Local Schools Near Summer Cove, Siesta Key, 34242

Summer Cove is a luxury condominium community located on Siesta Key, FL, in the 34242 ZIP code. Siesta Key is a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Summer Cove, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational resources. 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 most current information directly with the schools or the Sarasota County School District.

Public Schools Near Summer Cove, Siesta Key, FL (34242)

The public schools serving the Siesta Key area fall under the Sarasota County School District, which is generally well-regarded in Florida. School assignments are based on zoning, and Summer Cove residents are typically zoned for the following schools. I’ve included approximate driving distances from Summer Cove (located near 1640 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231, close to the southern end of Siesta Key) and ratings from GreatSchools.org (as of the latest available data).

1. Phillippi Shores Elementary School

   • Address: 4747 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 2.5 miles (5-10 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Phillippi Shores is a highly rated elementary school with a focus on academic achievement and a strong community feel. It offers programs like IB (International Baccalaureate) Primary Years Programme, which emphasizes global learning.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Additional Info: Known for strong parent involvement and extracurricular activities.

2. Brookside Middle School

   • Address: 3636 S Shade Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 5 miles (10-15 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Brookside Middle School offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced coursework and sports. It has a diverse student body and focuses on preparing students for high school.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Additional Info: The school has mixed reviews, with some parents praising the teachers while others note areas for improvement in student engagement.

3. Riverview High School

   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 4 miles (10 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Riverview High School is a large public high school with a strong reputation for academics, athletics, and arts. It offers an IB Diploma Programme, AP courses, and career-focused academies.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its competitive sports teams and performing arts programs, Riverview is a popular choice for families in the area.

   Private Schools Near Summer Cove, Siesta Key, FL (34242)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance from Summer Cove. Private school ratings are less standardized than public schools, but I’ve included general feedback and reputation where available.

4. Out-of-Door Academy (Lower School - Siesta Key Campus)

   • Address: 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 3 miles (5-10 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating/Reputation: Highly regarded; often praised for small class sizes and individualized attention.
   • Overview: Out-of-Door Academy is a prestigious private school with a campus on Siesta Key for younger students. It emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and outdoor learning.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$20,000 per year (varies by grade; check with the school for current rates)
   • Additional Info: The upper school campus (grades 6-12) is located further away at 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (about 15 miles).

5. Incarnation Catholic School

   • Address: 2911 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 5 miles (10-15 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating/Reputation: Well-regarded for its faith-based education and strong academics.
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a traditional curriculum with an emphasis on religious values and community service.
   • Tuition: Around $8,000–$10,000 per year (varies; contact school for details)
   • Additional Info: Smaller class sizes and a family-oriented environment.

6. Cardinal Mooney High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 8 miles (15-20 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating/Reputation: Strong reputation for college prep and athletics.
   • Overview: A Catholic high school known for its rigorous academics, faith-based education, and competitive sports programs.
   • Tuition: Approximately $12,000–$15,000 per year (contact school for current rates)
   • Additional Info: Offers a variety of extracurriculars and AP courses.

   Charter and Magnet Schools

   • Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences (Charter)
   • Address: 645 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 7 miles (15 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A charter school with a focus on arts and sciences, offering a unique curriculum for middle school students. Admission is often by lottery or application.

   • Additional Info: Smaller school with a creative and academic focus.

   • Sarasota Military Academy (Charter)

   • Address: 801 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Prep Campus for grades 6-8); High School Campus at 3101 Bethel Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance from Summer Cove: Approximately 7-15 miles depending on campus (15-25 minutes by car)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A military-style charter school emphasizing leadership, discipline, and academics. Admission may require an application process.
   • Additional Info: Offers JROTC programs and a structured environment.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning Verification: Public school assignments can change based on address-specific zoning. I recommend using the Sarasota County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website, www.sarasotacountyschools.net) to confirm the zoned schools for a specific address in Summer Cove.
   • School Choice: Sarasota County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet and charter schools often have separate application processes.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on available data at the time of this response (October 2023). They should be used as a starting point, and I encourage visiting schools, meeting with administrators, and reviewing recent parent feedback for a fuller picture.
   • Transportation: Siesta Key’s location means some schools are across the bridge in mainland Sarasota. Traffic on Stickney Point Road and Clark Road can be heavy during peak hours, so factor in commute times. Public school bus services are available for zoned students, but routes may vary.

   How to Research Further

   • Sarasota County School District: Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net for zoning maps, school choice applications, and district updates.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34242 or nearby 34231) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at www.fldoe.org for state-assigned grades and performance metrics.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for private and charter options.

   If you have a specific address within Summer Cove or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, specific grade levels, or extracurricular priorities), I can refine this list further. Let me know!