Sarasota, Florida, is celebrated for its Gulf Coast beauty and cultural sophistication—a lifestyle that balances luxury living with a laid-back coastal vibe. For families considering a move to the area, the decision is often driven by one key factor: School Zones.
Below is your guide to aligning your home search with Sarasota's top-rated educational institutions.
The Strategy: Match the Home to the School
1. Determine Priorities
Are you looking for the IB Program (Riverview), Gifted/Magnet (Pine View), or Arts (Booker)? Your child's specific needs will dictate which zip code we target.
2. Understand "Choice" vs. "Zone"
While Sarasota offers "School Choice" lotteries, the only way to guarantee a seat in a top school (like Southside Elementary) is to live within its zoning boundaries. Real estate in these zones holds its value exceptionally well.
Top-Rated Public Schools & Zones
Use this guide to find homes located within the attendance boundaries of Sarasota's most requested schools.
Southside Elementary
A-RATEDThe "West of Trail" favorite. Historic, high-performing, and walking distance to Southside Village.
Target Neighborhoods: West of Trail, Oyster Bay, Cherokee Park.
View Homes in ZonePine View School
#1 IN FLORIDAGrades 2-12 for Gifted Students. This is a Magnet School (no geographical zone), but living nearby reduces the commute.
Target Neighborhoods: Osprey, Casey Key, Palmer Ranch.
View Homes NearbyRiverview High School
IB PROGRAMKnown for its International Baccalaureate program and world-class Marine Science center.
Target Neighborhoods: Siesta Key, Bird Key, Downtown.
View Homes in ZonePhillippi Shores Elementary
IB PRIMARYA high-performing school serving the waterfront communities. Strong STEM and Arts focus.
Target Neighborhoods: Siesta Key, South Sarasota.
View Homes in ZonePrivate School Options
For families opting for private education, proximity becomes the ultimate luxury. Minimizing commute times allows for a higher quality of life.
- The Out-of-Door Academy (ODA)
Siesta Key (PreK-5) & Lakewood Ranch (6-12)
Sarasota's premier independent college prep school.
Search Homes Near Siesta Campus → - Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School
Fruitville Road Corridor
A distinguished college-preparatory Catholic high school.
Search Homes Near Downtown →
Need Help Navigating School Zones?
Zoning boundaries in Sarasota can change from street to street. Don't guess. Let us verify the school zone for your dream home.
Contact Kim Ogilvie