Local Schools Near Citrus River Groves, North Merritt Island, 32953

Citrus River Groves is a community located in North Merritt Island, FL, within the 32953 ZIP code. This area falls under Brevard County, which is served by the Brevard Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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 look.

Location Context

North Merritt Island, FL (ZIP 32953), is a suburban area near the Indian River Lagoon, with easy access to Cape Canaveral and Titusville. The Citrus River Groves community is likely a residential subdivision, and schools are assigned based on zoning by Brevard Public Schools. I’ll list schools within a reasonable proximity (approximately 5-10 miles) that serve this area, focusing on public schools, as well as mentioning private options if applicable.

Public Schools Near Citrus River Groves, North Merritt Island, FL 32953

1. Lewis Carroll Elementary School (Public, Grades PK-6)

   • Location: 1 Skyline Blvd, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central North Merritt Island.
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org (as of recent data); often praised for strong test scores in math and reading.
   • Details: This is likely the zoned elementary school for much of the Citrus River Groves area. It serves pre-kindergarten through 6th grade and has a focus on foundational skills. The school has a diverse student body and offers programs like gifted education.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students.
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive for teacher engagement and community involvement, though some note class sizes can be large.

2. Thomas Jefferson Middle School (Public, Grades 7-8)

   • Location: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from North Merritt Island.
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org; average performance in state assessments.
   • Details: This is the typical middle school for students in the Merritt Island area after elementary. It offers a range of extracurriculars, including sports and clubs, and has programs to prepare students for high school.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students.
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews; some appreciate the academic rigor, while others mention concerns about bullying or facility maintenance.

3. Merritt Island High School (Public, Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Citrus River Groves.
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; often recognized for college readiness and a strong graduation rate (around 95% as per recent data).
   • Details: This is the primary high school serving North Merritt Island. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a variety of sports and arts programs. The school has a good reputation in the county.
   • Student Population: Around 1,500 students.
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive, with praise for academic opportunities and extracurriculars, though some mention overcrowding.

   Alternative Public Schools or Magnet Programs

   • Edgewood Jr/Sr High School (Public, Grades 7-12)
   • Location: 180 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: About 2-3 miles from North Merritt Island.
   • Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org; highly rated for academic excellence.
   • Details: This is a choice school in Brevard County with a rigorous curriculum and a focus on college preparation. Admission is competitive and often requires an application or lottery.
   • Note: Not automatically zoned for Citrus River Groves, but families can apply if interested.

   Private Schools Near Citrus River Groves

   1. Merritt Island Christian School (Private, Grades PK-12)
   2. Location: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 5 miles from North Merritt Island.
   4. Rating: Not always rated on public platforms like GreatSchools, but Niche gives it a B+ based on parent reviews and academic outcomes.
   5. Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes and a focus on moral development alongside academics. Tuition applies (varies by grade, often $5,000-$8,000 annually).
   6. Parent Feedback: Positive for personalized attention and values-based education.

4. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy (Private, Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: About 2-3 miles from Citrus River Groves.
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; generally well-regarded in the community.
   • Details: A Catholic school emphasizing faith, academics, and community service. Tuition is typically in the range of $6,000-$7,000 per year.
   • Parent Feedback: Praised for strong discipline and family involvement.

   School District Information

   • Brevard Public Schools: The district overseeing public schools in this area is known for being one of the better-performing districts in Florida. It has a district-wide rating of A from the Florida Department of Education (based on recent state reports). The district offers school choice options, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zone under certain conditions.
   • Zoning: To confirm exact school assignments for Citrus River Groves, you can use the Brevard Public Schools’ School Locator tool on their website (brevardschools.org) by entering your specific address.

   Additional Notes on Ratings

   • Ratings from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche ratings (letter grades A-F) incorporate parent reviews and additional metrics like teacher quality.
   • Schools in Merritt Island generally perform above the state average, with many students scoring proficient or higher on Florida Standards Assessments (FSA).
   • For the most up-to-date ratings and reviews, check GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education’s school report cards.

   Other Educational Options

   • Charter Schools: There are a few charter schools in Brevard County, such as Sculptor Charter School (K-8) in Titusville, about 10-15 miles away. These require applications and may have waitlists.
   • Homeschooling: Brevard County supports homeschooling with resources through the district and local co-ops for families in the Merritt Island area.
   • Preschools/Daycares: For younger children, there are several options like La Petite Academy and local church-based preschools in Merritt Island.

   Recommendation

   If you’re in Citrus River Groves, the zoned public schools (Lewis Carroll Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle, and Merritt Island High) are solid options with decent ratings and community support. For families seeking alternatives, Edgewood Jr/Sr High offers a high-performing public choice, while private schools like Merritt Island Christian or Divine Mercy provide faith-based education. I suggest visiting the schools or attending open houses to get a feel for the environment and speaking with other parents in the community for firsthand insights.

   If you have a specific address within Citrus River Groves, I can help confirm the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more detailed data on a particular school or have other questions (e.g., special needs programs, extracurriculars), let me know!