Local Schools Near Sugar Mill Lakes, Palmetto, 34221
Sugar Mill Lakes is a residential community located in Palmetto, FL, within the 34221 ZIP code. This area falls under Manatee County, and families in this community have access to a variety of public and private schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Sugar Mill Lakes, including 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. Note that ratings and school assignments can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify zoning and current information with the Manatee County School District or the specific schools.
Public Schools Near Sugar Mill Lakes, Palmetto, FL 34221
Public schools in this area are managed by the School District of Manatee County. School assignments are typically based on zoning, and Sugar Mill Lakes residents are likely zoned for the following schools (confirm zoning via the district’s website or by contacting the district office at 941-708-8770). I’ve included approximate distances from Sugar Mill Lakes (based on a central point in the community) and ratings from GreatSchools.org as of the latest available data.
Elementary Schools
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James Tillman Elementary Magnet School
- Address: 1415 26th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Sugar Mill Lakes
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This is a magnet school with a focus on technology and arts. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs aimed at enhancing student engagement through specialized curricula.
- Contact: 941-723-4833
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Palm View K-8 School
- Address: 6025 Bayshore Rd, Palmetto, FL 34221
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sugar Mill Lakes
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, offering a continuous educational experience. It focuses on core academics with some extracurricular options.
- Contact: 941-723-4812
Middle Schools
- Lincoln Memorial Middle School
- Address: 305 17th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sugar Mill Lakes
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This middle school serves students in the Palmetto area with a focus on preparing them for high school through academics and extracurricular activities.
- Contact: 941-721-6840
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Palm View K-8 School (as mentioned above)
- Covers middle school grades (6-8) for some zoned students.
High Schools
- Palmetto High School
- Address: 1200 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Sugar Mill Lakes
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This is the primary high school for the Palmetto area, offering a range of academic programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and extracurricular activities including sports and clubs.
- Contact: 941-723-4848
Private Schools Near Sugar Mill Lakes, Palmetto, FL 34221
For families seeking private education options, there are a few schools within a reasonable driving distance of Sugar Mill Lakes. Private school ratings are less standardized but I’ve included general feedback where available.
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Horizon Christian School
- Address: 1900 15th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208 (just south of Palmetto)
- Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Sugar Mill Lakes
- Grade Levels: K-12
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally positive parent reviews for small class sizes and faith-based education.
- Details: A Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on individualized attention.
- Contact: 941-755-5959
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St. Joseph Catholic School
- Address: 2990 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
- Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Sugar Mill Lakes
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; known for strong academics and community involvement.
- Details: A Catholic school providing religious education alongside a traditional academic curriculum.
- Contact: 941-755-2611
Charter Schools Near Sugar Mill Lakes
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Enrollment may require an application or lottery.
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Imagine Charter School at North Manatee
- Address: 9275 49th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Sugar Mill Lakes
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Part of the Imagine Schools network, this charter school emphasizes character education alongside academics.
- Contact: 941-981-5345
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. However, they don’t capture every aspect of a school, such as teacher quality, community feel, or specific programs. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
- School Zoning: Sugar Mill Lakes’ specific zoning should be confirmed with the Manatee County School District, as boundaries can shift due to population changes or redistricting. Use the district’s school locator tool online at www.manateeschools.net.
- School Choice: Manatee County offers school choice options, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs and charter schools also provide alternatives.
- Higher-Rated Options Nearby: If ratings are a concern, some families look into schools in nearby Bradenton or Ellenton, though commuting distances increase. For example, Gene Witt Elementary School in Bradenton (Rating: 8/10, ~10 miles away) is a higher-rated option that may accept out-of-zone students via school choice.
Conclusion
The Sugar Mill Lakes community in Palmetto, FL (34221) has access to several public schools with ratings ranging from 3/10 to 5/10 on GreatSchools.org, including James Tillman Elementary, Lincoln Memorial Middle, and Palmetto High. Private and charter options like Horizon Christian School and Imagine Charter School provide alternatives within a 5-10 mile radius. I recommend contacting the Manatee County School District to confirm zoning for your specific address in Sugar Mill Lakes and visiting schools of interest to assess fit for your family’s needs.
If you’d like more detailed information on a specific school, program, or assistance with contacting the district, let me know! I can also look into preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources if desired.