Local Schools Near The Winds of St Armands, Sarasota, 34234

The Winds of St. Armands is a community located in Sarasota, FL, with the ZIP code 34234. This area is part of Sarasota County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the community. Below, I’ll provide information on public and private schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of this area, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Sarasota County School District website or visiting the schools.

Location Context

The Winds of St. Armands is situated in northern Sarasota, near the Ringling College of Art and Design and close to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It’s also near downtown Sarasota and the barrier islands like St. Armands Key and Lido Key. The ZIP code 34234 covers a broader area of northern Sarasota, so I’ll focus on schools within or near this zone.

Public Schools Near 34234 (Sarasota County School District)

Public schools in Sarasota County are managed by the Sarasota County School District. Here are some of the closest schools to the 34234 area, along with their approximate distance from the center of the ZIP code and their GreatSchools.org ratings (as of the latest available data in 2023). Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools.

Elementary Schools

1. Emma E. Booker Elementary School

   • Address: 2350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: This school serves a diverse population and focuses on foundational education. It has faced challenges with test scores, which contribute to the lower rating, but offers various support programs for students.

2. Gocio Elementary School

   • Address: 3450 Gocio Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Gocio has a moderate rating with a focus on academic improvement and community involvement. It serves students in the northern Sarasota area.

3. Bay Haven School of Basics Plus

   • Address: 2901 W Tamiami Cir, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: This is a magnet school with a focus on a "back to basics" curriculum. It has a slightly higher rating due to better test performance and parent reviews.

   Middle Schools

   1. Booker Middle School
   2. Address: 2250 Myrtle St, Sarasota, FL 34234
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34234
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Notes: Located very close to the 34234 area, this school offers various extracurriculars but struggles with consistent academic performance based on test scores.

   High Schools

   1. Booker High School
   2. Address: 3201 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34234
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Notes: Booker High is known for its Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program, which is a draw for many students. Overall academic ratings are average, with strengths in specific programs.

4. Sarasota High School

   • Address: 2155 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: A larger high school with a broader range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It serves a wider area of Sarasota.

   Private Schools Near 34234

   Private schools offer alternative educational options and often have different rating systems or may not be rated on GreatSchools.org. Below are some notable private schools within a reasonable distance.

5. The Westcoast School for Human Development

   • Address: 403 N Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews vary
   • Notes: A smaller private school with a focus on individualized learning. Tuition and specific programs should be confirmed directly with the school.

6. Sarasota Christian School

   • Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally positive parent feedback
   • Notes: A faith-based school offering a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on Christian values. It’s a bit farther but still accessible for families in 34234.

7. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; known for strong academics and athletics
   • Notes: A well-regarded Catholic high school with a focus on college preparation.

   Charter Schools Near 34234

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs.

8. Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences

   • Address: 645 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: A charter school with a focus on arts and sciences, offering a unique curriculum and generally higher academic performance.

9. Sarasota Military Academy (Prep Campus)

   • Address: 3101 Bethel Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240 (Prep Campus for middle school; high school campus is closer at 801 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236)
   • Distance: High School Campus is ~2 miles from central 34234
   • Grade Levels: 6-12 (two campuses)
   • Rating: 6/10 for High School (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: A military-style charter school emphasizing discipline and leadership alongside academics.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and sometimes equity data. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is "bad"—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or parents can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be checked via the Sarasota County School District’s website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net). Some schools allow out-of-zone enrollment through magnet programs or school choice options.
   • Transportation: For public schools, bus services are typically available within zoned areas. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so confirm with the school.
   • Special Programs: Many schools in Sarasota offer magnet programs (e.g., arts at Booker High) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at other locations slightly farther away, like Riverview High School (rated 7/10, ~6 miles away).

   How to Research Further

   1. Sarasota County School District: Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net for zoning maps, enrollment information, and school performance reports.
   2. GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34234) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   3. Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at www.fldoe.org for state-assigned grades (A-F scale).
   4. School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and culture.

   If you’re specifically looking at The Winds of St. Armands community, the closest schools are likely Emma E. Booker Elementary, Booker Middle, and Booker High due to their proximity within the 34234 ZIP code. However, families often consider schools slightly farther out for higher ratings or specialized programs. Let me know if you’d like more details on a specific school, program, or if you’re looking at a different radius for schools!