Local Schools Near Willow Walk, Palmetto, 34221

Willow Walk is a residential community located in Palmetto, FL, within the 34221 ZIP code. This area falls under Manatee County, and families in this community have access to several public and private schools nearby. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools closest to Willow Walk, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Manatee County School District website or visiting the schools. I’ll also include approximate distances from Willow Walk for context.

Public Schools Near Willow Walk, Palmetto, FL 34221

The following schools are zoned for or near the Willow Walk community, based on proximity and district zoning maps. Manatee County School District oversees public education in this area.

1. James Tillman Elementary School (Grades PK-5)

   • Location: 1415 26th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Approximate Distance from Willow Walk: 2-3 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a public elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. It has a focus on foundational education and offers various programs to support student development. Reviews highlight a diverse student body and dedicated teachers, though test scores are around average for the state.
   • Contact: (941) 723-4833

2. Lincoln Memorial Middle School (Grades 6-8)

   • Location: 305 17th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Approximate Distance from Willow Walk: 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves grades 6-8 and is part of the Manatee County School District. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities. Test scores and student progress are slightly below state averages, but the school has programs aimed at improving outcomes.
   • Contact: (941) 721-6840

3. Palmetto High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 1200 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Approximate Distance from Willow Walk: 4-5 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: As the primary high school for the Palmetto area, it serves grades 9-12 and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and various sports and clubs. Graduation rates are near the state average, and the school has a diverse student population.
   • Contact: (941) 723-4848

   Additional Nearby Public Schools

   Depending on zoning or school choice programs in Manatee County, families may have access to other schools slightly farther away: - Buffalo Creek Middle School (Grades 6-8) - Location: 7320 69th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221 - Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles - Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org) - Details: A middle school with slightly higher ratings than Lincoln Memorial, focusing on academic growth and extracurriculars. - Contact: (941) 721-2260

   • Virgil Mills Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Location: 7200 69th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another elementary option with a slightly better rating than James Tillman, focusing on early education and student support.
   • Contact: (941) 721-2140

   Private Schools Near Willow Walk, Palmetto, FL 34221

   For families seeking private education, there are a few options within a reasonable driving distance: 1. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (Grades PK-12) - Location: 315 41st St W, Bradenton, FL 34209 (just south of Palmetto) - Approximate Distance from Willow Walk: 7-8 miles - Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community - Details: A private, faith-based school offering a rigorous academic curriculum from preschool through high school. It emphasizes college preparation and has a strong reputation in the Bradenton-Palmetto area. Tuition applies. - Contact: (941) 746-2121

4. Bradenton Christian School (Grades PK-12)

   • Location: 3304 43rd St W, Bradenton, FL 34209
   • Approximate Distance from Willow Walk: 8-9 miles
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but well-reviewed by parents
   • Details: A private Christian school providing education from preschool to 12th grade with a focus on faith-based learning and academics. Tuition applies.
   • Contact: (941) 792-5454

   Charter Schools Near Willow Walk

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are options nearby: 1. Imagine Charter School at North Manatee (Grades PK-8) - Location: 9275 49th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221 - Approximate Distance from Willow Walk: 6-7 miles - Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org) - Details: A charter school offering personalized learning for pre-K through 8th grade. It focuses on smaller class sizes and innovative teaching methods. - Contact: (941) 981-5345

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: School assignments in Manatee County are based on residential address. Willow Walk residents should confirm their zoned schools through the Manatee County School District’s School Locator tool (available on their website: www.manateeschools.net).
   • School Choice: Manatee County offers a school choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available, including magnet and charter schools.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools and speaking with staff or other parents is recommended.
   • Transportation: Public school students in Manatee County may qualify for bus transportation depending on distance from the school. Check with the district for bus routes near Willow Walk.

   How to Research Further

   • Manatee County School District: Visit www.manateeschools.net for zoning maps, school choice applications, and detailed school profiles.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search for updated ratings and parent reviews for schools in the 34221 ZIP code.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access state report cards for test scores and school performance at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular preferences, or preschool options), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like me to dive deeper into a particular school or aspect of education in this area?