Sugarton is a small, rural community near Clewiston, Florida, in the 33440 ZIP code area. Clewiston is located in Hendry County, and the schools serving this area are primarily part of the Hendry County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Sugarton/Clewiston, FL, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, graduation rates, parent reviews), so I’ll note the general consensus and provide context where possible. Since Sugarton is a small unincorporated area, most schools will be in or near Clewiston, the closest town with educational facilities.
Overview of the Area
- Location: Sugarton is a rural area near Clewiston, in Hendry County, close to Lake Okeechobee. The 33440 ZIP code covers Clewiston and surrounding communities.
- School District: Hendry County School District serves this area.
- School Types: Public schools are the primary option, with limited private or charter options directly in Clewiston. Some families may look to nearby areas for additional choices.
Public Schools Near Sugarton/Clewiston, FL (33440)
Below are the main schools serving the Clewiston area, as Sugarton itself does not have its own schools. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools, along with ratings and key details. Ratings are often based on a 1-10 scale from GreatSchools.org or letter grades from the Florida Department of Education (A-F scale, based on performance metrics like test scores and graduation rates). Note that ratings can fluctuate year to year, and I’ve used the most recent data available as of 2023.
Elementary Schools
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Clewiston Elementary School (formerly Eastside and Westside Elementary Schools)
- Address: 1000 Sweetgum St, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Grades Served: K-5
- Rating: Approximately 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); Florida DOE Grade: C (based on recent reports)
- Details: This is the primary elementary school for the Clewiston area, serving students from Sugarton and surrounding communities. It focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. Test scores are generally below the state average in reading and math, but the school has programs to support student growth.
- Student Population: Around 500-600 students (varies by year)
- Distance from Sugarton: Approximately 5-10 miles, depending on exact location in Sugarton.
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Central Elementary School (Clewiston)
- Address: 1000 S Deane Duff Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Grades Served: K-5
- Rating: Approximately 4-5/10 (GreatSchools.org); Florida DOE Grade: C
- Details: Another elementary option in Clewiston, Central Elementary serves a similar demographic. It has comparable performance metrics to Clewiston Elementary, with a focus on improving student outcomes in a rural setting.
- Student Population: Around 400-500 students
- Distance from Sugarton: Approximately 5-10 miles.
Middle Schools
- Clewiston Middle School
- Address: 601 E Pasadena Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Grades Served: 6-8
- Rating: Approximately 4/10 (GreatSchools.org); Florida DOE Grade: C
- Details: This is the main middle school for the area, serving students transitioning from elementary to high school. Test scores are below state averages, but the school offers sports and other programs to engage students.
- Student Population: Around 700-800 students
- Distance from Sugarton: Approximately 5-10 miles.
High Schools
- Clewiston High School
- Address: 1501 S Francisco St, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Grades Served: 9-12
- Rating: Approximately 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); Florida DOE Grade: C
- Details: The primary high school for Clewiston and surrounding areas like Sugarton. It offers a standard curriculum with some Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like football and band. Graduation rates are close to the state average (around 85-90%), though test scores lag behind state benchmarks.
- Student Population: Around 900-1,000 students
- Distance from Sugarton: Approximately 5-10 miles.
Alternative and Charter Schools
- Glades Charter Schools (if applicable)
- Note: There are no widely documented charter schools directly in Clewiston or Sugarton as of the latest data. However, some families may explore charter options in nearby areas of Hendry County or neighboring counties. The Hendry County School District occasionally partners with alternative programs for at-risk students.
- Rating: Varies; limited data for specific programs near Clewiston.
- Details: Check the Hendry County School District website (hendry-schools.org) for updates on alternative or charter options.
Private Schools
- Clewiston Christian School
- Address: 601 Caribbean Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Grades Served: K-12 (varies by enrollment)
- Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; parent reviews on Niche suggest moderate satisfaction (3-4/5 stars based on limited feedback)
- Details: A small private, faith-based school offering an alternative to public education. Class sizes are smaller, and the curriculum includes religious instruction. Tuition costs apply (contact the school for specifics).
- Student Population: Around 100-150 students (estimate)
- Distance from Sugarton: Approximately 5-10 miles.
Additional Notes on Ratings and Performance
- Context for Ratings: Schools in rural areas like Clewiston often face challenges such as limited funding, higher poverty rates, and lower access to advanced programs compared to urban districts. The Hendry County School District as a whole often receives a C or D grade from the Florida DOE, reflecting systemic challenges rather than individual school quality alone.
- Sources for Ratings: GreatSchools.org provides a 1-10 scale based on test scores, equity, and other factors. The Florida DOE assigns letter grades (A-F) based on student performance, graduation rates, and improvement metrics. Check both for the most current data, as my information reflects trends up to 2023.
- Parent and Community Feedback: Reviews on platforms like Niche indicate mixed satisfaction, with some praising small class sizes and community feel, while others note concerns about academic rigor and facilities.
Other Educational Options
- Homeschooling: Some families in rural areas like Sugarton opt for homeschooling due to limited school choices. Florida has supportive homeschool laws, and resources are available through the Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA).
- Nearby Districts: For families willing to travel, schools in neighboring counties (e.g., Glades County or Palm Beach County) might be an option, though this often requires private transportation as busing may not cross district lines.
- Online Schools: Virtual learning through programs like Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is available for K-12 students as a full-time or supplemental option.
How to Get More Information
- Hendry County School District: Visit hendry-schools.org or call (863) 674-4642 for enrollment details, bus routes, and updated school performance data.
- School Ratings Websites: Check GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida DOE website (fldoe.org) for the latest ratings and reviews.
- Local Community: Speak with neighbors in Sugarton or Clewiston for firsthand insights on school experiences.
Summary of Schools and Ratings Near Sugarton/Clewiston, FL (33440)
| School Name |
Type |
Grades |
Rating (GreatSchools/DOE) |
Approx. Distance from Sugarton |
| Clewiston Elementary School |
Public |
K-5 |
5/10, C |
5-10 miles |
| Central Elementary School |
Public |
K-5 |
4-5/10, C |
5-10 miles |
| Clewiston Middle School |
Public |
6-8 |
4/10, C |
5-10 miles |
| Clewiston High School |
Public |
9-12 |
5/10, C |
5-10 miles |
| Clewiston Christian School |
Private |
K-12 |
Not widely rated |
5-10 miles |
If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports, or advanced academics), let me know, and I can dig deeper into particular schools or options. Also, if you’re considering a specific address in Sugarton, I can refine the distance estimates. Would you like more details on any of these schools or assistance with enrollment processes?