School Choices Detailed and Rated Westward Estates, Ruskin, 33570

Westward Estates is a community located in Ruskin, FL, within the 33570 ZIP code. Ruskin is part of Hillsborough County, and the area is served by the Hillsborough County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Westward Estates, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note 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 district.

Public Schools Near Westward Estates, Ruskin, FL (33570)

Public schools in this area are assigned based on zoning by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Below are the schools typically zoned for or near the Westward Estates community. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and supplemented with information from Niche or other public data where available. I’ve also included approximate distances from Westward Estates (based on a central point in Ruskin near the 33570 ZIP code).

1. Ruskin Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 101 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Westward Estates
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Overview: Ruskin Elementary serves the local community with a focus on early education. The school has a diverse student population and offers programs like free/reduced lunch for qualifying families. Test scores are below the state average in math and reading, but the school is working on improvement initiatives.
   • Additional Info (Niche): Rated C- overall, with a focus on community involvement but challenges in academic performance compared to district averages.

2. Shields Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573 (nearby ZIP, still serves 33570)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Westward Estates
   • GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
   • Overview: Shields Middle School serves students in the Ruskin area. It has a diverse student body and offers extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Academic performance is below state averages, with challenges in math and reading proficiency based on recent data.
   • Additional Info (Niche): Rated C, with some positive feedback on teacher dedication but concerns about facilities and academic outcomes.

3. Lennard High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 2002 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Westward Estates
   • GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   • Overview: Lennard High School is the primary high school for the Ruskin area. It offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like athletics and arts. Graduation rates are close to the state average, but test scores in core subjects lag behind.
   • Additional Info (Niche): Rated B- overall, with better marks for diversity and extracurriculars but lower scores for academics.

   Charter and Magnet School Options Nearby

   Hillsborough County offers several charter and magnet schools that families in the 33570 area may apply to, though admission often depends on lotteries or specific criteria. Here are a couple of notable options within a reasonable distance:

4. Winthrop Charter School

   • Type: Public Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Address: 6204 Scholars Hill Ln, Riverview, FL 33578 (about 10 miles from Ruskin)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: A highly regarded charter school with a focus on academic rigor and character development. It often has a waitlist due to popularity. Test scores are above state averages in most subjects.

5. SLAM Academy Tampa (Sports Leadership and Management)

   • Type: Public Charter (Grades 6-12)
   • Address: 7116 S US Hwy 301, Riverview, FL 33578 (about 8-10 miles from Ruskin)
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Overview: Focuses on sports leadership and management alongside academics. It’s a unique option for students interested in sports-related careers, though academic performance is average.

   Private Schools Near Westward Estates, Ruskin, FL (33570)

   Private school options in and around Ruskin are limited, but there are a few within a 10-15 mile radius. These schools often require tuition and may have specific enrollment processes.

6. Ruskin Christian School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Westward Estates
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated (limited data)
   • Overview (Niche): A small Christian school offering a faith-based education with a focus on traditional values. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools. Limited public data on academic performance, but parent reviews often highlight the close-knit community. Tuition information is available directly from the school.

7. Livingstone Academy

   • Type: Private (Special Needs Focus, Grades K-12)
   • Address: Located in nearby Riverview, FL (approx. 10 miles)
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated
   • Overview: Caters to students with autism and other special needs. It’s a specialized option for families seeking tailored education plans. Contact the school for specifics on programs and costs.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes equity factors. Niche ratings (letter grades) incorporate parent and student reviews, alongside academic and extracurricular data. Ratings should be one of many factors in choosing a school—consider visiting schools, meeting with staff, and reviewing specific programs that match your child’s needs.
   • School Zoning: Confirm zoning for Westward Estates with Hillsborough County Public Schools (hcps.sdhc.k12.fl.us) as boundaries can shift, and exceptions like school choice programs may apply.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services within zoned areas. Charter and private schools may have limited or no bus options, so check directly with the school.

   How to Research Further

   • Hillsborough County Public Schools Website: Use the school locator tool at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/ to confirm zoning and explore choice programs.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33570) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed breakdowns of schools with user feedback.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides school report cards and performance data at https://www.fldoe.org/.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, extracurricular focus, or a preference for private schools) or would like me to dig deeper into a particular school, let me know! I can also help with contact information or directions if needed.