Local Schools Near Fort Pierce South, Fort Pierce, 34981

Fort Pierce South is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Lucie County, Florida, with the ZIP code 34981. This area is part of the Fort Pierce metropolitan area, and there are several schools in and around this community that serve local families. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Fort Pierce South, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website for updates. I’ll also include approximate distances from the center of Fort Pierce South (near the intersection of US-1 and Edwards Road) for reference.

Public Schools Near Fort Pierce South (34981)

Public schools in this area are managed by the St. Lucie Public Schools district. Here are some of the closest schools:

1. Lawnwood Elementary School

   • Address: 1900 S 23rd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles northeast of Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Lawnwood Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. It has faced challenges with test scores below the state average, but it offers programs like after-school tutoring to support student growth. Enrollment is around 600-700 students.

2. Forest Grove Middle School

   • Address: 3201 S 25th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles north of central Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located within or very close to the Fort Pierce South area, this middle school serves around 800-900 students. It offers various extracurricular activities, but academic performance is below the state average based on recent test scores.

3. Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet

   • Address: 1801 Panther Ln, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles northwest of Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This high school offers a magnet program with a focus on science and technology. It serves around 1,400 students and has a graduation rate close to the state average, though test scores in some subjects lag behind.

4. Dan McCarty Middle School (Alternative Middle School Option)

   • Address: 1201 Mississippi Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles northeast of Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another middle school option for the area, Dan McCarty has struggled with low test scores and is working on improvement plans through district initiatives. Enrollment is around 700 students.

5. Fort Pierce Central High School (Alternative High School Option)

   • Address: 4101 S 25th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles north of central Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: One of the closer high schools to Fort Pierce South, it serves over 2,500 students and offers a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Academic performance is near the state average in some areas.

   Private Schools Near Fort Pierce South (34981)

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes or religious affiliations. Here are a few nearby:

6. St. Anastasia Catholic School

   • Address: 401 S 33rd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles north of Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded locally
   • Details: A Catholic school providing faith-based education with an emphasis on academics and character development. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school (typical enrollment is 200-300 students).

7. John Carroll High School

   • Address: 3402 Delaware Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles north of Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; known for strong academics and athletics
   • Details: A private Catholic high school with a reputation for college preparatory education. It serves around 400-500 students, and tuition information is available on their website.

8. Bethany School

   • Address: 3015 Oleander Blvd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles east of Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; smaller private option
   • Details: A smaller Christian school offering personalized education. Enrollment is typically under 100 students, and it focuses on a biblical worldview in teaching.

   Charter Schools Near Fort Pierce South (34981)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. Here are a couple of options:

9. Somerset College Preparatory Academy

   • Address: 725 N US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles northeast of Fort Pierce South
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A charter school focused on college readiness with a rigorous curriculum. It serves around 500-600 students and often has a waiting list for enrollment.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and sometimes equity factors. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it could reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools, talking to parents, and reviewing recent report cards from the Florida Department of Education (available at fldoe.org) can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be confirmed through the St. Lucie Public Schools website (stlucieschools.org) by entering your specific address. Fort Pierce South residents may be zoned for different schools based on exact location within the 34981 ZIP code.
   • Transportation: St. Lucie Public Schools provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check directly with them.

   How to Research Further

   • St. Lucie Public Schools Website: stlucieschools.org for zoning maps, school report cards, and enrollment info.
   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings, reviews, and detailed metrics on test scores and demographics.
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org for state-level data and school grades (A-F scale).
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter options.

   If you have a specific address within Fort Pierce South or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like details on preschools, daycare options, or after-school programs, I can assist with that as well!