Rock Creek Park 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 location. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Rock Creek Park 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 on a scale of 1-10 (GreatSchools) or letter grades (A-F) based on state assessments, student performance, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and year, 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 34223 ZIP code, as Rock Creek Park is a smaller community within Englewood. If you have a specific address within Rock Creek Park, I can refine the search further based on school zoning maps.
Public Schools Near Rock Creek Park, Englewood, FL (34223)
Public schools in this area are primarily managed by the Sarasota County School District. The district assigns schools based on zoning, and Englewood has designated elementary, middle, and high schools. Below are the most likely schools serving the Rock Creek Park area:
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Englewood Elementary School
- Address: 150 N McCall Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Englewood (near Rock Creek Park)
- Rating (GreatSchools): 6/10 (based on test scores, student progress, and equity data as of recent reports)
- Performance Notes: Englewood Elementary is known for a supportive environment with a focus on core academics. Test scores are around or slightly above state averages in reading and math.
- Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities. Check the Sarasota County Schools website (sarasotacountyschools.net) for zoning confirmation.
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L.A. Ainger Middle School
- Address: 245 Cougar Way, Rotonda West, FL 33947
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Rock Creek Park
- Rating (GreatSchools): 7/10
- Performance Notes: This school serves students from Englewood and nearby areas in Charlotte County. It has strong ratings for student progress and test scores, particularly in math and science.
- Additional Info: Part of Charlotte County Public Schools (yourcharlotteschools.net), offering advanced courses and extracurriculars like sports and band.
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Lemon Bay High School
- Address: 2201 Placida Rd, Englewood, FL 34224
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Rock Creek Park
- Rating (GreatSchools): 6/10
- Performance Notes: Lemon Bay High School is the primary high school for Englewood students. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a well-regarded marine science program due to its coastal location. Graduation rates are above the state average.
- Additional Info: Managed by Charlotte County Public Schools. Known for community involvement and athletics.
Private Schools Near Rock Creek Park, Englewood, FL (34223)
Private school options are more limited in Englewood but are available within a 10-15 mile radius. These schools often cater to families seeking alternative education models or religious instruction.
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Heritage Christian Academy
- Address: 75 Pine St, Englewood, FL 34223
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Rock Creek Park
- Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools due to smaller enrollment, but parent reviews on Niche often highlight a strong sense of community and individualized attention.
- Performance Notes: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Focuses on academic and spiritual development.
- Additional Info: Tuition-based; contact the school directly for enrollment and cost details (heritagechristianacademyfl.com).
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Venice Christian School (nearby option)
- Address: 1200 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34292
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Rock Creek Park
- Rating (Niche): B+ (based on academics, diversity, and parent feedback)
- Performance Notes: Another faith-based option with a reputation for strong academics and extracurriculars.
- Additional Info: Located in Venice, a short drive north of Englewood. Check vcsfl.org for more details.
Charter Schools Near Rock Creek Park, Englewood, FL (34223)
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Options are limited directly in Englewood but exist nearby.
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Imagine School at North Port (nearby option)
- Address: 1000 Innovation Ave, North Port, FL 34289
- Grade Levels: K-12
- Distance: Approximately 15-20 miles from Rock Creek Park
- Rating (GreatSchools): 5/10 for elementary/middle, 6/10 for high school
- Performance Notes: Focuses on character education alongside academics. Offers a range of grade levels on one campus.
- Additional Info: Enrollment may require an application or lottery system (imagineschools.org).
School District Information
- Sarasota County Schools: Most of Englewood (including parts of 34223) falls under this district for elementary education. Visit sarasotacountyschools.net for zoning maps, bus routes, and registration details. The district is generally well-rated, with a focus on student achievement and innovation.
- Charlotte County Public Schools: Some areas of Englewood, especially for middle and high school, are zoned for Charlotte County schools like L.A. Ainger Middle and Lemon Bay High. Check yourcharlotteschools.net for specifics. This district also has a good reputation, particularly for career readiness programs.
Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity. Niche ratings (A-F) incorporate parent and student reviews alongside academic data. Ratings are a starting point but may not reflect the full experience of a school. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
- Zoning Confirmation: School assignments depend on your exact address within Rock Creek Park. Use the school district websites or contact their offices to confirm which schools serve your location.
- Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. If your child has specific needs or interests, inquire directly with the schools or districts.
How to Research Further
- GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34223) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
- Niche.com: Offers detailed reports on schools, including student and parent feedback.
- Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and performance data (fldoe.org).
- School Visits: Contact schools to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private or charter options.
If you have a specific address in Rock Creek Park or preferences (e.g., focus on STEM, arts, or special needs programs), let me know, and I can narrow down the options or provide more targeted information. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, homeschooling resources, or after-school programs in the area, I can expand on those as well.