly within certain neighborhoods. Families should check with the school district for bus stop locations or consider private transportation.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., teacher quality, community involvement). Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Demographic Note: As Sun City Center is a 55+ community, families with school-aged children may need to reside in nearby areas like Ruskin or Apollo Beach to access schools more conveniently.

   If you have a specific address within Manchester, Sun City Center, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, after-school programs, or specific educational needs (e.g., special education), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. You can also explore the Florida Department of Education website or local community forums for the most up-to-date reviews and data.