Local Schools Near Paradise Shores, Sarasota, 34239

Paradise Shores is a community located in Sarasota, FL, with the ZIP code 34239. This area is near the heart of Sarasota, close to popular destinations like Siesta Key and downtown Sarasota. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or the Sarasota County School District.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the 34239 ZIP code, as this covers most schools that residents of Paradise Shores would likely consider. The schools are categorized by level (elementary, middle, high) and include both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near Paradise Shores, Sarasota, FL (34239)

Public schools in this area are part of the Sarasota County School District, which is generally well-regarded in Florida for its academic performance and extracurricular offerings.

Elementary Schools

1. Southside Elementary School

   • Address: 1901 Webber St, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Paradise Shores
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Southside Elementary is one of the top-rated elementary schools in Sarasota. It serves grades K-5 and is known for strong academic programs, a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and a supportive community environment. It often receives high marks for test scores and student progress.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Notable Features: Offers gifted programs and extracurricular activities.

2. Alta Vista Elementary School

   • Address: 1050 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Paradise Shores
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Alta Vista serves grades K-5 and has a diverse student body. It focuses on individualized learning and has programs to support English Language Learners (ELL).
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Notable Features: Strong community involvement and after-school programs.

3. Phillippi Shores Elementary School

   • Address: 4747 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Paradise Shores
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This K-5 school is known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, which emphasizes global learning and critical thinking.
   • Enrollment: Around 750 students
   • Notable Features: IB curriculum and environmental education programs.

   Middle Schools

   1. Brookside Middle School
   2. Address: 3636 S Shade Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Paradise Shores
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Brookside serves grades 6-8 and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced courses and sports.
   6. Enrollment: Around 800 students
   7. Notable Features: Focus on technology integration and student leadership programs.

4. Sarasota Middle School

   • Address: 4826 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Paradise Shores
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves grades 6-8 and is highly rated for its academic rigor, including gifted and honors programs. It also has a strong arts and athletics program.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   • Notable Features: Award-winning band and chorus programs.

   High Schools

   1. Sarasota High School
   2. Address: 1000 S School Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Paradise Shores
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Sarasota High serves grades 9-12 and is one of the larger high schools in the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a strong arts program.
   6. Enrollment: Around 2,000 students
   7. Notable Features: Home to the MaST Research Institute for STEM-focused students.

5. Riverview High School

   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Paradise Shores
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Riverview High serves grades 9-12 and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, along with AP courses and a variety of extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   • Notable Features: Strong performing arts and athletics programs.

   Private Schools Near Paradise Shores, Sarasota, FL (34239)

   For families seeking private education, Sarasota has several well-regarded options near the 34239 area. Private school ratings are less standardized than public schools but are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and reputation.

6. Out-of-Door Academy (Lower School and Upper School)

   • Address (Lower School): 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242 (Siesta Key Campus, about 3-4 miles)
   • Address (Upper School): 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (Lakewood Ranch Campus, about 10 miles)
   • Grades: Pre-K through 12
   • Rating: Highly regarded (often rated 4.5/5 on platforms like Niche.com)
   • Details: A prestigious independent school with a focus on college preparatory education, arts, and athletics. The Lower School is closer to Paradise Shores on Siesta Key.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$25,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes, extensive extracurriculars, and strong college placement.

7. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Paradise Shores
   • Grades: Pre-K through 12
   • Rating: Well-reviewed by parents (4/5 on Niche.com)
   • Details: A charter school with a classical education model focusing on liberal arts, critical thinking, and character development.
   • Tuition: Free (as a charter school)
   • Notable Features: Emphasis on classical literature and history.

8. Incarnation Catholic School

   • Address: 2911 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Paradise Shores
   • Grades: Pre-K through 8
   • Rating: Positive parent feedback (around 4/5 on various platforms)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Catholic education with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth.
   • Tuition: Approximately $7,000–$9,000 per year
   • Notable Features: Strong community involvement and religious education.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments are based on residential zoning. To confirm which schools your address is zoned for, you can use the Sarasota County School District’s school locator tool on their website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net).
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Sarasota County has several charter and magnet schools with specialized programs (e.g., arts, STEM). Some, like Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences (middle school, rated 8/10), may be accessible with an application process.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar sites are useful but not definitive. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Many public schools offer bus services within their zones, while private schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.

   Conclusion

   The Paradise Shores community in Sarasota, FL (34239), is surrounded by a variety of high-quality educational options. Public schools like Southside Elementary, Sarasota Middle, and Riverview High stand out for their strong ratings and programs. Private schools such as Out-of-Door Academy and Incarnation Catholic School offer alternative paths with personalized attention and specialized curricula. I recommend exploring these schools further by visiting their websites, scheduling tours, or contacting the Sarasota County School District for the most up-to-date zoning and enrollment information.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, a focus on arts or sports), or if you’d like more details about a particular school, let me know, and I can dig deeper!