School Choices Detailed and Rated River Bend, Ruskin, 33570

The community of River Bend in Ruskin, FL (ZIP code 33570) is located in Hillsborough County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby public and private schools, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates 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, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the River Bend community (based on a central point in the area) for reference.

Public Schools Near River Bend, Ruskin, FL 33570

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are the schools zoned for or near River Bend:

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public (K-5)
   • Distance from River Bend: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on foundational education. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student progress. Parents often note the school’s community involvement but mention concerns about class sizes and resources.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   • Type: Public (6-8)
   • Distance from River Bend: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area. The lower rating is often attributed to challenges in academic performance and student growth metrics. Reviews from parents vary, with some appreciating the staff’s efforts and others citing concerns about facilities and discipline.

3. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Distance from River Bend: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. The rating reflects moderate performance in college readiness and test scores. Parent feedback often highlights extracurricular opportunities but notes room for improvement in academic support.

   Charter and Magnet Schools Near River Bend

   Charter and magnet schools may also be options for families in the area, though enrollment often depends on lotteries or specific application processes.

4. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7110 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Type: Charter (6-12)
   • Distance from River Bend: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Details: SLAM Academy focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s an alternative to traditional public schools, but ratings indicate average performance. Reviews suggest it’s a good fit for students interested in sports-related careers.

   Private Schools Near River Bend

   Private schools in the area offer alternative education options, often with a religious or specialized focus. Here are a couple of notable ones:

5. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Private (PK-12)
   • Distance from River Bend: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche.com are generally positive.
   • Details: This faith-based school provides education from preschool through high school with a Christian curriculum. Tuition costs apply, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools. Parents often praise the close-knit community and moral focus.

6. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: Located in nearby Riverview, FL (specific address varies as it serves multiple locations)
   • Type: Private (Special Needs Focus, K-12)
   • Distance from River Bend: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; specialized reviews are positive for its niche.
   • Details: Livingstone Academy caters to students with autism and other special needs. It’s a bit farther from River Bend but serves families in the broader area. Feedback highlights individualized attention and supportive staff.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on factors like test scores, equity, and student progress. A rating below 5 often indicates below-average performance compared to state or national standards, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of teaching or fit for every child. Parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com can provide more nuanced insights.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on specific addresses within River Bend. You can confirm zoned schools using the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online (available at hcpsweb.hcps.net/schoollocator).
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students, while charter and private schools may have limited or no transportation options.
   • Other Options: Families in River Bend may also explore virtual schooling through Florida Virtual School (FLVS) or homeschooling programs, which are popular in the state.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hcps.org – Check for zoning, school choice programs, and updated performance data.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33570) for the latest ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed school profiles with user feedback and rankings.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides report cards for schools at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within River Bend, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re interested in a particular type of school (e.g., charter, private, or special programs), let me know, and I can dig deeper. Would you like more details on any of the schools listed or assistance with something else related to education in the area?