School Choices Detailed and Rated Harbordale, Fort Lauderdale, 33316

Harbordale is a neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the ZIP code 33316. This area is known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to downtown Fort Lauderdale, making access to quality education a priority for many residents. Below is a detailed overview of the schools near the Harbordale community, including public and private options, along with 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. Note 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 personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Harbordale (33316)

Public schools in this area are part of the Broward County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in the United States. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the Harbordale area, though boundaries can shift, and parents should confirm zoning with the district.

1. Harbordale Elementary School

   • Address: 900 SE 15th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades K-5)
   • Distance: Located directly within or adjacent to the Harbordale neighborhood, approximately 0.5-1 mile from most homes.
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Overview: Harbordale Elementary is well-regarded for its strong academic programs and community involvement. It often receives positive feedback for its dedicated teachers and focus on student development. Test scores in math and reading are generally above the district average.
   • Additional Info: Offers extracurricular activities and after-school programs. Check the Broward County Schools website for specific enrollment details and zoning.

2. Sunrise Middle School

   • Address: 1750 NE 14th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Harbordale.
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Sunrise Middle School serves a diverse student population and offers various academic and elective programs. While ratings are average, the school has initiatives for student support and improvement in test scores. Some parents note variability in student experience depending on specific programs or teachers.
   • Additional Info: Features magnet programs in areas like performing arts, which may appeal to some students.

3. Fort Lauderdale High School

   • Address: 1600 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Harbordale.
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: As one of the oldest high schools in the area, Fort Lauderdale High offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career-focused programs, and extracurriculars. It has a diverse student body and mixed reviews, with strengths in certain academic areas but challenges in consistency across all metrics.
   • Additional Info: Known for its pre-law and public affairs magnet program, which may be a draw for students interested in those fields.

   Private Schools Near Harbordale (33316)

   Private schools offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Below are some notable private schools within a reasonable distance of Harbordale.

4. St. Anthony Catholic School

   • Address: 820 NE 3rd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
   • Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Harbordale.
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but often receives high parent reviews on Niche (around 4/5 stars).
   • Overview: This school emphasizes a faith-based education alongside strong academics. It is known for a nurturing environment and a focus on character development. Tuition costs apply, and financial aid may be available.
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care and various extracurriculars.

5. Bethany Christian School

   • Address: 615 SE 9th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
   • Type: Private Christian School (Grades PK-8)
   • Distance: Less than 1 mile from most parts of Harbordale.
   • Rating: Limited public rating data; parent reviews on Niche are generally positive (around 4/5).
   • Overview: A smaller school with a focus on Christian values and individualized attention. It has a reputation for a close-knit community and solid academic preparation.
   • Additional Info: Tuition-based with potential scholarship opportunities.

6. Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale Campus)

   • Address: 1501 NE 62nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
   • Type: Private Independent School (Grades PK-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Harbordale.
   • Rating: Highly rated, often 9-10/10 on various platforms like Niche.
   • Overview: Pine Crest is one of the most prestigious private schools in South Florida, offering rigorous academics, extensive extracurriculars, and college preparatory programs. It has a competitive admissions process and significant tuition costs.
   • Additional Info: Known for strong STEM and arts programs, with many graduates attending top-tier universities.

   Charter Schools Near Harbordale (33316)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are a couple of options nearby.

7. Charter School of Excellence

   • Address: 1217 SE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades K-5)
   • Distance: Within 1-2 miles of Harbordale.
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This school focuses on academic excellence and character education. It has smaller class sizes compared to traditional public schools and a curriculum emphasizing core subjects.
   • Additional Info: Enrollment may require a lottery system due to limited spots.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which aggregate test scores, parent reviews, and other data. However, ratings are not the sole indicator of a school’s quality. Factors like teacher engagement, extracurricular offerings, and individual student needs should also be considered.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on exact address within Harbordale. Use the Broward County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website) to confirm zoning.
   • Visiting Schools: I strongly recommend scheduling tours or attending open houses to get a firsthand look at the environment and meet staff.
   • Transportation: Most schools in this area are within a short drive, but public transportation options (like Broward County Transit) or school bus availability should be confirmed, especially for middle and high schools farther away.

   Conclusion

   The Harbordale community in Fort Lauderdale, FL (33316), has access to a variety of educational options, including well-rated public schools like Harbordale Elementary, private institutions with strong reputations like Pine Crest, and charter alternatives. Ratings range from average (5/10) to excellent (9-10/10) depending on the school, with each offering unique strengths. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I suggest visiting the schools’ official websites, contacting Broward County Public Schools for zoning and enrollment details, or exploring parent reviews on platforms like GreatSchools or Niche.

   If you have a specific address within Harbordale or particular needs (e.g., special education, specific grade levels, or extracurricular interests), I can refine this list further. Let me know!