Local Schools Near Turtle Rock, Sarasota, 34238

Turtle Rock is a residential community located in Sarasota, Florida, within the 34238 ZIP code. This area is part of Sarasota County, which is served by the Sarasota County Schools district, known for its high-quality education system. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Turtle Rock, 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 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 checking the most current data on sites like GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the Turtle Rock community.

Public Schools Near Turtle Rock, Sarasota, FL 34238

Public schools in this area are managed by Sarasota County Schools, which is highly regarded in Florida. Turtle Rock falls within specific school zones, but families can sometimes apply for school choice programs if they prefer a different school.

1. Ashton Elementary School

   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance from Turtle Rock: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Ashton Elementary is a top-rated public school known for strong academic performance, a supportive environment, and a focus on student growth. It serves many families in the Turtle Rock and Palmer Ranch areas. The school often receives high marks for test scores and teacher quality.
   • Address: 5110 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Contact: (941) 361-6440

2. Sarasota Middle School

   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Turtle Rock: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Sarasota Middle School is another highly rated school in the district, offering a robust curriculum with advanced placement options and extracurricular activities. It is well-regarded for preparing students for high school and beyond.
   • Address: 4826 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Contact: (941) 361-6464

3. Riverview High School

   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Turtle Rock: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Riverview High School is one of the top high schools in Sarasota County, offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a variety of sports and arts programs. It has a strong reputation for college readiness.
   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Contact: (941) 923-1484

   Private Schools Near Turtle Rock, Sarasota, FL 34238

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Turtle Rock. Private schools often have different admission processes and tuition costs, so contacting them directly for the most up-to-date information is advised.

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

   • Grade Levels: PreK-5 (Lower School; other campuses serve higher grades)
   • Distance from Turtle Rock: Approximately 8-10 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 multiple campuses in the Sarasota area. It emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and small class sizes. The Lakewood Ranch campus serves younger students, while the Siesta Key campus serves middle and high school students.
   • Address (Lower School): 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Contact: (941) 349-3223
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; approximately $10,000–$20,000 per year (contact for exact figures)

5. NewGate School

   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance from Turtle Rock: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but known for its Montessori approach
   • Overview: NewGate School offers a Montessori-based education with an emphasis on individualized learning. It serves students from preschool through high school and is part of the International Montessori Council.
   • Address: 5237 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Contact: (941) 922-4949
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for details

6. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Turtle Rock: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but well-respected locally
   • Overview: This Catholic high school provides a faith-based education with a focus on academics, athletics, and community service. It is a popular choice for families seeking a private, religious education.
   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Contact: (941) 371-4917
   • Tuition: Approximately $12,000–$15,000 per year (contact for current rates)

   Charter Schools Near Turtle Rock, Sarasota, FL 34238

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

7. Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Distance from Turtle Rock: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This charter school offers a project-based learning environment with a focus on character education and community involvement. It serves families in the Palmer Ranch area, including Turtle Rock.
   • Address: 6220 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Contact: (941) 257-1124

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Zoning: The public schools listed (Ashton Elementary, Sarasota Middle, and Riverview High) are the zoned schools for most Turtle Rock residents based on current district boundaries. However, zoning can change, so verify your specific address with the Sarasota County Schools website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net) using their school locator tool.
   • School Choice: Sarasota County offers a school choice program, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs and specialized academies are also options.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on a 1-10 scale and reflect test scores, equity, and other metrics as of the latest data. Always supplement ratings with school visits, parent reviews, and direct communication with school staff.
   • Preschools and Daycares: For younger children, there are numerous preschools and daycare centers near Turtle Rock, such as Turtle Rock Early Learning Center and local Montessori programs. These are not rated in the same way as K-12 schools but can be researched through parent reviews and state licensing records.

   How to Research Further

   • Sarasota County Schools Website: www.sarasotacountyschools.net – Check zoning, school choice options, and district performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34238) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: www.fldoe.org – Access school report cards and state assessment data.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private and charter schools.

   If you have a specific address within Turtle Rock or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on after-school programs, tutoring centers, or other educational resources near Turtle Rock, I’m happy to assist!