Local Schools Near Portsmith, Sun City Center, 33573

Sun City Center, FL, with the ZIP code 33573, is a retirement community located in Hillsborough County, south of Tampa. The area is primarily designed for active adults aged 55 and older, so there are fewer traditional K-12 schools directly within the immediate vicinity of Sun City Center compared to family-oriented neighborhoods. However, there are schools in nearby areas that serve families who may live in or around the broader Sun City Center region, including the community of Portsmith or surrounding neighborhoods.

Since "Portsmith" may be a misspelling or a specific subsection within Sun City Center (possibly intended as a reference to a neighborhood or street), I’ll assume you’re asking about schools near Sun City Center, FL 33573. If you meant a different specific location, please clarify.

Below is a list of schools near Sun City Center, FL 33573, along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, a widely used platform for school evaluations, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ve also included approximate distances from the center of Sun City Center.

Public Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

These schools are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, which serves the area.

1. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Sun City Center
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Details: This school serves elementary students in the Ruskin area, just north of Sun City Center. It has a focus on foundational education with moderate test scores and a diverse student population.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Sun City Center
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Details: Located in Ruskin, this middle school serves students in the surrounding communities. It has lower-than-average test scores but offers various programs to support student growth.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Sun City Center
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Details: This high school serves the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs but has test scores below the state average.

4. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from central Sun City Center
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Details: Another elementary option in Ruskin, this school serves a diverse population with a focus on early education.

   Private Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Private school options are limited directly in Sun City Center due to its demographic focus, but there are some nearby in Ruskin and surrounding areas.

5. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from central Sun City Center
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack public ratings)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering education from preschool through high school. It emphasizes Christian values alongside academics. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

   Charter Schools Near Sun City Center, FL 33573

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula.

6. SLAM Academy at Apollo Beach (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 5150 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from central Sun City Center
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated yet (newer school)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management, offering a unique curriculum for students interested in athletics and related careers.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes parent reviews. A rating of 5/10 is considered average, while below 5 indicates areas for improvement. Keep in mind that ratings don’t capture every aspect of a school, such as specific programs, teacher quality, or community fit.
   • Demographics: Sun City Center’s focus on retirees means that schools are generally located in adjacent communities like Ruskin and Apollo Beach, where younger families reside.
   • Transportation: Hillsborough County Public Schools provide bus services, but routes depend on zoning. Check the district’s website (hcps.net) for specific bus eligibility.
   • School Choice: Florida offers school choice programs, including magnet schools, charter schools, and vouchers for private schools. Families in the area can explore options beyond their zoned schools through the Hillsborough County School Choice program.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Visit hcps.net for zoning maps, school calendars, and application processes for choice programs.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33573) for updated ratings, reviews, and detailed school profiles.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access report cards and performance data for public schools at fldoe.org.
   • Visit Schools: If possible, schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.

   If you have children or specific grade levels in mind, or if you’re looking for schools in a slightly different area near Sun City Center, let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if "Portsmith" refers to a specific neighborhood or development, please provide more context, and I’ll adjust the information accordingly.