Local Schools Near Diana Shores, Merritt Island, 32953

Diana Shores is a community located in Merritt Island, FL, within the 32953 ZIP code. Merritt Island is part of Brevard County, and the area is served by the Brevard Public Schools district, which oversees a variety of public schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Diana Shores, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. I’ll focus on public schools zoned for this area and mention nearby private school options if applicable. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current data directly with the schools or district.

Location Context

Diana Shores is situated in central Merritt Island, near State Road 3 (Courtney Parkway) and close to the Banana River. The community is primarily residential, and schools serving this area are generally within a few miles. The 32953 ZIP code covers northern and central Merritt Island, so I’ll focus on schools most likely to serve residents of Diana Shores based on proximity and zoning.

Public Schools Near Diana Shores, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Brevard Public Schools assigns students to schools based on residential zoning. Below are the schools most likely to serve the Diana Shores community, along with their ratings and key details. I’ve used GreatSchools.org ratings (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary reference, supplemented by other sources where available. These ratings are current as of the latest data I have access to (up to October 2023), but they should be confirmed.

Elementary Schools

1. Mila Elementary School

   • Address: 288 W Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance from Diana Shores: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Mila Elementary is a well-regarded school in Merritt Island with a focus on core academics and student engagement. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs like gifted education.
   • Student Population: Around 500 students
   • Additional Info: Test scores are generally above the state average in math and reading.

2. Audubon Elementary School (alternative zoning possibility)

   • Address: 1201 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance from Diana Shores: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-6
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Located slightly south of Diana Shores, Audubon Elementary is another option depending on exact zoning boundaries. It has strong academic performance and positive parent reviews.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a supportive environment and extracurricular activities.

   Middle Schools

   1. Thomas Jefferson Middle School
   2. Address: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance from Diana Shores: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 7-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: This is the primary middle school serving central Merritt Island. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, with a focus on preparing students for high school.
   7. Student Population: Around 600-700 students
   8. Additional Info: Test scores are near or slightly above state averages; some reviews note variability in student experience.

   High Schools

   1. Merritt Island High School
   2. Address: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   3. Distance from Diana Shores: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: Merritt Island High School is the main high school for the area, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a variety of sports and clubs.
   7. Student Population: Around 1,500 students
   8. Additional Info: Graduation rates are above the state average, and the school has a strong community reputation.

   Private Schools Near Diana Shores, Merritt Island, FL 32953

   For families considering private education, there are a few options within a reasonable distance of Diana Shores. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and facilities.

3. Merritt Island Christian School

   • Address: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance from Diana Shores: Approximately 3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Generally positive reviews on Niche.com (around 4/5 stars from parents)
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with a focus on academics and character development.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000/year based on regional averages).
   • Additional Info: Smaller class sizes and a family-oriented environment.

4. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Address: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance from Diana Shores: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Positive parent feedback on GreatSchools.org (limited numerical data)
   • Overview: A Catholic school emphasizing faith-based education alongside academics.
   • Tuition: Around $6,000-$7,000/year (estimated; confirm with school).
   • Additional Info: Close proximity to Diana Shores makes it a convenient option for elementary and middle school students.

   School Zoning and Verification

   School assignments in Brevard County are based on specific residential addresses, so the schools listed above are the most likely options for Diana Shores but may not apply to every household. To confirm zoning: - Visit the Brevard Public Schools website (www.brevardschools.org) and use their School Locator tool by entering your exact address. - Contact the district’s Student Assignment Office at (321) 633-1000 for assistance.

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Performance

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and college readiness. A rating of 7 or above generally indicates above-average performance compared to other Florida schools.
   • Florida Department of Education School Grades: Schools in Florida also receive letter grades (A-F) based on state assessments. As of recent data:
   • Mila Elementary: Typically B or A
   • Audubon Elementary: Typically A
   • Thomas Jefferson Middle: Typically B
   • Merritt Island High: Typically B or A
   • Parent and Community Feedback: Ratings don’t capture everything. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with other parents in Diana Shores can provide deeper insight into the school culture and fit for your child.

   Other Educational Resources

   • Charter Schools: There are no charter schools directly in Merritt Island, but options like Sculptor Charter School in Titusville (about 10-15 miles north) may be accessible with open enrollment, depending on availability.
   • Preschools/Daycares: For younger children, local options include Creative Learning Academy and various church-affiliated preschools near Diana Shores.
   • After-School Programs: Many schools and local organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida) offer after-school care and enrichment activities.

   Conclusion

   The Diana Shores community in Merritt Island, FL (32953), is served by solid public schools within Brevard Public Schools, with elementary options like Mila and Audubon rating highly (7-8/10), and Merritt Island High School also performing well (7/10). Private schools like Merritt Island Christian and Divine Mercy Catholic Academy provide faith-based alternatives nearby. I recommend confirming your exact zoned schools via the Brevard Public Schools website or by contacting the district, as boundaries can shift slightly. If you’d like more detailed information on a specific school, program, or recent performance data, let me know, and I can help further! Additionally, if you have a specific address within Diana Shores, I can assist in narrowing down the exact zoning.