School Choices Detailed and Rated Vista Village, Indian Shores, 33785

Vista Village is a community located in Indian Shores, FL, with the ZIP code 33785. Indian Shores is a small coastal town in Pinellas County, Florida, near the Gulf of Mexico. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with 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 the Pinellas County School District.

Since Vista Village is a specific community within Indian Shores, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles), as this is a small area with limited schools directly within the town. Indian Shores residents are typically served by the Pinellas County School District for public schools.

Public Schools Near Indian Shores, FL (33785)

Public schools in this area are assigned based on zoning by the Pinellas County School District. You can confirm exact school assignments for a specific address using the district’s school locator tool (available on their website: pcsb.org). Below are the schools most likely to serve the Indian Shores area, along with their ratings and approximate distances from Vista Village.

1. Bauder Elementary School (Grades PK-5)

   • Location: 12755 86th Ave, Seminole, FL 33776
   • Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Bauder Elementary is a well-regarded school in the Pinellas County School District. It offers a strong academic program with an emphasis on student achievement and community involvement. The school has consistently high test scores in math and reading compared to state averages.
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Seminole Middle School (Grades 6-8)

   • Location: 8701 131st St, Seminole, FL 33776
   • Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Seminole area, including parts of Indian Shores. It offers a variety of extracurricular activities and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Test scores are slightly above the state average.
   • Additional Info: Features programs like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to support college readiness.

3. Seminole High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 8401 131st St, Seminole, FL 33776
   • Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Seminole High School is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. It has a good graduation rate and offers a variety of sports and clubs.
   • Additional Info: Part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for eligible students.

   Note: School assignments can vary based on specific addresses within Indian Shores. Some students in the 33785 ZIP code may be zoned for other nearby schools, such as Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 or Largo High School, depending on boundary lines. Use the Pinellas County School District’s zoning tool to confirm.

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   Private Schools Near Indian Shores, FL (33785)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a short drive of Indian Shores. Private school ratings are less standardized than public schools but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and Niche rankings.

4. Country Day School (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 11499 Vonn Rd, Largo, FL 33774
   • Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents (4.5/5 on Niche)
   • Details: This Montessori-inspired school offers a personalized learning environment with a focus on creativity and critical thinking. It has small class sizes and a strong community feel.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact the school for current rates (typically $10,000–$15,000/year).

5. St. Patrick Catholic School (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 1501 Trotter Rd, Largo, FL 33770
   • Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: Well-regarded (4/5 on Niche)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a traditional Catholic education with an emphasis on academics and character development. It has a supportive community and offers extracurricular activities.
   • Tuition: Around $6,000–$8,000/year for parishioners; higher for non-parishioners.

6. Indian Rocks Christian School (Grades PK-12)

   • Location: 12685 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774
   • Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: 4.5/5 (Niche)
   • Details: A private Christian school offering education from preschool through high school. It emphasizes biblical values alongside a rigorous academic curriculum, including AP courses for high school students.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000–$12,000/year, depending on grade level.

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   Charter and Magnet Schools Near Indian Shores, FL (33785)

   Pinellas County offers several charter and magnet schools that may be accessible to residents of Indian Shores. Admission to these schools often requires an application or lottery process.

   1. Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 (Grades K-8)
   2. Location: 591 Tom Stuart Causeway, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
   3. Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is a highly rated fundamental school with a structured, back-to-basics approach. It emphasizes parental involvement and has strong test scores. Admission is by lottery if outside the zoned area.
   6. Additional Info: Focuses on discipline and traditional education values.

7. Plato Academy Largo Charter School (Grades K-8)

   • Location: 7100 142nd Ave N, Largo, FL 33771
   • Distance from Vista Village: Approximately 8-9 miles
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school with a focus on classical education, including Greek language and culture. It has a strong academic reputation and smaller class sizes.
   • Additional Info: Tuition-free, but admission is based on availability and lottery.

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   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings provided are primarily from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which aggregate data on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, ratings are subjective and should be supplemented with personal visits or direct contact with schools.
   • School District: The Pinellas County School District (pcsb.org) oversees public schools in the area and offers resources for school choice programs, including magnet and fundamental schools.
   • Transportation: Indian Shores is a small community, and some schools may require driving or bus transportation, especially for middle and high school students. Check with the district for bus route availability.
   • Preschools: For younger children, there are local preschools and daycares in Indian Shores and nearby Seminole/Largo, such as Indian Shores Montessori and local church-based programs.

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   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have detailed websites with information on programs, enrollment, and events.
   2. Pinellas County School Locator: Use the district’s online tool to confirm zoned schools for a specific address in Vista Village (pcsb.org/domain/3).
   3. School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment.
   4. Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com feature parent and student reviews for additional perspectives.

   If you have a specific address within Vista Village or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports, or arts focus), I can help narrow down the options further. Let me know!