Local Schools Near Windward, Lakewood Ranches, 34202

The there! I'm happy to help you find information about schools near the Windward community in Lakewood Ranch, FL, with the ZIP code 34202. Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community in Manatee County, known for its family-friendly environment and access to quality schools. Below, I'll provide details on nearby schools, including their ratings, based on publicly available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend visiting the schools or checking with the Manatee County School District for the most up-to-date information.

Overview of the Area

Windward at Lakewood Ranch is located in the eastern part of Manatee County, near Bradenton and Sarasota. The 34202 ZIP code covers parts of Lakewood Ranch, and the community is served by the School District of Manatee County. Schools in this area are generally well-regarded, as Lakewood Ranch attracts families looking for strong educational options. I'll focus on public schools assigned to or near this area, as well as mention some private school options if applicable.

Public Schools Near Windward, Lakewood Ranch (34202)

The following schools are typically assigned to or are in close proximity to the Windward community. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools, along with their GreatSchools.org ratings (as of the latest available data in 2023). Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools.

Elementary Schools

1. Robert Willis Elementary School

   • Address: 14705 The Masters Ave, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   • Distance from Windward: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Robert Willis Elementary is highly rated for its academic performance and student progress. It serves many families in the Lakewood Ranch area and is known for a strong curriculum and community involvement. Test scores in math and reading are typically above state averages.
   • Enrollment: Around 700-800 students (varies yearly)
   • Contact: Check the Manatee County School District website (www.manateeschools.net) for more info.

2. Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School

   • Address: 6325 Lorraine Rd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   • Distance from Windward: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another solid option in the Lakewood Ranch area, McNeal Elementary has a good reputation for academic achievement and a supportive environment. It’s slightly closer to some parts of the 34202 area depending on your exact location in Windward.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students
   • Contact: Available via the district website.

   Middle Schools

   1. R. Dan Nolan Middle School
   2. Address: 6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
   3. Distance from Windward: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Nolan Middle School is a popular choice for Lakewood Ranch families. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, with test scores generally above state averages. The school is known for its focus on preparing students for high school.
   7. Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students
   8. Contact: Manatee County School District website.

   High Schools

   1. Lakewood Ranch High School
   2. Address: 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
   3. Distance from Windward: Approximately 4-5 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Lakewood Ranch High School is the primary high school serving the area. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurricular activities. While its rating is slightly lower than the elementary and middle schools, it still performs well compared to state averages and has a strong community reputation.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,400-2,500 students
   8. Contact: Manatee County School District website.

   Private Schools Near Windward, Lakewood Ranch (34202)

   If you’re considering private education, there are a few options in or near the 34202 area. Private school ratings are less standardized, but I’ll provide some general information.

3. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance from Windward: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Details: This private school offers a classical education model with a focus on liberal arts, critical thinking, and character development. It’s a smaller school with a personalized approach.
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but parent reviews are generally positive.
   • Contact: Visit their website (classicalacademysarasota.com) for tuition and enrollment details.

4. Pinnacle Academy

   • Address: 6215 Lorraine Rd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   • Distance from Windward: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12 (special needs focus)
   • Details: Pinnacle Academy caters to students with learning differences, such as autism or ADHD. It’s a specialized private school with tailored programs.
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but known for its niche focus.
   • Contact: Check their website (pinnacleacademyfl.com).

   Charter Schools

   Charter schools are another option in the area, as they are publicly funded but operate independently. One notable charter school near Windward is:

5. Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch

   • Address: 10535 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34211
   • Distance from Windward: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes a student-centered approach with a focus on character education. It’s an alternative to traditional public schools in the area.
   • Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
   • Contact: Visit imagineschools.org for more details.

   Additional Notes on School Assignments

   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Manatee County are based on zoning, and the specific schools your child attends may depend on your exact address within Windward. The schools listed above are the most likely options based on proximity and zoning for the 34202 area, but I recommend using the Manatee County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website) to confirm.
   • School Choice: Manatee County offers a school choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. This could provide access to other high-performing schools in the district.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (like school culture or specific programs). Visiting schools or speaking with other parents in the Windward community can provide deeper insight.

   How to Learn More

   • Manatee County School District: Visit www.manateeschools.net for school calendars, zoning maps, and contact information.
   • GreatSchools.org: A useful resource for detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data.
   • Community Resources: The Lakewood Ranch community often has forums or social media groups (like on Facebook) where parents discuss schools and share experiences.
   • School Tours: Many schools in the area offer tours or open houses, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have a specific address within Windward or want me to dig deeper into a particular school (like programs, sports, or special needs accommodations), just let me know! I can also look into preschools or after-school programs if that’s of interest. What else would you like to explore?