Local Schools Near Park Forest, Englewood, 34223

Park Forest is a community located in Englewood, FL, within the ZIP code 34223. Englewood spans both Sarasota and Charlotte Counties, and the schools serving this area are primarily under the Sarasota County School District, with some overlap into Charlotte County Public Schools depending on exact boundaries. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Park Forest community, 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. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the Park Forest community in Englewood, FL 34223. Distances are approximate and based on typical driving routes.

Public Schools Near Park Forest, Englewood, FL 34223

Public schools in this area are primarily managed by the Sarasota County School District. Here are the schools zoned for or near the Park Forest community:

1. Englewood Elementary School

   • Address: 150 N McCall Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school serving the Englewood area. It has a focus on foundational education and offers various programs to support student development. Parent reviews often highlight the community feel and teacher dedication, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students (varies yearly)
   • Contact: (941) 474-3247

2. L.A. Ainger Middle School

   • Address: 245 Cougar Way, Rotonda West, FL 33947
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in nearby Rotonda West, this middle school serves students from Englewood and surrounding areas in Charlotte County. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. Test scores are above average for the state in several subjects.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students
   • Contact: (941) 697-5800
   • Note: Some parts of Englewood may fall into Sarasota County’s middle school zoning, such as Venice Middle School (see below), depending on the exact address. Check with the district for confirmation.

3. Venice Middle School (Alternative for some areas)

   • Address: 1900 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34292
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: For families on the northern edge of Englewood in Sarasota County, Venice Middle School may be the assigned school. It has strong academic performance and a variety of extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Contact: (941) 486-2100

4. Lemon Bay High School

   • Address: 2201 Placida Rd, Englewood, FL 34224
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating (Florida Department of Education, 2022-2023)
   • Details: This is the primary high school serving the Englewood area. Lemon Bay High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong athletics program. It has a good reputation for preparing students for college and careers, with graduation rates typically above the state average.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,300 students
   • Contact: (941) 474-7702

5. Venice Senior High School (Alternative for some areas)

   • Address: 1 Indian Ave, Venice, FL 34285
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A rating (Florida Department of Education, 2022-2023)
   • Details: For students in the northern part of Englewood under Sarasota County zoning, Venice High may be the assigned school. It is highly rated for academic performance, college readiness, and extracurricular opportunities.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,000 students
   • Contact: (941) 488-5956

   Private Schools Near Park Forest, Englewood, FL 34223

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Here are some notable private schools in or near Englewood:

6. Heritage Christian Academy

   • Address: 75 Pine St, Englewood, FL 34223
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; parent reviews on Niche give it positive feedback for small class sizes and faith-based education (approx. 4/5 stars)
   • Details: A Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on individualized attention. It serves a small student body and includes both elementary and secondary education.
   • Enrollment: Around 100-150 students
   • Contact: (941) 474-5884
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (often $5,000-$8,000/year depending on grade level)

7. Venice Christian School (Nearby Option)

   • Address: 1200 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34292
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 10 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Positive parent feedback on Niche (approx. 4/5 stars); limited data on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: Another faith-based option, this school provides a Christian education with a focus on academics and character development. It serves families in the broader Venice and Englewood areas.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students
   • Contact: (941) 496-4411
   • Tuition: Approx. $6,000-$10,000/year (contact for exact figures)

   Charter Schools Near Park Forest, Englewood, FL 34223

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Options are limited directly in Englewood, but nearby charter schools include:

8. Sky Academy Englewood

   • Address: 871 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
   • Distance from Park Forest: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school focused on a fitness and wellness curriculum alongside academics. It’s part of the YMCA partnership and emphasizes healthy lifestyles. Admission is often lottery-based.
   • Enrollment: Around 300-400 students
   • Contact: (941) 999-4775

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which aggregate test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. The Florida Department of Education also assigns letter grades (A-F) to public schools based on performance data, which I’ve included where available. Keep in mind that ratings are just one factor; visiting schools and speaking with staff or other parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on exact street addresses within Park Forest. Since Englewood straddles Sarasota and Charlotte Counties, some families may be zoned for different schools (e.g., Charlotte County schools like L.A. Ainger Middle vs. Sarasota County schools like Venice Middle). Use the Sarasota County School District’s “School Locator” tool (available on their website, www.sarasotacountyschools.net) or contact the district at (941) 927-9000 to confirm zoning. For Charlotte County, check www.yourcharlotteschools.net or call (941) 255-0808.
   • School Choice: Both Sarasota and Charlotte Counties offer school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Charter schools and magnet programs may also be options.
   • Transportation: Public school bus services are available based on zoning and distance from the school (typically provided if students live more than 2 miles away). Private and charter schools may not offer transportation or may charge for it.

   Conclusion

   The Park Forest community in Englewood, FL 34223, has access to a variety of educational options, including well-rated public schools like Lemon Bay High School and Venice Senior High School, as well as private and charter alternatives. Englewood Elementary and L.A. Ainger Middle School are the