If Starkey Ranch embraces anything as much as nature, family and fun, it’s education. And with the school year right around the corner, it’s a great time to get familiar with the exceptional opportunities available to Starkey Ranch kids of all ages. After all, schools are an important factor when considering a new place to call home.

Elementary level children attend either Odessa Elementary or Longleaf Elementary, depending upon the neighborhood in which they live. Both schools are not only A-rated, but also right nearby. All middle school and high school kids are currently assigned to River Ridge Middle School and River Ridge High School. Both schools have earned the Five Star School Award, recognizing exemplary levels of family and community involvement in the school environment. In fact, River Ridge Middle School is the only middle school in Pasco County to earn this distinction for the 2016-17 school year.

Private schools are also an option as Pasco County has 38 of them, 3 of which are within just 20 miles of Starkey Ranch. These are First Christian Academy, New Covenant Christian School and Millennium Academy. First Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and currently offers preschool through 8th grade classes. New Covenant Christian School focuses on developing the whole person – mind, body, spirit – and is open to K-8th grade students. Millennium Academy is a private, independent and international school which is not affiliated with any religious organization or parent company. It is open to K-12^th grade students.

Also nearby are the Genesis Schools for K-12th grade students. At Genesis Schools, the educational model focuses on preparing for the future while treasuring the present. Preschoolers attend Longleaf Learning Center while Genesis Elementary offers kindergarten and elementary school. There is also Genesis Preparatory School, which offers a college prep program through middle school and high school.

The learning doesn’t stop there, however, because Starkey Ranch will soon have its own K-8th grade school right in the community. Our new, innovative school will open in August of 2021 adjacent to our Whitfield Park neighborhood. Plans include a gymnasium, athletic fields, a running track and sport courts available during non-school hours to Starkey Ranch and Pasco County residents.

A short, beautiful walk to school? How cool is that?