Local Schools Near Waterford Estates, Punta Gorda, 33950

Waterford Estates is a community located in Punta Gorda, FL, with the ZIP code 33950. Punta Gorda is part of Charlotte County, and the schools in this area are primarily managed by the Charlotte County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Waterford Estates, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other public resources. Ratings are often 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

Waterford Estates is situated near US-41 (Tamiami Trail) in Punta Gorda, close to downtown Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. The community is likely within a short driving distance of several schools in the area. I’ll focus on public schools within the Charlotte County Public Schools district and mention any notable private or charter options nearby. Distances are approximate based on typical mapping tools.

Public Schools Near Waterford Estates, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

1. Sallie Jones Elementary School

   • Address: 1230 Narranja St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
   • Distance from Waterford Estates: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: Sallie Jones Elementary is a well-regarded public elementary school in Punta Gorda. It has a focus on academic achievement and offers various programs to support student development. Test scores are generally above the state average in reading and math.
   • Additional Info: The school has a strong community reputation and offers extracurricular activities. Check the Charlotte County Public Schools website for zoning details to confirm if Waterford Estates falls within its attendance boundary.

2. Punta Gorda Middle School

   • Address: 1001 Education Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
   • Distance from Waterford Estates: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: This middle school serves students in the Punta Gorda area and focuses on preparing students for high school with a curriculum that includes core subjects and electives. Test scores are near or slightly above state averages.
   • Additional Info: The school offers sports and clubs. Parents often note the supportive staff, though some reviews mention a need for facility updates.

3. Charlotte High School

   • Address: 1250 Cooper St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
   • Distance from Waterford Estates: Approximately 2-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Charlotte High School is the primary public high school serving Punta Gorda. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities like sports and arts. Graduation rates are generally strong for the area.
   • Additional Info: Known for its school spirit and community involvement, Charlotte High has a historic campus in downtown Punta Gorda. College readiness metrics are competitive for the region.

   Private and Charter Schools Near Waterford Estates

4. Good Shepherd Day School

   • Address: 1800 Shreve St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
   • Distance from Waterford Estates: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools due to its private status, but parent reviews on Niche and other sites are generally positive.
   • Overview: This is a private Episcopal school offering a faith-based education with a focus on small class sizes and individualized attention. It emphasizes character development alongside academics.
   • Additional Info: Tuition costs apply, and enrollment may require an application process. Contact the school directly for details.

5. Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School (Charter)

   • Address: Located on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus, 26300 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
   • Distance from Waterford Estates: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 9/10
   • Overview: This charter high school offers a unique opportunity for students to earn college credits while completing high school. It’s highly rated for college readiness and academic rigor.
   • Additional Info: Admission may be competitive, often based on academic performance or lottery. It’s ideal for motivated students seeking an accelerated path.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: The ratings provided are primarily from GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, equity, and other metrics. Niche.com and the Florida Department of Education also provide ratings and report cards for schools, which may offer additional perspectives.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on zoning boundaries set by Charlotte County Public Schools. Waterford Estates is likely zoned for the schools listed above (Sallie Jones, Punta Gorda Middle, and Charlotte High), but you should confirm with the district’s zoning map or by contacting the district office at (941) 255-0808.
   • Other Factors: Ratings don’t tell the whole story. Consider visiting schools, meeting with administrators, and reviewing parent feedback on platforms like Niche or local community forums. Factors like class size, teacher quality, and extracurricular offerings may be just as important as test scores.
   • Transportation: Charlotte County Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Check the district website for bus routes near Waterford Estates.

   How to Research Further

   • Charlotte County Public Schools Website: www.yourcharlotteschools.net – Offers zoning information, school report cards, and enrollment details.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33950) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Provides detailed reviews and rankings for schools in Punta Gorda.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access school performance data and accountability reports at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, preschool options, or interest in a particular school), let me know, and I can dig deeper into those details. Would you like me to provide more information on a specific school or type of program?