Local Schools Near Riviera Dunes, Palmetto, 34221

Riviera Dunes is a waterfront community located in Palmetto, FL, within the 34221 ZIP code. This area falls under Manatee County, and families in this community have access to a variety of public and private schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Riviera Dunes, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend visiting the schools or checking the most current data for the latest information.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Riviera Dunes, Palmetto, FL 34221, covering elementary, middle, and high schools. I’ll also include both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near Riviera Dunes, Palmetto, FL 34221

Public schools in this area are part of the Manatee County School District. The district assigns schools based on zoning, so it’s important to confirm with the district’s zoning map or office to ensure which schools serve the specific address within Riviera Dunes. Below are some of the closest public schools:

Elementary Schools

1. James Tillman Elementary Magnet School

   • Address: 1415 26th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: This is a magnet school with a focus on technology and arts. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs aimed at enhancing STEM and creative skills. Parent reviews often mention the dedicated staff, though some note concerns about facilities or class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Around 550 students
   • Contact: (941) 723-4833

2. Blackburn Elementary School

   • Address: 3904 17th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A traditional public elementary school with a focus on core academics. It has programs for exceptional student education (ESE) and English Language Learners (ELL). Some reviews highlight community involvement, while others mention challenges with student performance metrics.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Contact: (941) 723-4800

   Middle Schools

   1. Lincoln Memorial Middle School
   2. Address: 305 17th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Riviera Dunes
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This middle school serves the Palmetto area and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school has initiatives to improve student engagement.
   7. Enrollment: Around 700 students
   8. Contact: (941) 721-6840

3. Buffalo Creek Middle School

   • Address: 7320 69th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located a bit farther out, this school has better ratings compared to Lincoln Memorial. It offers advanced coursework and extracurriculars like band and athletics. Parent feedback often praises the teachers but notes occasional overcrowding.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Contact: (941) 721-2260

   High Schools

   1. Palmetto High School
   2. Address: 1200 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Riviera Dunes
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the primary high school serving the Palmetto area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs. College readiness scores are moderate, and graduation rates are around the state average.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,000 students
   8. Contact: (941) 723-4848

4. Manatee High School (slightly farther but accessible)

   • Address: 902 33rd St Ct W, Bradenton, FL 34205
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in nearby Bradenton, this high school has a strong reputation for academics and athletics. It offers AP and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, with higher college readiness scores than Palmetto High.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,300 students
   • Contact: (941) 714-7300

   Private Schools Near Riviera Dunes, Palmetto, FL 34221

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance. Private schools often have different admission processes and tuition costs, so contacting them directly is recommended.

5. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

   • Address: 315 41st St W, Bradenton, FL 34209
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated (Niche: A; often praised for academics and college prep)
   • Details: A private, faith-based school with a strong emphasis on college preparatory education. It offers small class sizes, advanced courses, and a variety of extracurriculars. Tuition is significant but financial aid may be available.
   • Enrollment: Around 650 students
   • Contact: (941) 746-2121
   • Website: www.saintstephens.org

6. Bradenton Christian School

   • Address: 3304 43rd St W, Bradenton, FL 34209
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Well-regarded (Niche: A-)
   • Details: A private Christian school offering a biblically integrated curriculum. It has a reputation for strong academics and a supportive community. Sports and arts programs are also available.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Contact: (941) 792-5454
   • Website: www.bcspanthers.org

7. The Broach School Bradenton

   • Address: 2615 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to its specialized focus; reviews are generally positive for its niche
   • Details: A private school designed for students with learning differences or those who need individualized attention. It offers a tailored curriculum to meet specific needs.
   • Enrollment: Small, around 100 students
   • Contact: (941) 751-2525
   • Website: www.broachschool.com

   Charter Schools Near Riviera Dunes, Palmetto, FL 34221

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Enrollment may require a lottery or application process.

8. Imagine Charter School at North Manatee

   • Address: 9275 49th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Riviera Dunes
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school offering a curriculum with an emphasis on personalized learning. It has mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating the smaller environment and others noting inconsistent academic outcomes.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Contact: (941) 981-5345

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings: The ratings provided (e.g., from GreatSchools.org or Niche) are based on available data as of my last update. These ratings consider factors like test scores, student-teacher ratios, and parent reviews, but they may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every child. Visiting schools, meeting with administrators, and talking to other parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Riviera Dunes. Use the Manatee County School District’s zoning tool (available on their website, www.manateeschools.net) or call their office at (941) 708-8770 to confirm.
   • Transportation: Some schools may offer bus services for public school students within certain