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

Sun City Center, FL, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, and the specific community of Nantucket within Sun City Center falls under the ZIP code 33573. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Since Sun City Center is primarily a 55+ community, schools in the area often serve nearby families in surrounding neighborhoods like Ruskin, Apollo Beach, and Wimauma. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from Nantucket in Sun City Center.

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

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Ratings are often based on test scores, graduation rates, and other performance metrics from GreatSchools.org (rated out of 10) and the Florida Department of Education’s school grades (A-F scale for 2022-2023, where available).

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Nantucket, Sun City Center
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational education. It has programs for student support and extracurricular activities, though test scores are around or slightly below state averages in reading and math.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: Shields Middle School has faced challenges with academic performance, with test scores below the district average. However, it offers various elective courses and after-school programs to support student engagement.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Lennard High School offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. Graduation rates are close to the state average, and the school has made improvements in recent years, earning a B grade from the state.

4. Doby Elementary School

   • Address: 6720 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Located slightly farther away in Apollo Beach, Doby Elementary is known for stronger academic performance compared to some closer schools, with higher proficiency rates in math and reading.

5. Eisenhower Middle School

   • Address: 7620 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: This middle school serves a larger area and offers various academic and extracurricular options, though it struggles with consistent academic performance compared to state averages.

6. East Bay High School

   • Address: 7710 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: East Bay High School provides a comprehensive high school experience with AP courses, sports, and clubs. It has a decent graduation rate and a focus on college and career readiness.

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

   Private school options are more limited in the immediate vicinity of Sun City Center, as the area is less densely populated with families. However, there are a few options within a 10-15 mile radius.

7. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews on Niche are generally positive (around 4/5)
   • Details: A small, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with a focus on individualized attention. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools, and the school emphasizes moral and academic development.

8. SouthShore Montessori School

   • Address: 7030 Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, FL 33534
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: PK-3
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; limited reviews suggest a positive environment
   • Details: This school follows the Montessori method, focusing on hands-on, child-led learning for younger students. It’s a smaller institution with a nurturing approach.

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

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. There are a few options nearby.

9. SouthShore Charter Academy

   • Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Nantucket
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes a rigorous curriculum with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). It has shown consistent academic performance above some local public schools.

10. Winthrop Charter School

    • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
    • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Nantucket
    • Grade Levels: K-8
    • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
    • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
    • Details: Located a bit farther away, Winthrop Charter is highly regarded for its academic excellence and structured environment. It often has a waiting list due to high demand.

    Additional Notes

    • School Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Florida School Grades are based on standardized test scores, student progress, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect the quality of education or specific programs that might suit a child’s needs. Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
    • Transportation: Since Sun City Center is a retirement community, many families with school-aged children live in nearby areas like Ruskin or Apollo Beach. Hillsborough County Public Schools provide bus services based on zoning, but distances and routes should be confirmed with the district.
    • School Choice: Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area, including magnet programs and charters, if space is available.

    If you’re looking for specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or extracurriculars), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Additionally, if you have a specific address within Nantucket, I can refine the distance estimates. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend checking the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) or contacting schools directly for enrollment details and current performance data.