Local Schools Near Dark Hammock, Fort Pierce, 34947

The community of Dark Hammock is located in Fort Pierce, FL, within the 34947 ZIP code. This area falls under St. Lucie County, and the schools serving this region are part of the St. Lucie 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 impression.

Since Dark Hammock is a smaller, rural community in Fort Pierce, specific schools directly adjacent to it may be limited, and students are often zoned to schools in the broader Fort Pierce area. I’ll list schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) that are likely to serve this area. If you have a specific address in Dark Hammock, you can confirm exact school zoning through the St. Lucie Public Schools website (www.stlucieschools.org) under their school locator tool.

Schools Near Dark Hammock, Fort Pierce, FL 34947

Elementary Schools

1. Lakewood Park Elementary School

   • Address: 7800 Indrio Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34951
   • Approximate Distance: 5-7 miles from central Dark Hammock
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population in the northern Fort Pierce area. It focuses on core academics with some extracurricular activities. Parental reviews often mention class size and teacher engagement as areas of concern, though some note improvements in recent years.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 600-700 students
   • Contact: (772) 468-5830

2. Fairlawn Elementary School

   • Address: 3203 Rhode Island Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Approximate Distance: 3-5 miles from Dark Hammock
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located closer to central Fort Pierce, this school has a slightly better rating due to improved test scores in recent years. It offers programs like STEM initiatives and has a focus on community involvement.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 600 students
   • Contact: (772) 468-5345

   Middle Schools

   1. Forest Grove Middle School
   2. Address: 3201 S 25th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
   3. Approximate Distance: 6-8 miles from Dark Hammock
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school serves a large portion of Fort Pierce students. It has faced challenges with test scores and student performance but offers various extracurriculars like sports and clubs. Reviews highlight a need for more resources and parental involvement.
   7. Enrollment: Approximately 900-1,000 students
   8. Contact: (772) 468-5885

3. Dan McCarty Middle School

   • Address: 1201 Mississippi Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Approximate Distance: 5-7 miles from Dark Hammock
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in central Fort Pierce, this school has lower ratings due to academic performance and socioeconomic challenges in the area. However, it offers support programs for struggling students.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 800 students
   • Contact: (772) 468-5700

   High Schools

   1. Fort Pierce Central High School
   2. Address: 4101 S 25th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
   3. Approximate Distance: 6-8 miles from Dark Hammock
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is one of the primary high schools serving the Fort Pierce area. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and sports. College readiness scores are moderate, with room for improvement in graduation rates.
   7. Enrollment: Approximately 2,700 students
   8. Contact: (772) 468-5888

4. Fort Pierce Westwood Academy

   • Address: 1801 Panther Ln, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Approximate Distance: 4-6 miles from Dark Hammock
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This high school focuses on both academics and vocational training. It has a smaller student body compared to Fort Pierce Central, which some parents appreciate for a more personalized environment. However, test scores and college readiness metrics are below average.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 1,400 students
   • Contact: (772) 468-5400

   Charter and Private School Options

   1. St. Lucie West Centennial High School (Public Charter Option Nearby)
   2. Address: 1485 SW Cashmere Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
   3. Approximate Distance: 10-12 miles from Dark Hammock
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: While slightly farther away, this school is an option for families willing to commute. It has a better reputation for academics and extracurriculars compared to some Fort Pierce high schools.
   7. Enrollment: Approximately 2,500 students
   8. Contact: (772) 344-4400

5. John Carroll Catholic High School (Private)

   • Address: 3402 Delaware Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Approximate Distance: 5-7 miles from Dark Hammock
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in the community (Niche rating: B)
   • Details: This is a private Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on college preparation. Tuition applies, and admission is selective.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 400 students
   • Contact: (772) 464-5200
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000-$12,000 per year (varies; contact school for current rates)

   Additional Notes on Ratings and School Selection

   • Ratings Context: The ratings provided (primarily from GreatSchools.org) are on a scale of 1-10 and are based on standardized test scores, student growth, equity, and college readiness (for high schools). Lower ratings in this area often reflect socioeconomic challenges rather than a lack of effort from educators. Visiting schools and speaking with staff can provide a clearer picture.
   • School Zoning: Dark Hammock’s rural location means that exact school assignments depend on your specific address. Use the St. Lucie Public Schools’ School Locator Tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools your child is zoned for.
   • Transportation: Some schools may offer bus services to rural areas like Dark Hammock, but availability depends on distance and zoning. Contact the district’s transportation department at (772) 340-4820 for details.
   • Charter and Magnet Options: St. Lucie County has several charter and magnet schools that may accept students from Dark Hammock via lottery or application. Examples include Somerset College Preparatory Academy (Port St. Lucie) with higher ratings (7/10 on GreatSchools.org).
   • Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades to schools based on performance. For the 2022-2023 school year, many schools in Fort Pierce received C or D grades, reflecting challenges in the district. Check the latest grades at www.fldoe.org.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Each school listed has a website through St. Lucie Public Schools with details on programs, staff, and events.
   2. Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent and student feedback.
   3. School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses.
   4. District Contact: Reach out to St. Lucie Public Schools at (772) 429-3600 for zoning or enrollment questions.

   If you have a specific address in Dark Hammock or additional preferences (e.g., focus on arts, sports, or special needs programs), I can refine this list further. Let me know!