School Choices Detailed and Rated Heron Bay, Parkland, 33076

Heron Bay is a prestigious, family-friendly community located in Parkland, FL, within the 33076 ZIP code. Parkland is known for its excellent schools, and residents of Heron Bay have access to some of the top-rated public and private schools in Broward County. Below is a detailed overview of the schools near Heron Bay, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data for accuracy. I’ve also included approximate distances from Heron Bay for context.

Public Schools Near Heron Bay, Parkland, FL (33076)

Parkland public schools are part of the Broward County Public Schools district, which is highly regarded in South Florida. Many schools in this area are zoned for Heron Bay residents, and they consistently receive high ratings due to strong academic performance, extracurricular offerings, and community involvement.

1. Heron Heights Elementary School

   • Location: 11010 Nob Hill Rd, Parkland, FL 33076
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Heron Heights Elementary is often zoned for Heron Bay residents and is one of the top elementary schools in the area. It is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and active parent involvement. The school emphasizes STEM education and offers various enrichment programs.
   • Student Population: ~900 students
   • Notable Features: High test scores, modern facilities, and a focus on student well-being.

2. Park Trails Elementary School

   • Location: 10700 Trails End, Parkland, FL 33076
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Another excellent elementary school option for Heron Bay families, Park Trails is known for its welcoming environment and high academic standards. It often serves students from nearby communities in Parkland.
   • Student Population: ~1,000 students
   • Notable Features: Strong focus on literacy and math, diverse extracurricular activities.

3. Westglades Middle School

   • Location: 11000 Holmberg Rd, Parkland, FL 33076
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: Westglades Middle School is the primary middle school for Heron Bay students. It offers a robust curriculum with advanced placement options, a variety of clubs, and competitive sports programs.
   • Student Population: ~1,500 students
   • Notable Features: High student achievement, technology integration, and a focus on preparing students for high school.

4. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

   • Location: 5901 Pine Island Rd, Parkland, FL 33076
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: This is the primary high school for Parkland residents, including those in Heron Bay. Despite the tragic events of 2018, the school has a strong academic reputation, offering numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. The community has rallied around the school, and it remains a top choice for families.
   • Student Population: ~3,200 students
   • Notable Features: Wide range of AP and honors courses, strong arts and athletics programs.

   Private Schools Near Heron Bay, Parkland, FL (33076)

   For families seeking private education, there are several reputable options within a reasonable distance from Heron Bay. These schools often provide smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and religious or alternative educational approaches.

5. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School

   • Location: 6000 N University Dr, Parkland, FL 33067
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: Not publicly rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community (check Niche for parent reviews)
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000-$10,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for current rates)
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes, religious instruction, and community service emphasis.

6. North Broward Preparatory School

   • Location: 7600 Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A+); known as one of the top private schools in South Florida
   • Overview: An elite private school offering a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including International Baccalaureate (IB) and AP programs. It attracts students from across Broward County and beyond.
   • Tuition: Approximately $25,000-$35,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: State-of-the-art facilities, boarding options, and strong arts and athletics programs.

7. American Heritage School - Boca/Delray Campus

   • Location: 6200 Linton Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33484
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: A+ on Niche; consistently ranked among the best private schools in Florida
   • Overview: Known for its academic rigor and competitive environment, American Heritage offers extensive AP courses and a focus on preparing students for top universities.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$30,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: High college acceptance rates, award-winning fine arts, and robotics programs.

   Charter Schools Near Heron Bay, Parkland, FL (33076)

   Charter schools provide an alternative to traditional public schools, often with specialized programs or smaller class sizes. Admission is typically through a lottery system.

8. Somerset Academy Parkland

   • Location: 8401 University Dr, Parkland, FL 33067
   • Distance from Heron Bay: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Overview: A tuition-free public charter school offering a strong academic program with an emphasis on character education and community involvement.
   • Student Population: ~800 students
   • Notable Features: Focus on STEM, personalized learning plans, and extracurricular options.

   Additional Notes on School Zoning and Selection

   • Zoning: School assignments for public schools are based on residential zoning, which can change. Heron Bay residents are typically zoned for Heron Heights Elementary, Westglades Middle, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, but it’s important to confirm current zoning with the Broward County Public Schools website (browardschools.com) or by contacting the district directly.
   • School Choice: Broward County offers a school choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education are based on test scores, graduation rates, and other metrics. Parent reviews and personal visits are also valuable for assessing a school’s fit for your child.
   • Transportation: Public schools provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Private and charter schools may offer limited or no bus services, so check with individual schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Broward County Public Schools: Visit browardschools.com for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: These websites provide detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data for schools.
   • School Tours: Many schools offer open houses or virtual tours, especially during enrollment periods.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school grades and performance reports at fldoe.org.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular preferences, or religious education), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Additionally, if you’d like details on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources near Heron Bay, I’m happy to assist!