School Choices Detailed and Rated Vista Ridge, Ruskin, 33570

Vista Ridge is a community located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Vista Ridge community, including their ratings, based on available 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. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

Location Context

Vista Ridge is situated in Ruskin, a growing area in South Hillsborough County, near major roads like I-75 and US-41, providing access to nearby schools. The community is primarily residential, and schools in the vicinity serve students from elementary through high school levels. I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33570 area, as well as mention charter or private options if applicable. Distances are approximate based on typical mapping tools.

Public Schools Near Vista Ridge, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Elementary Schools

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school offers programs like after-school care and community involvement initiatives.
   • Student Population: Around 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Check the Hillsborough County Public Schools website for zoning details, as boundaries can shift.

2. Cypress Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 4040 19th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP code)
   • Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: Located slightly north of Ruskin, this school has average performance in math and reading compared to state standards. It offers a range of extracurricular activities and has a focus on student growth.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Shields Middle School
   2. Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573
   3. Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 5-6 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   6. Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin and Sun City Center areas. Test scores are below state averages, but the school offers programs like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to support college readiness.
   7. Student Population: Around 1,200-1,400 students

   High Schools

   1. Lennard High School
   2. Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   3. Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   6. Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurriculars like sports and clubs. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores lag in some subjects.
   7. Student Population: Around 2,500-3,000 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its agricultural programs and community involvement.

   Charter Schools Near Vista Ridge

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.

3. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Address: 7110 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview, FL 33578 (near Ruskin)
   • Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): Limited data; newer school
   • Overview: Focuses on sports leadership and management, blending academics with career preparation in sports-related fields.
   • Additional Info: Check their website for enrollment details and availability.

4. Winthrop Charter School

   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578
   • Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: A well-regarded charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Test scores are above state averages.
   • Additional Info: Enrollment is competitive; applications are typically required.

   Private Schools Near Vista Ridge

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious or specialized focuses. Here are a couple of options nearby:

5. Ruskin Christian School

   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms; reviews vary
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Focuses on academic and spiritual development.
   • Additional Info: Contact the school for tuition and enrollment information.

6. Livingstone Academy

   • Address: Located in nearby Riverview, FL (specific campus details vary)
   • Distance from Vista Ridge: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: Varies by campus (often K-12)
   • Rating: Limited public data; focuses on special needs education
   • Overview: Specializes in serving students with autism and other learning differences.
   • Additional Info: Requires specific enrollment processes for tailored education plans.

   School Ratings Summary

   • Elementary: Ruskin Elementary (4/10), Cypress Creek Elementary (5/10)
   • Middle: Shields Middle School (3/10)
   • High: Lennard High School (4/10)
   • Charter: Winthrop Charter (7/10), SLAM Academy (limited data)
   • Private: Ratings vary; often not publicly scored

   Additional Notes on Ratings

   • Ratings from GreatSchools.org are on a 1-10 scale and are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics. A rating below 5 often indicates below-average performance compared to state standards, while 6-10 suggests average to above-average performance.
   • Factors like student-teacher ratio, diversity, and parent reviews also influence perceptions of school quality. I recommend visiting schools or attending open houses to get a firsthand impression.
   • The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on performance metrics. As of the latest data, many schools in the Ruskin area have received C or D grades, reflecting challenges in test performance and student progress. Check the FLDOE website (fldoe.org) for the most recent grades.

   How to Verify Zoning and Enrollment

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Use the “School Locator” tool at hillsboroughschools.org to confirm which schools serve the Vista Ridge community based on your exact address.
   • Contact Information: The district’s main number is (813) 272-4000 for assistance with zoning or enrollment questions.
   • School Choice Options: Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, school choice, and out-of-zone enrollment under certain conditions. Deadlines and availability vary.

   Other Considerations

   • Transportation: Most public schools provide bus services within zoned areas. Check with individual schools for routes near Vista Ridge.
   • After-School Programs: Many schools offer aftercare for elementary students, and community centers in Ruskin may provide additional resources.
   • Future Development: Ruskin is a growing area with new housing developments. School zoning and capacity may change as the population increases, so stay updated via the district.

   If you have a specific address within Vista Ridge or need more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., programs, facilities, or recent performance data), let me know, and I can help narrow it down further. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or specific extracurricular offerings, I can expand on those as well. What else would you like to know?