School Choices Detailed and Rated Manalapan, West Palm Beach, 33462

The community of Manalapan, located near West Palm Beach, FL, with the ZIP code 33462, is a small, affluent area in Palm Beach County. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, 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 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 Palm Beach County School District.

Since Manalapan is a small community, I’ll include schools within a reasonable radius (approximately 5-10 miles) that serve the area, including those in nearby Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, and Lantana. I’ll categorize them by level (elementary, middle, high) and include both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near Manalapan (ZIP 33462)

Public schools in this area are part of the Palm Beach County School District, one of the largest in Florida. The district assigns schools based on zoning, but families can apply for school choice programs or magnet schools. Below are some of the schools closest to Manalapan, along with their ratings (primarily from GreatSchools.org, on a scale of 1-10, as of the latest available data).

Elementary Schools

1. Lantana Elementary School

   • Address: 710 W Ocean Ave, Lantana, FL 33462 (approx. 2 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. This school has a diverse student body and offers standard curriculum with some focus on student support programs. Test scores are below the state average in some areas.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
   • Note: Check zoning to confirm if this is the assigned school for Manalapan residents.

2. Rolling Green Elementary School

   • Address: 550 Miner Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 (approx. 3 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. Focuses on foundational skills but has lower-than-average test scores compared to the state.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 700 students

3. Poinciana STEM Elementary Magnet School

   • Address: 1203 N Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 (approx. 4 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. As a magnet school, it emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. Admission may require an application.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Lantana Middle School
   2. Address: 1225 W Drew St, Lantana, FL 33462 (approx. 2.5 miles from Manalapan)
   3. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   4. Details: Serves grades 6-8. Offers standard middle school curriculum with some elective options. Test scores and student progress are below state averages.
   5. Enrollment: Approx. 900 students
   6. Note: This is likely the zoned middle school for many Manalapan students.

4. Congress Community Middle School

   • Address: 101 S Congress Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (approx. 5 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 6-8. Focuses on preparing students for high school with some specialized programs.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,000 students

   High Schools

   1. Boynton Beach Community High School
   2. Address: 4975 Park Ridge Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (approx. 6 miles from Manalapan)
   3. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   4. Details: Serves grades 9-12. Offers a range of academic and vocational programs, including AP courses and career academies. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores lag in some areas.
   5. Enrollment: Approx. 1,600 students
   6. Note: Likely the zoned high school for Manalapan students.

5. Lake Worth Community High School

   • Address: 1701 Lake Worth Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33460 (approx. 5 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 9-12. Offers various programs, including IB (International Baccalaureate) for eligible students. Test scores and college readiness metrics are below state averages.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 2,500 students

   Private Schools Near Manalapan (ZIP 33462)

   Given Manalapan’s affluent status, many families may opt for private schools, which often offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs. Below are notable private schools within a reasonable distance.

6. Saint Joseph’s Episcopal School

   • Address: 3300B S Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 (approx. 3 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; highly regarded locally (Niche: A-)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-8. A faith-based school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition is approximately $10,000-$15,000 per year.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200 students

7. Lake Worth Christian School

   • Address: 7592 High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (approx. 6 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; positive reviews on Niche (B+)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-12. A faith-based school emphasizing Christian values alongside academics. Tuition ranges from $8,000-$12,000 annually.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students

8. Trinity Christian Academy

   • Address: 7259 S Military Trail, Lake Worth, FL 33463 (approx. 7 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; well-reviewed locally (Niche: B)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-12. Focuses on a Christian-based curriculum with strong community involvement. Tuition is approximately $7,000-$10,000 per year.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600 students

   Charter and Magnet Schools

   Charter and magnet schools offer alternative public education options, often with specialized focuses. These may require applications or lotteries for admission.

9. South Tech Academy (Charter)

   • Address: 1300 SW 30th Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (approx. 6 miles from Manalapan)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 9-12. Focuses on career and technical education alongside traditional academics. Popular for students interested in vocational training.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,100 students

10. Somerset Academy Canyons (Charter)

    • Address: 9385 Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 (approx. 8 miles from Manalapan)
    • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: Serves grades K-12. Offers a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on smaller class sizes.
    • Enrollment: Approx. 900 students

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, extracurricular offerings, or specific programs that might suit a student’s needs.
    • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address in Manalapan. Use the Palm Beach County School District’s “Find My School” tool (available on their website, www.palmbeachschools.org) to confirm zoned schools.
    • School Choice: Palm Beach County offers a robust school choice program, allowing families to apply to magnet, charter, or other schools outside their zone if space is available.
    • Private School Tuition: Costs for private schools vary widely and often include additional fees for uniforms, books, or activities. Financial aid or scholarships may be available.

    How to Research Further

    1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have detailed websites with information on programs, faculty, and enrollment processes.
    2. Contact Palm Beach County School District: Call (561) 434-8000 or visit www.palmbeachschools.org for zoning and choice program details.
    3. Tour Schools: Many schools offer open houses or virtual tours, especially private and charter schools.
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