Local Schools Near Waterside - Bungalow Walk, Lakewood Ranches, 34240

The community of Waterside - Bungalow Walk in Lakewood Ranch, FL (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 strong community involvement. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including 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). I’ll also include approximate distances from the Waterside community. Since school assignments can vary based on specific addresses and zoning changes, I recommend verifying the assigned schools with the Sarasota County School District or a local real estate agent. Additionally, I’ll include some private school options in the area.

Public Schools Near Waterside - Bungalow Walk, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

1. Tatum Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterside - Bungalow Walk
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Tatum Ridge Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and focus on student growth. It often receives praise for its welcoming environment and parent involvement. Test scores in math and reading are typically above state averages.

2. McIntosh Middle School

   • Address: 7016 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Waterside - Bungalow Walk
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: McIntosh Middle School offers a solid curriculum with opportunities for advanced coursework and extracurricular activities. It serves a diverse student body and focuses on preparing students for high school.

3. Sarasota High School

   • Address: 1000 S School Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Waterside - Bungalow Walk
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Sarasota High School is one of the larger high schools in the area, offering a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, arts programs, and athletics. It has a historic reputation in the community and provides various pathways for college and career readiness.

   Note on School Zoning: The Waterside community in Lakewood Ranch may also be zoned for other nearby schools depending on the exact address and boundary lines. For instance, some areas of Lakewood Ranch are zoned for schools like Lakeview Elementary or Braden River Middle/High School (in Manatee County, as Lakewood Ranch straddles both Sarasota and Manatee Counties). I recommend checking the Sarasota County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website) or contacting the district directly at (941) 927-9000 to confirm zoning for a specific address.

   Private Schools Near Waterside - Bungalow Walk, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

   For families considering private education, there are several well-regarded options within a reasonable driving distance:

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

   • Address: 5959 Vineland Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5 (Lower School; Upper School campus serves 6-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Waterside - Bungalow Walk
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community
   • Details: This independent school emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum combined with arts and athletics. It’s known for small class sizes and personalized attention. Tuition and admission details can be found on their website.

5. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Waterside - Bungalow Walk
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but well-respected for academics and faith-based education
   • Details: A private Catholic high school offering a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on spiritual development, leadership, and community service.

6. NewGate School

   • Address: 5237 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Waterside - Bungalow Walk
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but known for its Montessori approach
   • Details: NewGate offers a Montessori-based education with an emphasis on individualized learning and global perspectives, including International Baccalaureate (IB) programs for older students.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. However, they are just one tool to evaluate a school. Visiting schools, speaking with current parents, and reviewing extracurricular offerings or special programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or gifted education) can provide a fuller picture.
   • Charter and Magnet Schools: Sarasota County has several charter and magnet options, such as Sarasota Military Academy (a public charter school) or Pine View School (a highly rated gifted program, rated 10/10 on GreatSchools.org, though it’s farther away at about 15 miles). Admission to these schools often requires applications or lotteries.
   • Lakewood Ranch Growth: As Lakewood Ranch continues to expand, new schools may be built or zoning may shift. Keep an eye on updates from the Sarasota County School District or the Lakewood Ranch community website for the latest information.

   How to Verify School Information

   • Sarasota County School District Website: Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net for school locator tools, zoning maps, and contact information.
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Many schools offer tours or virtual open houses, especially for elementary and private schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: For state-level data on school performance, check www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Waterside - Bungalow Walk or would like more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., programs for special needs, sports teams, or after-school care), let me know, and I can help narrow it down further! Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools or daycare options in the area, I can provide that information as well.