2024 Best Schools in Sarasota County

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 2-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  369 reviews

Senior: I've attended Pine View School from 2nd grade through 12th grade. This place is great and offers many advanced classes for those who are consistently performing above their grade level. Once a student reaches high school, they have so much freedom in what classes they take and what path they want to go down with their academics. This school teaches kids to be independent and work hard. On the other hand, unfortunately, being gifted comes with its fair share of consequences as well. The levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses here is much higher than at other schools. Consistently pushing oneself to ace rigorous courses takes a toll on one's mental health. Pine View has good resources and understanding staff when it comes to this, but all I want to say is that it is NOT FOR EVERYONE. Just because you or your child are gifted does not mean you should attend. Be prepared to have your limits tested... I hope you have a good work ethic! Personally, I owe PV everything.... Read 369 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,745

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sarasota, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: As an IB Senior reflecting on my experience at NewGate I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Because of the small class sizes, I was able to form a tight-knit group of close friends-- many of whom I grew up with from attending elementary school together. Additionally, the teachers care about every single student and I truly felt that each of my teachers went the extra mile to look out for my best interests and mental health. From the "unity trip" where students stay overnight at a retreat to bond with each other to other ice-breakers that happen at the beginning of each year, I found it very easy to assimilate and make friends quickly. Also, despite the school's small size, there are many options for clubs and ways to get involved. For instance, I worked in the school uniform store and also started my own club. Additionally, the Montessori approach to the IB diploma program made the whole process engaging and hands-on among IB's stressful deadlines and large final exams.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Sarasota, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  89 reviews

Parent: The Out of Door Academy, is an extension of our family. Students receive high quality education in a picturesque campus with state of the art equipment, and experiences. Our teachers are the best! Highly qualified, years of experience and above all a genuine commitment to students and families. The staff support is strong and this empowers our teachers to go above and beyond. We know all of our sons teachers and more important to us than the quality education he receives, is the genuine care and ongoing communication with all of the teachers. The teachers at ODA , instill lifetime core values, nurture our students, encourage them, and create a lifetime bond with all families.... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 745

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Sarasota, FL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  161 reviews

Freshman: Cardinal Mooney is a strong college prep school with great academics. I enjoyed my time there and thought highly of most of my teachers, especially honors English! The swimming coach was amazing. Christian charity is encouraged also through many volunteer opportunities, but if anything, I'd like to see a stronger Catholic identity fostered throughout the curriculum.... Read 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 620

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  441 reviews

Sophomore: Riverview offers a great lesson in diversity, both physically and intellectually. There are classes ranging from nuclear radiation to marine biology along with career tracts for engineering, digital design, entrepreneurship, and more. These are accented with opportunities to earn college credit with several universities either virtually or in person on campus. There are more than 50 clubs, a full slate of sports teams, and the support of teachers, counselors, and other staff members. There is a strong connection between students here and that crosses all ethnicities, ages, religions, and general beliefs. There are classes on African-American studies, the holocaust, Jewish studies, and a lot more opportunities to explore who you are. Finally, there is support for single parents and special needs students that would rival any in the country. There is general involvement, not just specialized allowing preparation for a future in the real world. Thank you for your consideration.... Read 441 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,542

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 763

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: My child and I are both very happy with SSAS. I have a son that struggles to get through classwork but loves athletics. He has found a good balance and has received a lot of extra help with his school work. SSAS has found the right classes and middle school "balance" for him. I love the diversity and the size of the school. The staff is really helpful and wants to do a great job. My kid has never "loved" school, but he enjoys SSAS and he is successful both socially and acedemically! I am grateful for everything they do for all of the kids, they CARE and it shows!... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 752

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: As a grade 5 student who’s stuck around for all 6 years, every year has been a really fun journey for me and I will never forget all the memories I’ve had here. The teachers are clearly educated on their things, and the safety is outstanding! No offense, but I do not recommend the cafeteria food though. Bring your own lunch please. This is my first review, so sorry if it’s bad :)... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,030

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: Overall, Sarasota Middle School was a pretty good school. It has lots of technology that is very helpful for the real world. However, I would have liked to have more hands on activities, especially in science class.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,217

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: My kids love Southside school, we have had great teachers and the staff is amazing! No school is perfect but we have been extremely happy.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 681

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: It was a small school with only about 100 kids in each grade. The classes were well taught and it was obvious the teachers care about students. The only draw back is there are very few elective classes to choose from and you are offered the same electives every year.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 305

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I have had children attend this school for the last 13 years and the staff is always amazing! The building is secure and they take safety very seriously.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 540

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  387 reviews

Senior: Venice High School has a wonderful support system of faculty and many opportunities to thrive. Throughout all four years of high school, there was never a time where I felt like I didn’t belong. The teachers are wonderful and so insightful! The pathways they offer include AP Capstone, IB, and Dual Enrollment with SCF. These opportunities allow each person to choose their path and thus future. Additionally, the clubs on campus are so diverse and broad! It allows me to explore interests and dive into what I’m really good at. For example, the clubs can range from Future Business Leaders of America to Coexistence Club to Biochemistry Club. With each opportunity, the new experiences have made me more open minded and well rounded as an individual.... Read 387 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,452

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  11 reviews

Alum: When I attended LNS I enjoyed all of my teachers and loved all of the extracurricular they offered me, such as band and art! Still to this day I partake in band and if it were not for the great teachers showing me how to play my instrument I would not be who I am today.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,342

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Great school with amazing teachers! Parents are required to complete volunteer hours so you really get to know everyone.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 587

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 685

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 535

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Sarasota, FL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: Elevation was a lot of fun. I was linked with Impact Basketball academy at the time and Elevation was the schooling side of it. You do class from 8-12 and the classes are fairly generic and easy classes that are needed for college. E.g Math, English, Science, US history and American Government. The school itself is small so the teachers will know you well and interact with you on a personal level. You will get to know all the students well and there are students from all over the world who are there to play different sports at Elevation... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 67

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Great SOAR program with certified gifted teachers. We have enjoyed our time at TBES. We're happy we chose this school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 767

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 840

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  422 reviews

Alum: As a student in the AICE program I was met with thought provoking challenging courses; I loved it! Everyday I learned something new whether it be content related, or necessary life skills and advice. I took two non AICE classes while at SHS and learned that those not in the AICE program are not provided the same education I was. Most in the “on-level” classes felt labeled and didn’t try. The teachers did not care, the information digested in class was not rich, and the students were struggling with many issues kids in the AICE program couldn’t even imagine. I believe Sarasota High School itself is not to blame, the school is amazing but the system people have built over time separating children has put these stigmas in us causing many to lack hope for their future.... Read 422 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 2,508

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 785

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  138 reviews

Senior: My school has a lot of advantages, and the main ones stem from its CTE program. The CTE program is a unique chance to further your skills and understanding of a topic before going to college. You can also learn a trade during high school, giving you a career directly out of graduation. I also enjoy the college style schedule with 4 periods a day, 90 minutes a class. With these 90 minutes I can fully grasp a subject and understand it fully without being cut off by the bell. Polytech's only drawback is its lack of sports and clubs, only featuring a robotics club and chess club.... Read 138 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 541

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Teachers are awesome!! Mrs. Faz is the most dedicated teacher that one of my children have had. Mr. Kerry is a very involved vice principal. Basically everyone at school is very knowledgeable, kind, and dedicated to helping kids achieve their very best with the exception of Mrs. Mccould, the principal. She is the only downfall in the whole school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 723

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Niche User: Putting my children here was the best decision!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 409

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1