School Choices Detailed and Rated Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, 33301

The Las Olas community in Fort Lauderdale, FL (ZIP code 33301) is a prestigious and centrally located area near downtown Fort Lauderdale, known for its upscale living, proximity to the beach, and vibrant cultural scene. 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 other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and other performance metrics. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on the respective websites or visiting the schools for firsthand information.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles) of the 33301 ZIP code, as this covers most options families in Las Olas would consider. The schools are categorized into public and private institutions, with ratings and key details provided where available.

Public Schools Near Las Olas (33301)

Public schools in this area are part of the Broward County Public Schools district, one of the largest school districts in the U.S. Below are some of the closest and most relevant public schools:

1. Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School

   • Location: 101 NE 11th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from central Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a highly regarded Montessori magnet school offering a unique, student-centered learning approach. It consistently receives high marks for academic performance and parent satisfaction. It’s one of the top elementary schools in the area and is very close to the Las Olas community.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

2. Sunrise Middle School

   • Location: 1750 NE 14th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves a diverse student population and offers various programs, including advanced academics and extracurriculars. While its rating is average, it has received positive feedback for certain specialty programs.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 18:1

3. Fort Lauderdale High School

   • Location: 1600 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: As the oldest high school in Broward County, it offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies (like law and public affairs), and extracurricular activities. It’s a solid option for high school students in the area, though some parents note variability in student experience.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,100 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 22:1

4. Bayview Elementary School

   • Location: 1175 Middle River Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another strong elementary option, Bayview is known for its academic rigor and community involvement. It’s slightly farther from central Las Olas but still within easy reach.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

   Private Schools Near Las Olas (33301)

   Given the affluent nature of the Las Olas community, many families opt for private schools, which often offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and additional resources. Here are some notable private schools nearby:

5. St. Anthony Catholic School

   • Location: 820 NE 3rd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
   • Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles from central Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; highly regarded in local reviews (Niche: A-)
   • Details: A well-established Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It’s one of the closest private options to Las Olas.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000–$10,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for exact figures)
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students

6. Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale Campus)

   • Location: 1501 NE 62nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
   • Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles from Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated (Niche: A+; one of the top private schools in Florida)
   • Details: Pine Crest is an elite private school with a reputation for rigorous academics, extensive extracurriculars, and college preparatory programs. It attracts students from across Broward County, including Las Olas families.
   • Tuition: Approximately $25,000–$35,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Enrollment: Around 2,600 students (across campuses)

7. Happyland Day School

   • Location: 401 SE 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
   • Distance: Approximately 1 mile from central Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: PreK-Kindergarten
   • Rating: Not widely rated; positive local feedback
   • Details: A smaller, early childhood education center focusing on preschool and kindergarten readiness. It’s a convenient option for younger children in the Las Olas area.
   • Tuition: Contact school for details
   • Enrollment: Limited data; small class sizes

8. Cardinal Gibbons High School

   • Location: 2900 NE 47th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
   • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from Las Olas
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Highly rated (Niche: A)
   • Details: A prominent Catholic high school known for strong academics, athletics, and community service programs. It’s a popular choice for families seeking a private high school education.
   • Tuition: Approximately $12,000–$15,000 per year
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Boundaries: For public schools, enrollment is often based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools serve your specific address using the Broward County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website: browardschools.com).
   • Magnet and Charter Options: Broward County offers numerous magnet and charter schools with specialized programs (e.g., arts, STEM). Virginia Shuman Young Elementary, mentioned above, is an example of a magnet school. Families in Las Olas may also consider charter schools like Somerset Academy, though they may be slightly farther away.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other platforms can differ due to methodology. For instance, GreatSchools focuses heavily on test scores, while Niche incorporates parent and student reviews. Use these as a starting point but consider visiting schools or attending open houses.
   • Transportation: Las Olas’s central location means most schools are accessible within a short drive. However, traffic in downtown Fort Lauderdale can be a factor during peak hours. Some private schools offer bus services for an additional fee.

   How to Research Further

   • Broward County Public Schools Website: browardschools.com – Provides detailed information on zoning, magnet programs, and school performance reports.
   • GreatSchools.org: Offers ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and some private schools.
   • Niche.com: Useful for private school rankings and parent/student feedback.
   • Florida Department of Education: edudata.fldoe.org – Official state data on school performance and accountability.
   • School Visits: Many schools, especially private ones, offer tours or virtual open houses, which are invaluable for assessing fit.

   If you have a specific address within the 33301 ZIP code, I can help narrow down the zoned public schools further. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, arts focus, or religious affiliation), let me know, and I can tailor the information accordingly. Would you like me to dive deeper into any specific school or category?