Ultimate Guide to Lakewood Ranch Schools — Public, Charter & Private (2026)

Lakewood Ranch, Florida isn’t just a premier place to live, it’s a community known for excellent education options for kids of all ages. Whether you’re relocating with school-aged children or researching neighborhoods, this guide covers every major school in Lakewood Ranch, including public, charter, and private options with resources to learn more about each.

Whether you’re relocating from out of state or moving within Florida, school zoning and performance often drive where families choose to live.

Lakewood Ranch is primarily served by the School District of Manatee County, with some nearby options in Sarasota County Schools depending on location.

Lakewood Ranch is in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and families moving here often prioritize access to high-performing schools as part of their home search. Good schools can:

• Increase future resale value of your home
• Provide better academic and extracurricular options
• Help you choose the best neighborhood for your child’s age and needs

Most elementary, middle, and high schools are evaluated based on:

✔ State standardized test performance
✔ Student-teacher ratios
✔ Parent reviews
✔ Academic programs offered

For official school performance reports, visit:

• 📌 Florida Department of Education — School Grades
  https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/school-grades/
• 📌 GreatSchools.org — Local Ratings
  https://www.greatschools.org/

• Grades: K-5
• Overview: A neighborhood favorite with strong community involvement and solid state test performance.
• More Info:
  👉 https://bradenriverschool.manateeschools.net/ & https://www.greatschools.org/florida/bradenton/2120-Braden-River-Elementary-School/

• Grades: 6-8
• Overview: Known for positive school culture, fine arts, and athletics in addition to academics.
• More Info:
  👉 https://bradenrivermiddle.manateeschools.net/ & https://www.greatschools.org/florida/bradenton/4070-Braden-River-Middle-School/

• Grades: K-5
• Overview: A public school serving neighborhoods on the eastern side of Lakewood Ranch with a focus on student growth.
• More Info:
  👉 https://mcneal.manateeschools.net/ & https://www.greatschools.org/florida/bradenton/3369-Gilbert-W-McNeal-Elementary-School/

• Grades: K-5
• Overview: Serves much of western Lakewood Ranch with a strong PBIS (Positive Behavior) model.
• More Info:
  👉 https://willis.manateeschools.net/ & https://www.greatschools.org/florida/bradenton/1882-Robert-E-Willis-Elementary-School/

• Grades: K-5
• Overview: One of the largest public elementary schools in the area with diverse programs and community engagement.
• More Info:
  👉 https://gullett.manateeschools.net/ & https://www.greatschools.org/florida/bradenton/3878-B-D-Gullett-Elementary-School/

• Grades: K-12 (Charter)
• Overview: A tuition-free public charter school offering a STEM-focused curriculum and unique elective choices.
• More Info:
  👉 https://imagineschool.org/ & https://www.greatschools.org/florida/sarasota/3582-Imagine-School-at-Lakewood-Ranch/

• Grades: 9-12
• Overview: A newer high school with strong academics, athletics, AP/IB programs, and modern facilities.
• More Info:
  👉 https://lwrhs.com/ & https://www.greatschools.org/florida/bradenton/5508-Lakewood-Ranch-High-School/

• Grades: PK-12
• Overview: A highly respected private school known for its rigorous academics, arts, and athletic programs.
• More Info:
  👉 https://www.oodacademy.org/ & https://www.privateschoolreview.com/

• Grades: PK-12
• Overview: Combines strong academics with character development rooted in Episcopal values.
• More Info:
  👉 https://www.sseagles.org/ & https://www.privateschoolreview.com/

• Grades: PK-12
• Overview: Focuses on classical education principles with an emphasis on literature, logic, and rhetoric.
• More Info:
  👉 https://classicalsarasota.org/ & https://www.privateschoolreview.com/

When evaluating schools, consider:

• Special programs
• Gifted and honors tracks
• STEM, arts, athletics

• Parent reviews
• PTO/Community involvement
• Extracurricular offerings

Some schools serve only specific zones. Always check:

👉 School Zone Maps:
• Manatee County — https://www.manateeschools.net/zoning
• Sarasota County — https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/zoning

Important for relocation clients:

• Zoning is based on your exact property address
• Boundaries can change annually
• New construction neighborhoods may be reassigned
• Charter schools are not zoned
• School choice options may be available through the district

Always verify directly with:

• The School District of Manatee County zoning map tool
• School administration

As your Realtor, I help buyers verify zoning before writing an offer.

Summerfield / Greenbrook → Gullett → Jain / Braden River → LWR High
Central Park → Willis → Jain → LWR High
Country Club East → Gullett → Jain → LWR High
Waterside (Sarasota County side) → Sarasota County Schools

(Always verify for the specific home.)

Yes — consistently.

Homes zoned for top-performing schools typically:

• Sell faster
• Maintain stronger resale value
• Attract relocating buyers
• Have more price stability in shifting markets

In Lakewood Ranch, school zones can directly impact buyer demand.

Many receive strong state grades, but ratings fluctuate yearly.

Possibly through school choice programs, but approval is not guaranteed.

Sometimes. Rapid growth can trigger boundary adjustments.

Yes, including AP, IB, STEM, and specialized academies depending on school.

When buyers call me about moving here, their top concerns are:

• “Is this home zoned for Gullett?”
• “Will zoning change?”
• “What villages are best for families?”
• “Are there private options nearby?”
• “How competitive are homes in top school zones?”

If you’re relocating, I’ll:

• Verify zoning before you write an offer
• Discuss resale implications
• Show you homes strategically within desired boundaries
• Help you compare villages

With 20+ years in marketing and investment real estate, I specialize in helping families strategically choose neighborhoods based on schools, lifestyle, and long-term value.

If schools are a priority for your move, let’s talk.