Local Schools Near Waterside - Avanti, Lakewood Ranches, 34240

The community of Waterside - Avanti in Lakewood Ranch, FL, with the ZIP code 34240, is located in Sarasota County. This area is served by the Sarasota County Public Schools district, which is known for its high-quality education and numerous well-rated schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including 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. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on these platforms or the school district’s website for updates.

I’ll focus on public schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the Waterside - Avanti community, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools.

Public Schools Near Waterside - Avanti, Lakewood Ranch, FL (34240)

Elementary Schools

1. Tatum Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterside - Avanti
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   • Overview: Tatum Ridge is highly regarded for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and family-friendly environment. It often scores well on state assessments and has a focus on STEM education.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)
   • Additional Info: Offers various extracurricular activities and has a strong parent involvement through the PTO.

2. Lakeview Elementary School

   • Address: 7299 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Waterside - Avanti
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Known for its welcoming community and solid academic programs, Lakeview Elementary emphasizes personalized learning and student engagement.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Features after-school programs and a focus on arts and technology integration.

   Middle Schools

   1. R. Dan Nolan Middle School
   2. Address: 6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202 (serves parts of Lakewood Ranch)
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Waterside - Avanti
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   6. Overview: Nolan Middle School is praised for its academic rigor, diverse extracurricular offerings, and preparation for high school. It serves many students from the Lakewood Ranch area.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   8. Additional Info: Offers advanced coursework, sports, and clubs like robotics and band.

   High Schools

   1. Lakewood Ranch High School
   2. Address: 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Waterside - Avanti
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   6. Overview: As one of the primary high schools serving the Lakewood Ranch area, it offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. It has a strong reputation for athletics and community involvement.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its Mustang spirit, large campus, and diverse programs including arts and technology.

   Private and Charter Schools Near Waterside - Avanti

   1. The Classical Academy of Sarasota (Charter School)
   2. Address: 875 Covey Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterside - Avanti
   4. Grade Levels: K-12
   5. Rating: Not always rated on GreatSchools.org due to its charter status, but it receives positive parent reviews on Niche.com (often 4/5 stars)
   6. Overview: This tuition-free public charter school focuses on a classical education model with an emphasis on liberal arts, critical thinking, and character development.
   7. Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   8. Additional Info: Smaller class sizes and a rigorous curriculum are highlights.

3. Out-of-Door Academy (Private School)

   • Address: 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (Lower School Campus)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterside - Avanti
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12 (multiple campuses)
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche.com (often A or A+); not rated on GreatSchools.org as it’s private
   • Overview: A prestigious independent school offering a college-preparatory curriculum, strong arts and athletics programs, and a focus on individualized learning.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$25,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Enrollment: Around 700-800 students across campuses
   • Additional Info: Known for small class sizes and a supportive community.

   School District Information

   • District: Sarasota County Public Schools
   • Reputation: Sarasota County Schools are consistently ranked among the top districts in Florida, often receiving an A rating from the state. The district is known for high graduation rates, innovative programs, and community support.
   • Website: www.sarasotacountyschools.net (for zoning information, school calendars, and registration details)

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: The specific schools your child attends depend on your exact address within Waterside - Avanti. You can confirm zoning by using the Sarasota County Schools’ “School Locator” tool on their website or by contacting the district directly.
   • Transportation: Sarasota County provides bus services for public school students within designated zones. Check the district website for bus routes and eligibility.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and other sources are based on available data as of my last update (October 2023). They may not reflect the most recent test scores or changes in school performance. Always verify current ratings and reviews.
   • Community Proximity: Waterside - Avanti is part of the larger Lakewood Ranch master-planned community, which prioritizes access to quality education. Many schools are designed to be within a short drive, and new schools may be planned as the area grows.

   If you have a specific address within Waterside - Avanti, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, special programs (e.g., gifted education or magnet schools), or more detailed reviews, let me know, and I can provide further assistance! You can also visit the schools or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at the facilities and meet staff.