School Choices Detailed and Rated River Chase, Ruskin, 33570

River there! I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the River Chase community in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is located in Hillsborough County, and the schools in this area are primarily part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide a list of schools near the River Chase community, along with their ratings and some additional details. 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. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand look.

Location Context

River Chase is a community in Ruskin, FL, near the Little Manatee River, with easy access to US-41 and I-75. The 33570 ZIP code covers much of Ruskin, and schools in this area serve students from various neighborhoods, including River Chase. I’ll focus on public schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) and include elementary, middle, and high schools. If you’re also interested in private or charter schools, let me know!

Schools Near River Chase, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Elementary Schools

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from River Chase: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10 (as of the latest data; based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and offers standard elementary education with a focus on foundational skills. It has programs for English Language Learners (ELL) due to the area’s demographics. Check the school’s website or Hillsborough County Public Schools for updated performance data and extracurricular offerings.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies yearly)
   • Contact: (813) 671-5177

2. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP code but serves parts of 33570)
   • Distance from River Chase: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Details: This school has a slightly higher rating than Ruskin Elementary and focuses on student growth in reading and math. It also offers after-school programs and has a reputation for community involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Contact: (813) 671-5167

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance from River Chase: Approximately 5-6 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   6. Details: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area and offers a range of academic and elective courses. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school provides support programs for student improvement. They also have sports and extracurricular activities.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,400 students
   8. Contact: (813) 672-5338

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance from River Chase: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   6. Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and various sports teams. Graduation rates and college readiness metrics are areas of focus for improvement, but the school has a strong community presence.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,500-3,000 students
   8. Contact: (813) 641-5611

   Charter Schools (Alternative Options)

   1. SouthShore Charter Academy
   2. Address: 1160 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance from River Chase: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: K-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   6. Details: This charter school provides an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on personalized learning and smaller class sizes. It’s part of the Charter Schools USA network and emphasizes academic rigor and character development.
   7. Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   8. Contact: (813) 419-2999

   Additional Notes on Ratings and School Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student academic growth, and sometimes equity factors. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect challenges like socioeconomic factors or high populations of non-native English speakers. Visiting schools, talking to parents, and reviewing recent state reports (like those from the Florida Department of Education) can give a fuller picture.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on zoning. You can confirm which schools serve River Chase by using the district’s School Locator tool on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcps.net) or by calling the district office at (813) 272-4000.
   • Private Schools: If you’re interested in private options, there are a few in the broader Ruskin/Tampa area, such as First Baptist Christian School in Gibsonton (about 10 miles away). Let me know if you’d like details on these.
   • School Performance Reports: The Florida Department of Education provides detailed school report cards, including test scores, graduation rates, and more, at fldoe.org.

   Community and School Connection

   The River Chase community is family-friendly, and proximity to schools like Ruskin Elementary and Lennard High School makes it convenient for residents. However, some parents in the area choose charter schools or explore school choice options through Hillsborough County’s magnet programs or open enrollment if they’re seeking higher-rated schools. Traffic along US-41 can be a factor during school drop-off and pick-up times, so plan accordingly if you’re commuting to these schools.

   Next Steps

   If you’d like more specific information—such as details on a particular school’s programs, teacher-to-student ratios, or extracurriculars—let me know, and I can dig deeper. You can also visit the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or schedule tours with individual schools to get a feel for their environment. Are there specific grade levels or types of schools (e.g., private, magnet) you’re most interested in? I’m happy to tailor the information further!