School Choices Detailed and Rated Preserve at La Paloma, Sun City Center, 33573

The community of Preserve at La Paloma is located in Sun City Center, FL, within the 33573 ZIP code. This area falls under Hillsborough County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the residents of this community. Below, I’ll provide a list of available schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) near Preserve at La Paloma, along with their ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org, a widely used resource for school information. Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. I’ll also include some additional context about the schools and their proximity to the community. Note that ratings and data are subject to change, so I recommend checking the most current information on GreatSchools.org or the Hillsborough County Public Schools website.

Overview of the Area

Sun City Center is a retirement and family-friendly community in southern Hillsborough County, located near Tampa. The Preserve at La Paloma is a specific neighborhood within Sun City Center, and schools in this area are managed by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest in Florida. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the 33573 ZIP code, though exact assignments can vary depending on specific addresses within the community. Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools.

Elementary Schools

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Location: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Distance from Preserve at La Paloma: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Details: Cypress Creek Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. The school offers various programs, including support for English Language Learners (ELL) and special education services. Parent reviews often mention the caring staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies by year)
   • Additional Info: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for specific zoning and bus routes.

2. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Location: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Preserve at La Paloma: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary is another option for families in the broader Sun City Center area. The school has a focus on community involvement and offers after-school programs. However, test scores are below the state average, and some reviews mention challenges with resources.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: This school may serve as an alternative depending on zoning boundaries.

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Location: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance from Preserve at La Paloma: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   6. Details: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, but academic performance is below the state average based on standardized test scores. Parent feedback varies, with some appreciating the teachers and others citing concerns about discipline and overcrowding.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,400 students
   8. Additional Info: Middle school zoning can overlap with other nearby schools, so confirm with the district.

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Location: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance from Preserve at La Paloma: Approximately 5-6 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   6. Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school serving the Sun City Center and Ruskin areas. It offers a variety of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE), and extracurriculars like band and athletics. Graduation rates are close to the state average, but test scores in math and reading lag behind. Reviews highlight a supportive staff but mention challenges with facilities and class sizes.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,500-3,000 students
   8. Additional Info: Lennard High has a notable agricultural program, reflecting the area’s history.

   Private and Charter School Options

   In addition to public schools, there are private and charter options near Sun City Center for families seeking alternatives. Here are a couple of notable ones:

3. SouthShore Charter Academy

   • Location: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Preserve at La Paloma: Approximately 5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Details: This charter school offers a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on personalized learning and STEM education. It has smaller class sizes compared to nearby public schools, and parent reviews often praise the curriculum and teacher involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Admission is lottery-based if demand exceeds capacity.

4. Ruskin Christian School

   • Location: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Preserve at La Paloma: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack standardized ratings)
   • Details: This private, faith-based school provides a Christian education with a focus on academic and spiritual development. Tuition costs apply, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools. Reviews from parents often highlight the close-knit community and individualized attention.
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students
   • Additional Info: Contact the school directly for tuition rates and admission requirements.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on factors like test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity. However, they don’t capture every aspect of a school’s quality, such as teacher dedication or specific programs. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide a better sense of fit for your family.
   • School Zoning: The Hillsborough County Public Schools district assigns students based on residential address. Use the district’s School Locator tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve your specific address within Preserve at La Paloma.
   • Transportation: Public school students in the area may qualify for bus services depending on distance from the school. Check with the district for bus stop locations and schedules.
   • School Choice Programs: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area. Application periods and lotteries apply, so plan ahead if interested.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Visit www.hillsboroughschools.org for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search for updated ratings, parent reviews, and detailed performance data for each school.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open house events to see facilities and meet staff.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards and accountability data at www.fldoe.org for state-level insights.

   If you have a specific address within Preserve at La Paloma or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, extracurricular preferences), I can help narrow down the options further. Let me know if you’d like more details on a particular school or program!