Local Schools Near Tatum Ridge, Sarasota, 34240

Tatum Ridge is a community located in Sarasota, Florida, within the 34240 ZIP code. This area is part of Sarasota County, which is served by the Sarasota County School District, known for its high-quality education and numerous well-rated schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Tatum Ridge, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend visiting the schools or checking the most current data for confirmation.

Location Context

Tatum Ridge is situated in eastern Sarasota County, near I-75 and Fruitville Road, close to developing residential areas and amenities like the Celery Fields. Schools in this area are generally zoned based on proximity, and families in Tatum Ridge are often assigned to schools in the Fruitville or Lakeview areas. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from Tatum Ridge.

Public Schools Near Tatum Ridge (Sarasota County School District)

1. Tatum Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 4100 Tatum Road, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from the Tatum Ridge community
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by the Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   • Overview: This is the closest elementary school to the Tatum Ridge community and is highly regarded for its academic performance, small class sizes, and family-friendly environment. It often receives praise for strong test scores in math and reading.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies annually)
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. McIntosh Middle School

   • Address: 701 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Tatum Ridge
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: This middle school serves many students from the Tatum Ridge area. It has a solid reputation for academics and offers a variety of electives, sports, and clubs. Some parents note it has a supportive staff, though ratings suggest room for improvement in certain areas like student progress.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Features STEM programs and advanced coursework options.

3. Sarasota High School

   • Address: 1000 South School Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237
   • Distance: Approximately 9-10 miles from Tatum Ridge
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Sarasota High is one of the high schools serving the broader area around Tatum Ridge. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like athletics and arts. It’s known for its historic campus and diverse student body, though test scores and college readiness metrics are average compared to other local high schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,000-2,200 students
   • Additional Info: Home to the AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) program for college-bound students.

   Note on School Zoning: School assignments can depend on specific addresses within Tatum Ridge. Some families may be zoned for other nearby schools like Fruitville Elementary (5 miles away, rated 8/10) or Riverview High School (10 miles away, rated 7/10). You can confirm zoning through the Sarasota County School District’s website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net) by entering your address into their school locator tool.

   Private Schools Near Tatum Ridge

4. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Tatum Ridge
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly reviewed on Niche.com (A- overall)
   • Overview: This private school offers a classical education model with a focus on liberal arts, critical thinking, and character development. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to public schooling, with smaller class sizes and a rigorous curriculum.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000-$12,000 per year (varies by grade; check with the school for current rates)
   • Enrollment: Around 300-400 students
   • Additional Info: Emphasizes Latin, logic, and rhetoric as core subjects.

5. Sarasota Christian School

   • Address: 5415 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Tatum Ridge
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms; generally positive parent reviews on Niche.com
   • Overview: A faith-based private school offering a Christian worldview alongside academics. It provides a range of extracurriculars, including sports and fine arts, and focuses on spiritual development.
   • Tuition: Approximately $7,000-$10,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Additional Info: Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

6. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Tatum Ridge
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; B+ on Niche.com
   • Overview: A private Catholic high school known for its college preparatory curriculum, strong athletics programs, and community service focus. It’s a good option for families seeking a faith-based secondary education.
   • Tuition: Around $12,000-$14,000 per year (discounts for parish members)
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities.

   Charter Schools Near Tatum Ridge

7. Sarasota Suncoast Academy

   • Address: 8084 Hawkins Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Tatum Ridge
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: A public charter school offering a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools. It emphasizes academic excellence and character education, with a focus on smaller class sizes. Admission is often lottery-based due to high demand.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Strong parent involvement and community focus.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida Department of Education grades (A-F) are derived from state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments). Niche.com ratings incorporate parent and student reviews alongside academic data.
   • School Choice: Florida offers school choice programs, including open enrollment for public schools (if space is available) and charter schools. Additionally, the Step Up For Students scholarship program can help with private school tuition for eligible families.
   • Visiting Schools: I recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses at schools of interest to get a firsthand look at facilities, meet staff, and understand the culture.
   • Transportation: Public school bus services are available based on zoning and distance (typically for students living 2+ miles from their school). Private and charter schools may offer limited or no bus services, so check with individual schools.

   How to Verify Information

   • Sarasota County School District: Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net or call (941) 927-9000 for zoning and enrollment details.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search specific schools 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.

   If you have a specific address within Tatum Ridge, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for preschools, special needs programs, or other educational resources, let me know, and I can expand on those options!