School Choices Detailed and Rated Spencer Creek, Ruskin, 33570

The community of Spencer Creek in Ruskin, FL (ZIP code 33570) is located in Hillsborough County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve the area. Below, I’ll provide information on the available public and private schools near Spencer Creek, 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 checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Spencer Creek area (based on general location data for Ruskin, FL 33570) and note the grade levels served by each school.

Public Schools Near Spencer Creek, Ruskin, FL 33570

Public schools in this area are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to the Spencer Creek community:

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Spencer Creek
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress as of the latest data)
   • Details: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on early education. It has a diverse student population and offers various support programs. Parents often note the community feel, though some reviews mention concerns about academic performance compared to state averages.

2. Lennard High School

   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Spencer Creek
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Lennard High School is the primary high school serving the Ruskin area. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. The school has received mixed reviews, with strengths in certain programs but challenges in overall test scores.

3. Shields Middle School

   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (near the border of 33570)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Spencer Creek
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. It has a focus on preparing students for high school, but ratings reflect lower performance in test scores compared to district and state averages. Some parents appreciate the staff’s dedication, while others note areas for improvement in resources.

   Charter Schools Near Spencer Creek, Ruskin, FL 33570

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are some options near Spencer Creek:

4. SLAM Academy at Apollo Beach (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 5995 Covington Garden Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Spencer Creek
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a smaller school with a specialized curriculum, which may appeal to students interested in sports-related careers. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the unique focus and others noting limited extracurricular options outside sports.

5. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578 (just outside 33570)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Spencer Creek
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Winthrop Charter School is a highly regarded option in the nearby Riverview area. It emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum and has better test scores compared to many local public schools. However, it may have a waitlist due to high demand.

   Private Schools Near Spencer Creek, Ruskin, FL 33570

   Private schools in the area offer alternative education options, often with religious affiliations or specialized programs. Here are a couple of nearby options:

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Spencer Creek
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews are limited but generally positive from parents on niche.com (around 4/5 based on small sample size)
   • Details: This is a faith-based school offering a Christian education with a smaller student body. It provides a full range of grade levels and focuses on both academics and spiritual development. Tuition costs apply, and financial aid may be available.

7. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: Located in nearby Apollo Beach, FL 33572 (specific address varies as it serves special needs students with tailored programs)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Spencer Creek
   • Grade Levels: Varies (focus on special needs education, often K-12)
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to its specialized nature; parent feedback on niche.com is generally positive for its individualized approach
   • Details: Livingstone Academy caters to students with autism and other special needs, offering customized learning plans. It’s a smaller, private institution with tuition costs.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on factors like test scores, student growth, and equity (how well schools serve disadvantaged students). A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, reading parent reviews, and considering your child’s specific needs are crucial steps.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Hillsborough County are based on zoning. You can confirm which schools your address is zoned for by using the district’s School Locator tool on the Hillsborough County Public Schools website (hcpsweb.hcps.net).
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services within zoned areas, but charter and private schools may have limited or no bus options, requiring parent coordination.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Hillsborough County offers magnet schools and school choice programs that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area, such as programs for STEM, arts, or International Baccalaureate (IB). Check the district website for application deadlines and availability.

   How to Research Further

   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings, parent reviews, and detailed school profiles.
   • Hillsborough County Public Schools (hcps.net): For zoning information, school choice options, and district news.
   • Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org): For state-level data on school performance and accountability reports.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer open houses or tours, especially for incoming families. Contact schools directly to schedule a visit.

   If you have a specific address within Spencer Creek or additional details (like a preference for certain grade levels or programs), I can refine this list further. Would you like me to focus on a particular type of school or provide more details on any of the above options?