School Choices Detailed and Rated Sand Key, Clearwater, 33767

Sand Key is a beautiful barrier island community in Clearwater, Florida, with the ZIP code 33767. This area is known for its stunning beaches, upscale residences, and proximity to Clearwater Beach. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Sand Key, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the latest information directly with the schools or the Pinellas County School District.

Since Sand Key is a small community, there may not be schools directly on the island itself. I’ll include schools in the broader Clearwater area that serve the 33767 ZIP code or are within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles). I’ll also note the approximate distance from Sand Key.

Public Schools Near Sand Key (33767)

Public schools in this area are part of the Pinellas County Schools district. School assignments are based on zoning, so families in Sand Key should confirm their zoned schools via the Pinellas County Schools website (www.pcsb.org) using their specific address.

1. Mildred Helms Elementary School (Grades PK-5)

   • Location: 561 Clearwater Largo Rd S, Largo, FL 33770
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a public elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. It has a focus on foundational education and offers various programs to support student growth. Parent reviews often mention the caring staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.

2. Largo Middle School (Grades 6-8)

   • Location: 155 8th Ave SE, Largo, FL 33771
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in grades 6-8 and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs. It has mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating the teachers’ dedication and others citing challenges with student behavior or resources.

3. Largo High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 410 Missouri Ave N, Largo, FL 33770
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Largo High School is the zoned high school for many in the Clearwater area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities. Reviews highlight the school’s diversity and some strong programs, though test scores are average compared to state standards.

   Note on Zoning: Depending on the exact address in Sand Key, some families may be zoned for other nearby schools, such as Belleair Elementary or Clearwater High School. Use the Pinellas County Schools’ “School Zone Locator” tool online to confirm.

   Private Schools Near Sand Key (33767)

   Private schools offer alternative educational options and often have smaller class sizes or specialized curricula. Here are some notable private schools within a reasonable distance of Sand Key.

4. St. Patrick Catholic School (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 1501 Trotter Rd, Largo, FL 33770
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 6 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in community reviews
   • Details: This Catholic school provides a faith-based education for pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. It emphasizes academic excellence and moral development. Tuition and enrollment details can be found on their website (www.stpatrickcatholicschool.com).

5. Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 2750 Haines Bayshore Rd, Clearwater, FL 33760
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 8-9 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly regarded for college prep
   • Details: A private Catholic high school known for its strong academic programs, athletics, and college preparatory focus. It has a reputation for high graduation rates and college acceptances. Tuition information is available on their website (www.ccchs.org).

6. Country Day School (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 11499 Vonn Rd, Largo, FL 33774
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; positive parent feedback
   • Details: This private school offers a Montessori-inspired education with a focus on individualized learning. It serves preschool through middle school and is known for its nurturing environment. More information is available at www.countrydaylargo.com.

   Charter Schools Near Sand Key (33767)

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

7. Plato Academy Clearwater (Grades K-8)

   • Location: 2045 Palmetto St, Clearwater, FL 33765
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and classical education. It has strong test scores and positive parent reviews for its rigorous curriculum. Enrollment is lottery-based; check www.platoacademy.net for details.

8. Discovery Academy of Science (Grades K-8)

   • Location: 1380 Pinehurst Rd, Dunedin, FL 34698
   • Distance from Sand Key: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another charter option with a STEM focus, offering hands-on learning experiences. It serves elementary and middle school students and is known for its innovative programs. Enrollment details are on their website (www.discoveryacademy.org).

   Additional Notes

   • School Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are on a 1-10 scale and are based on test scores, student progress, and equity data. However, ratings don’t capture everything—visiting schools, talking to parents, and reviewing recent performance data are recommended.
   • Transportation: Since Sand Key is a small community, most schools are off the island, and families may need to drive or use school bus services (for public schools, if within the zoned area). Pinellas County Schools provides bus transportation based on zoning and distance.
   • Preschools/Daycares: For younger children, there are several preschools and daycares in the Clearwater and Largo areas. Examples include Bright Horizons at Clearwater and local church-affiliated programs. These are not rated in the same way as K-12 schools but can be researched via parent reviews on platforms like Yelp or Care.com.
   • Higher Education: For post-secondary options, St. Petersburg College (SPC) has a campus in Clearwater (about 6-7 miles from Sand Key) and offers associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, and vocational training.

   How to Research Further

   • Pinellas County Schools Website: www.pcsb.org – Use the “Find My School” tool to confirm zoned schools for a specific Sand Key address.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33767) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: www.fldoe.org – Access school report cards and performance data.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter schools, which can provide a firsthand look at facilities and culture.

   If you have a specific address in Sand Key or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further!