Local Schools Near Star Farms, Lakewood Ranches, 34211

Star Farms is a growing community in Lakewood Ranch, FL, located in the 34211 ZIP code in Manatee County. This area is part of the highly regarded Lakewood Ranch planned community, known for its family-friendly environment and access to quality schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Star Farms, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like teacher quality and school environment. Note 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 school district’s website for updates.

Public Schools Near Star Farms, Lakewood Ranch, FL (34211)

The public schools in this area are part of the School District of Manatee County. Lakewood Ranch is known for having some of the top-rated schools in the county, and many families are drawn to the area for its educational opportunities. Below are the schools zoned for or near the Star Farms community, based on proximity and zoning maps (as of the latest available data). Zoning can change, so confirm with the Manatee County School District for the exact assignments.

Elementary Schools

1. Gullett Elementary School

   • Address: 12125 44th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34211
   • Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Gullett Elementary is one of the highest-rated elementary schools in the area, known for strong academic performance and a supportive environment. It serves many families in the Lakewood Ranch area, including newer communities like Star Farms. The school emphasizes STEM education and has active parent involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 700-800 students (varies yearly)
   • Notable Features: Modern facilities, after-school programs, and a focus on community engagement.

2. Freedom Elementary School (Alternative Option)

   • Address: 9515 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212
   • Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: While slightly farther away, Freedom Elementary serves some parts of Lakewood Ranch and is another option for families. It has a good reputation for academic programs and extracurricular activities.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Notable Features: Focus on character education and diverse student programs.

   Middle Schools

   1. Dr. Mona Jain Middle School
   2. Address: 12205 44th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34211
   3. Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is a newer school in the Lakewood Ranch area, opened to accommodate the growing population. It has quickly gained a strong reputation for academic rigor and extracurricular offerings, including sports and clubs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   8. Notable Features: State-of-the-art facilities, technology integration, and a focus on preparing students for high school.

3. R. Dan Nolan Middle School (Alternative Option)

   • Address: 6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
   • Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another well-regarded middle school serving parts of Lakewood Ranch, Nolan Middle offers a strong curriculum and a variety of elective courses.
   • Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students
   • Notable Features: Emphasis on arts and athletics alongside academics.

   High Schools

   1. Lakewood Ranch High School
   2. Address: 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
   3. Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 5-6 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Lakewood Ranch High School is the primary high school for the area and is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. It also has a competitive athletics program and a variety of clubs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,400-2,500 students
   8. Notable Features: High graduation rates, diverse extracurriculars, and a focus on college readiness.

   Private Schools Near Star Farms, Lakewood Ranch, FL (34211)

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

4. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community for its classical education model.
   • Details: This school focuses on a classical curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking, literature, and history. It’s a smaller school with a personalized approach.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact the school for current rates.
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes and a rigorous academic program.

5. Pinnacle Academy

   • Address: 6215 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton, FL 34202
   • Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12 (special needs focus)
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to its specialized nature.
   • Details: Pinnacle Academy caters to students with learning differences, offering individualized education plans and a supportive environment.
   • Tuition: Contact the school for details.
   • Notable Features: Specialized programs for students with autism and other learning challenges.

6. Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School

   • Address: 315 41st St W, Bradenton, FL 34209
   • Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 15-17 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded, often praised for academic excellence (check reviews on niche.com).
   • Details: A private Episcopal school with a strong reputation for college preparatory education, arts, and athletics.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; typically $10,000-$20,000 per year.
   • Notable Features: Strong community focus and a well-rounded curriculum.

   Charter Schools Near Star Farms

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are a couple of options nearby:

7. Imagine Charter School at Lakewood Ranch

   • Address: 10535 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34211
   • Distance from Star Farms: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school offers a project-based learning approach and smaller class sizes, appealing to families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   • Notable Features: Focus on individualized learning and community involvement.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: The schools listed (especially public ones) are based on proximity and typical zoning for the Star Farms area in 34211. However, zoning boundaries can shift due to population growth or district decisions. Use the Manatee County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website, www.manateeschools.net) to confirm current assignments for your specific address.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics as of the latest data I have access to (up to October 2023). These ratings are subjective and may not reflect personal experiences or recent changes. Visit the school’s website or schedule a tour for a firsthand look.
   • Transportation: Most public schools in the area provide bus services for students within the zoned areas. Check with the district for bus routes and eligibility. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation.
   • Future Schools: Given the rapid growth in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas like Star Farms, new schools are often planned or under construction. Keep an eye on updates from the Manatee County School District for announcements about additional educational facilities.

   How to Research Further

   • Manatee County School District: Visit www.manateeschools.net for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34211) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards for detailed performance data at www.fldoe.org.
   • Community Resources: The Star Farms community or Lake