School Choices Detailed and Rated Ruskin Reserve, Ruskin, 33570

Ruskin Reserve is a community located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code in Hillsborough County. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates 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 verifying the most current information through the Hillsborough County Public Schools website or visiting the schools. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Ruskin Reserve community (based on a central point in Ruskin, FL 33570) for reference.

Public Schools Near Ruskin Reserve, Ruskin, FL 33570

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to Ruskin Reserve, with ratings and details:

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public (K-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Ruskin Reserve
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on foundational education. It has a diverse student body and offers programs like after-school care. However, test scores are below the state average in some areas, contributing to the moderate rating. Enrollment is around 800-900 students.

2. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Ruskin Reserve
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school serving the Ruskin area. It offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. The school has a graduation rate of around 85-90%, slightly below the state average, with mixed performance on standardized tests.

3. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP, still serves 33570 area)
   • Type: Public (6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Ruskin Reserve
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin and surrounding areas. It has faced challenges with student performance on state assessments, reflected in its lower rating. The school offers standard middle school curriculum and some extracurricular activities. Enrollment is around 1,200 students.

   Charter Schools Near Ruskin Reserve

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are options near Ruskin:

4. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7110 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview, FL 33578 (close to Ruskin)
   • Type: Charter (6-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Ruskin Reserve
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: SLAM Academy focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a smaller school with a unique curriculum but has average test scores compared to state benchmarks.

   Private Schools Near Ruskin Reserve

   Private schools in the area may offer religious or specialized education. Options are somewhat limited directly in Ruskin, but nearby schools include:

5. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: 515 N US Hwy 41, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Type: Private (Special Needs, K-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Ruskin Reserve
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org due to its specialized nature
   • Details: Livingstone Academy caters to students with autism and other special needs. It provides individualized education plans and a supportive environment. Tuition and enrollment details are available directly from the school.

6. St. Stephen Catholic School (Nearby in Riverview)

   • Address: 10424 St Stephen Cir, Riverview, FL 33569
   • Type: Private (K-8, Catholic)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Ruskin Reserve
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-regarded in the community
   • Details: This Catholic school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academics and character development. Tuition applies, and enrollment is smaller compared to public schools.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, academic progress, and sometimes equity factors. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, talking to parents, and reviewing recent performance data on the Florida Department of Education website (fldoe.org) can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on zoning. You can confirm which schools serve Ruskin Reserve by using the district’s school locator tool at hillsboroughschools.org.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services within designated zones. Charter and private schools may have limited or no bus options, requiring parent coordination.
   • Other Options: If the local schools don’t meet your needs, Hillsborough County offers school choice programs, including magnet schools and virtual learning options. Applications for these programs often have deadlines and lotteries.

   Summary of Schools Near Ruskin Reserve, Ruskin, FL 33570

   • Elementary: Ruskin Elementary (4/10, ~1-2 miles)
   • Middle: Shields Middle School (3/10, ~3-4 miles)
   • High: Lennard High School (5/10, ~2-3 miles)
   • Charter: SLAM Academy Tampa (4/10, ~5-6 miles)
   • Private: Livingstone Academy (special needs, ~1-2 miles), St. Stephen Catholic School (~8-10 miles)

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, advanced programs, or a preference for private schools), or if you’d like me to dig deeper into a particular school’s programs, let me know! I can also help with contact information or links to school websites for further research. Additionally, if Ruskin Reserve has a specific address or section you’re referencing, I can refine the distance estimates.