School Choices Detailed and Rated Highlands, Pompano Beach, 33064

The community of Highlands in Pompano Beach, FL, with the ZIP code 33064, is located in Broward County. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often 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 verifying the most current information directly with the schools or the Broward County Public Schools district.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to the Highlands community, generally within a 5-mile radius, covering elementary, middle, and high schools. The Highlands area is near major roads like Sample Road and Federal Highway, so I’ll consider schools accessible from these locations.

Public Schools Near Highlands, Pompano Beach, FL (ZIP 33064)

Public schools in this area are part of the Broward County Public Schools district, one of the largest in the nation. Below are some of the schools closest to the Highlands community, along with their ratings and key details (ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org on a scale of 1-10 as of the latest available data in 2023):

Elementary Schools

1. Norcrest Elementary School

   • Address: 3951 NE 16th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5 with a student population of around 700. The school has a diverse student body and offers standard curriculum with some focus on STEM programs. Test scores are near the state average in math and reading.
   • Additional Info: Known for a supportive community environment but has room for improvement in academic performance based on recent reviews.

2. Park Ridge Elementary School

   • Address: 5200 NE 9th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5 with about 500 students. The school focuses on foundational skills but struggles with test scores below the state average in some areas.
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and has a diverse student population.

3. Tedder Elementary School

   • Address: 4157 NE 1st Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5 with around 600 students. The school has lower-than-average test scores but offers programs aimed at student support and engagement.
   • Additional Info: Part of Broward County’s efforts to improve underperforming schools with additional resources.

   Middle Schools

   1. Crystal Lake Middle School
   2. Address: 3551 NE 3rd Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highlands
   4. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serves grades 6-8 with a student population of about 1,200. The school offers a range of electives and extracurriculars but has mixed academic performance with test scores near or below state averages.
   6. Additional Info: Known for a strong athletics program but faces challenges with student progress metrics.

4. Deerfield Beach Middle School

   • Address: 701 SE 6th Ave, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 6-8 with around 1,100 students. Offers International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, which is a draw for some families. Academic performance is average.
   • Additional Info: Has a focus on global education and technology integration.

   High Schools

   1. Blanche Ely High School
   2. Address: 1201 NW 6th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highlands
   4. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Serves grades 9-12 with a student population of about 2,000. Offers various career and technical education programs but struggles with graduation rates and test scores below state averages.
   6. Additional Info: Known for its diversity and community involvement but faces challenges in college readiness metrics.

5. Deerfield Beach High School

   • Address: 910 SW 15th St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 9-12 with around 2,400 students. Offers an IB Diploma Programme and several AP courses. Academic performance is near the state average, with a decent graduation rate.
   • Additional Info: Strong in extracurriculars, including sports and arts, with a focus on preparing students for higher education.

   Private Schools Near Highlands, Pompano Beach, FL (ZIP 33064)

   Private schools offer alternative options for families seeking smaller class sizes, religious education, or specialized curricula. Below are a few notable private schools near the Highlands community:

6. Highlands Christian Academy

   • Address: 501 NE 48th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded based on parent reviews on Niche (A- overall)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-12 with a focus on Christian education. Enrollment is around 600 students. Offers a college-preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on faith-based values.
   • Additional Info: Known for strong academics and a tight-knit community. Tuition varies by grade level, typically ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 annually.

7. St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School

   • Address: 901 NE 33rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews on Niche suggest positive feedback
   • Details: Serves grades PK-8 with a Catholic curriculum. Smaller enrollment, focusing on spiritual and academic growth.
   • Additional Info: Offers a nurturing environment with tuition around $6,000-$8,000 per year.

   Charter Schools Near Highlands, Pompano Beach, FL (ZIP 33064)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple near the area:

8. Somerset Academy Pompano Beach

   • Address: 959 NE 13th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-5 with a focus on personalized learning. Part of the Somerset Academy network, known for strong academic programs.
   • Additional Info: Free to attend, with a lottery-based admission process.

9. Imagine Charter School at Broward

   • Address: 9001 Westview Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33067 (slightly farther but accessible)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades K-8 with an emphasis on character education and academics.
   • Additional Info: Offers a structured environment with a focus on core subjects.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are useful but not definitive. They often emphasize test scores, which may not reflect the full quality of a school, especially in diverse or underserved areas. Visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and reviewing parent feedback on platforms like Niche can provide a fuller picture.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be checked via the Broward County Public Schools website (browardschools.com) using your specific address in Highlands.
   • Magnet Programs: Broward County offers magnet programs in nearby schools, such as arts or STEM-focused tracks, which may require applications. Examples include the IB programs at Deerfield Beach Middle and High Schools.
   • Safety and Community: The Highlands area and surrounding neighborhoods in Pompano Beach have varying safety profiles. Some schools, like Blanche Ely High, have faced challenges with discipline or safety concerns in reviews, so it’s worth researching recent reports or visiting campuses.

   How to Research Further

   • Broward County Public Schools Website: Use the school locator tool at browardschools.com to confirm zoning and explore magnet or choice programs.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: Provide detailed reviews, ratings, and parent feedback for most schools listed.
   • Florida Department of Education: Offers report cards for public schools with data on performance and demographics (fldoe.org).
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and culture.

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