Local Schools Near Bel Aire, Merritt Island, 32952

Bel Aire is a residential community located in Merritt Island, FL, within the 32952 ZIP code. Merritt Island is part of Brevard County, which is served by the Brevard Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Bel Aire community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Public Schools Near Bel Aire, Merritt Island, FL (32952)

Brevard Public Schools assigns students to schools based on zoning, so the schools listed below are those most likely to serve the Bel Aire community. You can confirm zoning through the Brevard Public Schools website (brevardschools.org) by entering your specific address.

1. Tropical Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-6)
   • Location: 885 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952 (approximately 1-2 miles from Bel Aire)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Tropical Elementary is known for a strong focus on core academics and offers programs like gifted education. It serves a diverse student population and has generally positive reviews for its community involvement and teacher engagement.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 700 students
   • Contact: (321) 454-1080

2. Thomas Jefferson Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 7-8)
   • Location: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952 (approximately 1-2 miles from Bel Aire)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school provides a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including sports and clubs. It has a focus on preparing students for high school with programs in STEM and the arts. Some parent reviews mention a need for updated facilities, but the school is generally well-regarded for its staff.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600 students
   • Contact: (321) 453-5154

3. Merritt Island High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Location: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (approximately 3-4 miles from Bel Aire)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Merritt Island High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and extracurriculars. It has a strong reputation for its marching band and athletic programs. Graduation rates are above the state average.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,500 students
   • Contact: (321) 454-1000

   Private Schools Near Bel Aire, Merritt Island, FL (32952)

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools in or near Merritt Island. These schools often have smaller class sizes and may offer religious or specialized curricula.

4. Merritt Island Christian School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Location: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952 (approximately 2-3 miles from Bel Aire)
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; parent reviews on platforms like Niche give it positive feedback for its faith-based education and community focus (approx. 4/5 stars).
   • Details: This school provides a Christian-based education with an emphasis on academic excellence and moral development. It offers a range of extracurricular activities and smaller class sizes. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400 students
   • Contact: (321) 453-2710

5. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
   • Location: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (approximately 3-4 miles from Bel Aire)
   • Rating: Limited data on GreatSchools; generally positive reviews on Niche (approx. 4/5 stars) for its nurturing environment.
   • Details: Operated under the Diocese of Orlando, this school focuses on Catholic teachings alongside academics. It emphasizes character development and community service. Tuition varies by grade level.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200 students
   • Contact: (321) 452-0263

   Charter Schools and Other Options

   While there are no charter schools directly in the immediate vicinity of Bel Aire, families in Brevard County have access to charter schools in nearby areas like Cocoa or Rockledge. One notable option is:

   • Sculptor Charter School
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Location: 1301 Armstrong Dr, Titusville, FL 32780 (approximately 15 miles from Bel Aire)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school focuses on arts-integrated learning and has a strong academic reputation. Admission is typically by lottery.
   • Contact: (321) 264-4000

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings: The ratings provided are based on data from GreatSchools.org and other platforms like Niche.com as of the most recent updates. GreatSchools ratings (out of 10) consider test scores, college readiness, and equity among other metrics. Always check the latest data as ratings can fluctuate.
   • School Zoning: Confirm the exact school assignments for your address via the Brevard Public Schools zoning tool online or by calling the district office at (321) 633-1000.
   • School Choice: Brevard County offers a school choice program, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs and career academies are also options for specialized education.
   • Preschools and Daycares: For younger children, there are several preschools and daycare centers near Bel Aire, such as Creative Learning Academy and local church-based programs. These are not rated in the same way as K-12 schools but can be researched via parent reviews on platforms like Care.com.

   Conclusion

   The Bel Aire community in Merritt Island, FL (32952), has access to a variety of educational options, including well-rated public schools like Tropical Elementary and Merritt Island High School, as well as private institutions with religious affiliations like Merritt Island Christian School. Ratings for public schools in the area generally range from 6 to 7 out of 10, indicating above-average performance compared to state standards. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend visiting the schools, attending open houses, or contacting the Brevard Public Schools district directly.

   If you have a specific address within Bel Aire or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports focus), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you'd like more details on any particular school!