Local Schools Near Waterside - Emerald Landing, Lakewood Ranches, 34240

The community of Waterside - Emerald Landing in Lakewood Ranch, FL, falls within the 34240 ZIP code in Sarasota County. This area is part of the highly regarded Sarasota County School District, known for its quality education and strong academic programs. 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. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Location Context

Waterside - Emerald Landing is located in the Lakewood Ranch area, a master-planned community in Sarasota County, near the border of Manatee County. Schools assigned to this area are generally based on zoning by the Sarasota County School District. Since Lakewood Ranch spans both Sarasota and Manatee Counties, I’ll focus on schools in the immediate vicinity of the 34240 ZIP code and note any relevant zoning considerations.

Public Schools Near Waterside - Emerald Landing (34240)

The Sarasota County School District assigns schools based on residential zoning. Below are the schools most likely to serve the Waterside - Emerald Landing community, along with their ratings and key details. I’ve used GreatSchools.org ratings (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary reference, supplemented by other sources where applicable.

Elementary Schools

1. Tatum Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Waterside - Emerald Landing
   • GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
   • Details: Tatum Ridge Elementary is a highly rated public school serving grades K-5. It has a strong reputation for academic performance, with high test scores in math and reading. The school emphasizes a nurturing environment and offers various extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students
   • Notable: Often praised for its dedicated teachers and community involvement.

2. Robert Willis Elementary School (Alternative Option)

   • Address: 14705 The Masters Ave, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Waterside - Emerald Landing
   • GreatSchools Rating: 10/10
   • Details: Located slightly farther but still within the Lakewood Ranch area, this K-5 school is one of the top-rated elementary schools in the region. It focuses on personalized learning and has excellent facilities.
   • Student Population: Around 700 students
   • Notable: Known for strong parent involvement and high student achievement.

   Middle Schools

   1. R. Dan Nolan Middle School
   2. Address: 6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
   3. Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Waterside - Emerald Landing
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   5. Details: Serving grades 6-8, Nolan Middle School is a well-regarded school in the Lakewood Ranch area. It offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced courses and sports.
   6. Student Population: Around 1,000 students
   7. Notable: Recognized for its STEM programs and student diversity.

   High Schools

   1. Lakewood Ranch High School
   2. Address: 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
   3. Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Waterside - Emerald Landing
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   5. Details: This public high school serves grades 9-12 and is one of the largest in the area. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurricular activities, including a strong athletics program.
   6. Student Population: Around 2,500 students
   7. Notable: Known for its college preparatory focus and high graduation rates.

   Private Schools Near Waterside - Emerald Landing

   For families considering private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of the 34240 area.

3. The Out-of-Door Academy (Lower School and Upper School)

   • Address (Lower School): 444 Reid St, Sarasota, FL 34242 (about 15 miles away)
   • Address (Upper School): 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 (closer, about 5-7 miles)
   • Grades: PreK-12
   • Niche Rating: A+ (based on academics, diversity, and college prep)
   • Details: A prestigious private school with a focus on academic excellence, arts, and athletics. The Upper School campus is conveniently located near Lakewood Ranch.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$20,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable: Strong college placement record and small class sizes.

4. Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School

   • Address: 315 41st St W, Bradenton, FL 34209 (about 15-20 miles away)
   • Grades: PreK-12
   • Niche Rating: A
   • Details: A faith-based private school offering a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on character development and community service.
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000-$18,000 per year
   • Notable: Known for its supportive environment and well-rounded education.

   Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Here are a couple of options near the area:

5. Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch

   • Address: 10535 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34211
   • Distance: Approximately 10 miles from Waterside - Emerald Landing
   • Grades: PreK-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Details: A tuition-free charter school focusing on project-based learning and character education.
   • Notable: Smaller class sizes and a family-oriented atmosphere.

   School District Information

   • Sarasota County Schools: The Waterside - Emerald Landing community falls under this district, which is consistently rated among the top in Florida. The district offers various programs, including gifted education, career and technical education, and special needs support.
   • School Zoning: To confirm exact school assignments for a specific address in Waterside - Emerald Landing, you can use the Sarasota County School District’s “School Locator” tool on their website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net) or contact the district office at (941) 927-9000.
   • School Choice: Sarasota County offers a school choice program, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available.

   Additional Notes on Ratings

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, and equity data. A rating of 8-10 indicates above-average performance compared to other Florida schools.
   • Niche.com Ratings: These often include parent and student reviews, providing a more holistic view of the school environment.
   • Florida Department of Education: Schools in Sarasota County often receive high marks in state assessments, with many earning “A” or “B” grades in the state’s accountability system.

   Conclusion and Recommendations

   The Waterside - Emerald Landing community in Lakewood Ranch, FL (34240), is served by some of the best public schools in Sarasota County, with Tatum Ridge Elementary and Lakewood Ranch High School being standout options based on proximity and ratings. Private and charter school options like The Out-of-Door Academy and Imagine School provide alternatives for families seeking specialized education. I recommend the following steps: 1. Verify the exact zoned schools for your address using the Sarasota County School District’s locator tool. 2. Visit schools of interest to get a feel for the environment and meet with administrators or teachers. 3. Check updated ratings and reviews on platforms like GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for the most current information.

   If you have a specific address within Waterside - Emerald Landing or additional preferences (e.g., focus on arts, sports, or special needs programs), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you’d like more details on any particular school or program!