Local Schools Near Waterside - Lakehouse Cove, Lakewood Ranches, 34240

The community of Waterside - Lakehouse Cove 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 numerous highly-rated schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org (ratings out of 10) and other publicly available information. Ratings are subject to change, so I recommend verifying the latest data through the school district or websites like GreatSchools or Niche. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Waterside - Lakehouse Cove community.

Public Schools Near Waterside - Lakehouse Cove

These schools are zoned for or near the Waterside community in Lakewood Ranch. Sarasota County allows some school choice, so families may apply to schools outside their immediate zone under certain conditions.

1. Tatum Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 4100 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterside - Lakehouse Cove
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Tatum Ridge Elementary is highly regarded for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and family-friendly environment. It often receives praise for its test scores and student progress.
   • Contact: (941) 316-8188
   • Website: Check Sarasota County Schools website for more details.

2. McIntosh Middle School

   • Address: 701 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Waterside - Lakehouse Cove
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: McIntosh Middle School offers a solid curriculum with opportunities for advanced coursework and extracurricular activities. It serves a large portion of the Lakewood Ranch area.
   • Contact: (941) 361-6520
   • Website: Sarasota County Schools website.

3. Sarasota High School

   • Address: 1000 S School Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Waterside - Lakehouse Cove
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Sarasota High School is one of the primary high schools serving the area. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, arts programs, and athletics. It’s known for its historic campus and diverse student body.
   • Contact: (941) 955-0181
   • Website: Sarasota County Schools website.

   Alternative Public School Options (School Choice or Magnet Programs)

   Sarasota County offers school choice programs, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Additionally, there are magnet and charter schools nearby:

4. Pine View School (Magnet School for the Gifted)

   • Address: 1 Python Path, Osprey, FL 34229
   • Distance: Approximately 15-17 miles from Waterside - Lakehouse Cove
   • Grade Levels: 2-12
   • Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Pine View is a nationally recognized school for gifted students. Admission requires testing and meeting specific criteria for gifted education. It’s one of the top-rated schools in Florida.
   • Contact: (941) 486-2001
   • Website: Sarasota County Schools website.

5. Sarasota Military Academy (Charter School)

   • Address: 801 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Prep Campus); 3101 Bethel Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240 (High School Campus)
   • Distance: High School Campus is approximately 3-4 miles from Waterside - Lakehouse Cove
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public charter school with a military-style structure, focusing on leadership and discipline alongside academics. It’s a popular choice for families seeking a structured environment.
   • Contact: (941) 877-7737
   • Website: sarasotamilitaryacademy.org

   Private Schools Near Waterside - Lakehouse Cove

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

6. The Out-of-Door Academy (Lakewood Ranch Campus)

   • Address: 5950 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterside - Lakehouse Cove
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; highly regarded in the community (often rated 4.5/5 on Niche.com)
   • Details: A prestigious private school offering a college-preparatory curriculum, strong arts, and athletics programs. Tuition is significant, but financial aid may be available.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$25,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Contact: (941) 554-3400
   • Website: oda.edu

7. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Waterside - Lakehouse Cove
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent reviews on Niche.com
   • Details: A private school with a classical education model, focusing on traditional learning methods, critical thinking, and character development.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000–$12,000 per year
   • Contact: (941) 315-6000
   • Website: tcasarasota.com

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like equity and college readiness. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered good, while 9-10 indicates exceptional performance.
   • Zoning: School zones can change, and Waterside - Lakehouse Cove residents should confirm their assigned schools through the Sarasota County Schools website (sarasotacountyschools.net) using the “School Locator” tool.
   • School Choice: Sarasota County offers a controlled open enrollment policy, allowing students to apply to other public schools if space is available. Applications are typically due in the spring for the following school year.
   • Transportation: Public school bus services are available for zoned schools, but distances and routes should be confirmed with the district. Private schools may or may not offer transportation.

   Conclusion

   The Waterside - Lakehouse Cove community in Lakewood Ranch, FL (34240) is surrounded by a mix of highly-rated public schools like Tatum Ridge Elementary and Pine View School, as well as reputable private options like The Out-of-Door Academy. Families have access to a range of educational environments, from traditional public schools to magnet, charter, and private institutions. For the most current information on zoning, ratings, or enrollment, I recommend visiting the Sarasota County Schools website or contacting the schools directly. If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, extracurricular focus), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information!