School Choices Detailed and Rated Ridgewood Estates, Valrico, 33596

Ridgewood Estates is a community located in Valrico, FL, within the 33596 ZIP code. Valrico is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Ridgewood Estates, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that school zones and ratings can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify zoning with the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or by contacting the district directly.

Public Schools Near Ridgewood Estates, Valrico, FL 33596

Public schools are assigned based on zoning, and the following schools are typically associated with the Ridgewood Estates area. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and may include additional insights from Niche.com or state performance data.

1. Lithia Springs Elementary School (Grades K-5)

   • Address: 4332 Lynx Paw Trail, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance from Ridgewood Estates: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Lithia Springs Elementary is well-regarded for its academic performance and family-friendly environment. It often receives positive feedback for its teachers and community involvement. The school focuses on core academics and offers extracurricular activities.
   • Performance: Based on state test scores, students generally perform above the district and state averages in reading and math.
   • Contact: (813) 744-8016

2. Randall Middle School (Grades 6-8)

   • Address: 16510 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
   • Distance from Ridgewood Estates: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Randall Middle School is highly rated and known for its strong academic programs, including advanced coursework options. It serves a large portion of the Valrico and Lithia areas and has a reputation for preparing students well for high school.
   • Performance: High proficiency rates in math and English Language Arts, often exceeding state averages.
   • Contact: (813) 740-3900

3. Newsome High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Address: 16550 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
   • Distance from Ridgewood Estates: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Newsome High School is one of the top-rated high schools in the area, offering a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. It has a strong graduation rate and college readiness focus.
   • Performance: Above-average performance on state assessments and a high percentage of students taking AP exams.
   • Contact: (813) 740-4600

   Nearby Private Schools

   For families considering private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Ridgewood Estates. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and Niche.com data.

4. Foundation Christian Academy (Grades PK-12)

   • Address: 3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596
   • Distance from Ridgewood Estates: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: A- (Niche.com)
   • Overview: A private Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It serves students from preschool through high school and has small class sizes.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact the school for current rates (typically $8,000-$12,000 annually).
   • Contact: (813) 654-2969

5. Bell Shoals Baptist Academy (Grades PK-8)

   • Address: 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon, FL 33511
   • Distance from Ridgewood Estates: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on major platforms; generally positive parent feedback.
   • Overview: A smaller private Christian school affiliated with Bell Shoals Baptist Church, focusing on a biblically integrated curriculum and a nurturing environment.
   • Tuition: Around $6,000-$8,000 per year (contact for exact figures).
   • Contact: (813) 689-9183

6. St. Stephen Catholic School (Grades PK-8)

   • Address: 10424 St. Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Distance from Ridgewood Estates: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: B+ (Niche.com)
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with an emphasis on academics, service, and spiritual growth. It’s part of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
   • Tuition: Approximately $7,000-$9,000 per year for non-parishioners.
   • Contact: (813) 741-9203

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered good, with 9-10 being exceptional.
   • Niche.com Ratings: These incorporate parent and student reviews, academic performance, and extracurricular offerings. Letter grades (A, B, etc.) reflect overall quality.
   • School Zoning: Ridgewood Estates falls within specific school zones, but boundaries can shift due to population growth or district decisions. Use the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) to confirm current zoning.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: Hillsborough County offers several charter and magnet schools that may be accessible via application or lottery. Examples include Valrico Lake Advantage Academy (a nearby charter school, K-8, rated 7/10 on GreatSchools.org).

   Other Educational Resources

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: www.hillsboroughschools.org (for zoning, enrollment, and district updates)
   • Florida Department of Education: www.fldoe.org (for state report cards and performance data)
   • School Choice Programs: Florida offers school choice options, including vouchers and scholarships for private schools (e.g., Step Up For Students program).

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular preferences, or a different address within Ridgewood Estates), let me know, and I can refine the search or provide additional details. Would you like me to look into a specific school or program in more depth?