Local Schools Near The Lakes, Sarasota, 34232

The Lakes is a community located in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34232. This area is part of Sarasota County, which is served by the Sarasota County School District, known for its quality education and high-performing schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the 34232 ZIP code, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current data directly from the school district or visiting the schools.

Public Schools Near The Lakes, Sarasota, FL (34232)

The Sarasota County School District assigns schools based on zoning, but families in the 34232 area may have access to the following schools depending on their exact address. I’ve included schools within a reasonable proximity (approximately 5-10 miles) to The Lakes community.

Elementary Schools

1. Fruitville Elementary School

   • Address: 601 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Fruitville Elementary is a well-regarded school with strong academic performance and a focus on student engagement. It often receives positive feedback for its teachers and community involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Notable Features: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. Brentwood Elementary School

   • Address: 2500 Budweiser St, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Brentwood Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. It has mixed reviews but is known for its supportive environment.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Notable Features: Provides after-school programs and special education services.

   Middle Schools

   1. McIntosh Middle School
   2. Address: 701 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from The Lakes
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: McIntosh Middle School is a popular choice for families in the area, with solid academic programs and a variety of extracurriculars like sports and clubs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   8. Notable Features: Offers advanced coursework and STEM programs.

   High Schools

   1. Sarasota High School
   2. Address: 2155 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from The Lakes
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: Sarasota High is one of the main high schools serving the area, offering a comprehensive curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and career-focused programs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,000 students
   8. Notable Features: Known for its arts programs and athletics.

3. Riverview High School (slightly farther but still accessible)

   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Riverview High is highly rated for its academic rigor, including an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and strong college readiness metrics.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   • Notable Features: Offers IB program, extensive extracurriculars, and modern facilities.

   Private Schools Near The Lakes, Sarasota, FL (34232)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in and around the 34232 area. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and reputation.

4. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded (based on parent reviews on Niche)
   • Overview: A private, classical education school emphasizing traditional learning methods, character development, and critical thinking.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact school for details
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes and a focus on classical curriculum.

5. Sarasota Christian School

   • Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Positive reviews (Niche and parent feedback)
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Christian worldview alongside academics, with a focus on preparing students for college and life.
   • Tuition: Around $8,000-$12,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: Strong community involvement and extracurricular options.

6. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Well-regarded (based on Niche reviews)
   • Overview: A Catholic high school with a reputation for academic excellence and a supportive environment.
   • Tuition: Approximately $12,000-$15,000 per year
   • Notable Features: Offers AP courses, sports, and faith-based education.

   Charter Schools Near The Lakes, Sarasota, FL (34232)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Enrollment may require a lottery or application process.

7. Sarasota Academy of the Arts

   • Address: 4466 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A charter school with a focus on integrating arts into the curriculum alongside core academics.
   • Enrollment: Around 300 students
   • Notable Features: Emphasis on creativity and smaller class sizes.

8. Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

   • Address: 6220 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from The Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Part of the Imagine Schools network, focusing on character education and academic achievement.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Notable Features: Project-based learning and community focus.

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your specific address within the 34232 ZIP code. You can confirm zoning and apply for school choice options (if available) through the Sarasota County Schools website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net).
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and other sources are based on available data as of my last update (October 2023). They should be used as a starting point, and I encourage visiting schools or attending open houses to get a firsthand impression.
   • Transportation: Many schools in Sarasota County offer bus services for public school students within designated zones. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.
   • Special Programs: Sarasota County Schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, and career-technical education. Check with the district for application processes if interested.

   If you have a specific address within The Lakes community, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, homeschool resources, or specific programs (e.g., special needs or STEM focus), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you like me to dive deeper into any particular school or aspect?