School Choices Detailed and Rated Summerfield, Sarasota, 34202

The community of Summerfield in Sarasota, FL, falls within the ZIP code 34202, which is part of the Lakewood Ranch area. This region is known for its family-friendly environment and access to highly-rated schools in the Manatee County School District. Below is a detailed overview of the available schools near Summerfield, 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 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ve also included approximate distances from Summerfield for context.

Public Schools Near Summerfield, Sarasota, FL (ZIP 34202)

Public schools in this area are managed by the Manatee County School District, which serves Lakewood Ranch and surrounding communities. These schools are zoned based on residential addresses, so it’s important to confirm zoning with the district for specific addresses in Summerfield.

1. Robert Willis Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades K-5)
   • Location: 14705 The Masters Ave, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   • Approximate Distance from Summerfield: 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Robert Willis Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and parent involvement. It consistently performs well on state assessments and offers a nurturing environment for young students. The school also provides extracurricular activities and special programs for gifted students.

2. R. Dan Nolan Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: 6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
   • Approximate Distance from Summerfield: 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Nolan Middle School serves the Lakewood Ranch area and is known for its focus on academic achievement and a variety of elective courses, including arts and technology. The school has a strong reputation for preparing students for high school with a supportive staff and active parent community.

3. Lakewood Ranch High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Location: 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
   • Approximate Distance from Summerfield: 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Lakewood Ranch High School is a large, well-respected school offering a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurricular activities, including competitive sports teams. The school has a strong graduation rate and prepares students for college and career paths.

   Private Schools Near Summerfield, Sarasota, FL (ZIP 34202)

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools in or near the Lakewood Ranch area. These schools often have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula.

4. The Out-of-Door Academy (Lakewood Ranch Campus)

   • Type: Private School (Grades PreK-12)
   • Location: 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (Upper School); Lower School nearby
   • Approximate Distance from Summerfield: 5-7 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community
   • Overview: The Out-of-Door Academy is a prestigious private school with a focus on college preparatory education, arts, and athletics. It offers a personalized learning environment with a strong emphasis on character development. Tuition is significant, reflecting the high-quality facilities and programs.

5. Pinnacle Academy

   • Type: Private School (Grades PreK-12, specializing in special needs education)
   • Location: 6215 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton, FL 34202
   • Approximate Distance from Summerfield: 3-4 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but known for specialized programs
   • Overview: Pinnacle Academy caters to students with learning differences, such as autism or ADHD, offering individualized education plans and a supportive environment. It’s a smaller school with a focus on helping students thrive academically and socially.

   Charter Schools Near Summerfield, Sarasota, FL (ZIP 34202)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. There are a few options near Summerfield.

6. Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch

   • Type: Charter School (Grades K-8)
   • Location: 10535 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34211
   • Approximate Distance from Summerfield: 4-5 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Imagine School offers a project-based learning approach with an emphasis on character education and community involvement. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools while still benefiting from public funding.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Source: The ratings provided are primarily based on GreatSchools.org, which considers test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. However, ratings are subjective and may not fully reflect a school’s culture, extracurricular offerings, or fit for a specific child. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within Summerfield. The Manatee County School District website (www.manateeschools.net) has a school locator tool to confirm zoning.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services for zoned students, while private and charter schools may have limited or fee-based transportation options.
   • Preschools and Daycares: For younger children, Summerfield is close to several preschools, such as Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch (rated highly for early childhood education), located within a few miles.

   Conclusion

   The Summerfield community in Sarasota, FL (ZIP 34202), benefits from proximity to some of the best schools in Manatee County, particularly within the Lakewood Ranch area. Public schools like Robert Willis Elementary, R. Dan Nolan Middle, and Lakewood Ranch High consistently receive high ratings for academic performance and community engagement. Private and charter options, such as The Out-of-Door Academy and Imagine School, provide alternatives for families seeking specialized or smaller learning environments.

   If you have a specific address in Summerfield or particular needs (e.g., special education, religious affiliation, or extracurricular focus), I can help narrow down the options further. Additionally, I recommend contacting the schools directly or visiting the Manatee County School District website for the most up-to-date information on enrollment, zoning, and programs. Let me know if you’d like more details on any specific school!