Local Schools Near Shadow Oaks, Sarasota, 34240

Shadow Oaks is a community located in Sarasota, FL, within the 34240 ZIP code. This area falls under the Sarasota County School District, which is known for its strong educational programs and high-performing schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Shadow Oaks, including public and private options, along with 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 verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

Public Schools Near Shadow Oaks, Sarasota, FL 34240

The Sarasota County School District assigns schools based on zoning, and the following schools are likely to serve the Shadow Oaks community. I’ve included schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Distances are approximate and based on the general location of Shadow Oaks near Fruitville Road and I-75.

1. Tatum Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Level: Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Distance from Shadow Oaks: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Tatum Ridge is a highly regarded elementary school with strong academic performance and a focus on student engagement. It often receives praise for its teachers and community involvement.
   • Contact: (941) 316-8188
   • Website: Check the Sarasota County Schools website for more details (www.sarasotacountyschools.net).

2. McIntosh Middle School

   • Address: 701 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance from Shadow Oaks: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: McIntosh Middle School offers a solid curriculum with opportunities for advanced coursework and extracurricular activities. It serves a diverse student population and has a reputation for a supportive environment.
   • Contact: (941) 361-6520

3. Sarasota High School

   • Address: 1000 S School Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
   • Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance from Shadow Oaks: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education in recent years
   • Details: Sarasota High School is one of the larger high schools in the area, offering a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurriculars. It is known for its arts and athletics programs.
   • Contact: (941) 955-0181

   Note on School Zoning: School assignments can vary based on exact address within Shadow Oaks. The Sarasota County School District provides a school locator tool on their website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net) where you can input your specific address to confirm assigned schools. Additionally, the district offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available.

   Private Schools Near Shadow Oaks, Sarasota, FL 34240

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Shadow Oaks. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and reputation.

4. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Level: Grades K-12
   • Distance from Shadow Oaks: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents on Niche (A- overall)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes a classical education model with a focus on critical thinking, literature, and history. It’s a tuition-free public charter school with a strong academic reputation.
   • Contact: (941) 315-0234
   • Website: www.tcasarasota.com

5. Sarasota Christian School

   • Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Level: Grades K-12
   • Distance from Shadow Oaks: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Well-regarded with a 4.5/5 on Niche based on parent and student reviews
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on Christian values, academics, and extracurriculars. Tuition varies by grade level.
   • Contact: (941) 371-6481
   • Website: www.sarasotachristian.org

6. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance from Shadow Oaks: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating: 4/5 on Niche; known for strong college preparatory programs
   • Details: A private Catholic high school with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development. It offers AP courses and a variety of sports and clubs.
   • Contact: (941) 371-4917
   • Website: www.cmhs-sarasota.org

   Charter Schools Near Shadow Oaks

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. In addition to The Classical Academy mentioned above, another notable option is:

   • Imagine School at Palmer Ranch
   • Address: 6220 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Level: Grades K-8
   • Distance from Shadow Oaks: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: A tuition-free charter school focusing on project-based learning and character development. Enrollment is open to all, but space may be limited.
   • Contact: (941) 257-1124
   • Website: www.imagineschoolatpalmerranch.org

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on a 1-10 scale, with factors like test scores, equity, and student progress. Higher ratings generally indicate better academic performance, but they don’t account for all aspects of a school (e.g., culture or specific programs).
   • Niche Ratings: Niche provides letter grades (A+ to F) based on a combination of data and user reviews. It’s useful for private schools where standardized ratings are less common.
   • Florida Department of Education: Public schools in Florida receive annual grades (A-F) based on student performance on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments). Most schools in Sarasota County consistently earn A or B grades.
   • Visiting Schools: Ratings are a starting point, but visiting schools, meeting with administrators, and talking to other parents can provide deeper insight into whether a school is the right fit for your child.

   How to Verify School Information

   • Sarasota County Schools Website: www.sarasotacountyschools.net (use the school locator tool for zoning confirmation)
   • Florida Department of Education: www.fldoe.org (for state school grades and performance data)
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: For ratings and parent reviews
   • Direct Contact: Call or visit schools for open houses, enrollment details, or to inquire about specific programs (e.g., gifted education, special needs support).

   If you have a specific address within Shadow Oaks or additional criteria (e.g., focus on STEM, arts, or special needs programs), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you’d like more details on any particular school or assistance with contacting the district!