The community of McKenzie Development in Port Salerno, FL (ZIP code 34997) falls within Martin County, which is served by the Martin County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this area, including public schools and potentially 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 district.
Location Context
Port Salerno is a small, unincorporated community in Martin County, located near Stuart, FL. The ZIP code 34997 primarily covers areas south of Stuart, including Port Salerno. Schools assigned to this area are typically based on zoning by the Martin County School District. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from Port Salerno.
Public Schools Near McKenzie Development, Port Salerno, FL (34997)
The Martin County School District operates schools in this area. Below are the likely assigned schools for residents of Port Salerno, along with their ratings and details. School assignments can vary based on exact address, so I recommend using the Martin County School District’s school locator tool (available on their website) to confirm zoning for a specific property in McKenzie Development.
Elementary Schools
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Port Salerno Elementary School
- Address: 3260 SE Lionel Terrace, Stuart, FL 34997
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Port Salerno (likely the closest elementary school for McKenzie Development).
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 5/10 (based on test scores and student progress as of recent data).
- Florida Department of Education School Grade: Typically a "C" or "B" in recent years (check the latest report card on the FLDOE website).
- Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. It has programs for student support and community engagement. Parent reviews often mention a caring staff but note challenges with resources in some cases.
- Enrollment: Around 800 students (varies annually).
- Contact: (772) 219-1625
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Pinewood Elementary School (Alternative nearby option)
- Address: 5200 SE Willoughby Blvd, Stuart, FL 34997
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Port Salerno.
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 6/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade: Often a "B."
- Details: Known for a strong academic focus and extracurricular activities. It serves parts of the Stuart and Port Salerno areas.
- Enrollment: Around 700-800 students.
- Contact: (772) 219-1595
Middle Schools
- Murray Middle School
- Address: 4400 SE Murray St, Stuart, FL 34997
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Port Salerno.
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 6/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade: Typically a "B."
- Details: This is the primary middle school for students in the Port Salerno area. It offers a range of academic and elective programs, including sports and clubs. Reviews highlight a supportive environment but mention occasional concerns with class sizes.
- Enrollment: Around 700-800 students.
- Contact: (772) 219-1670
High Schools
- South Fork High School
- Address: 10000 SW Bulldog Way, Stuart, FL 34997
- Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Port Salerno.
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 7/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade: Often an "A" or "B."
- Niche: Frequently rated highly for college prep and diversity (A- or B+ range).
- Details: South Fork High School is known for strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a variety of extracurriculars like athletics and arts. It serves a large portion of southern Martin County, including Port Salerno. Parent and student reviews often praise the school’s teachers and campus facilities.
- Enrollment: Around 1,800-2,000 students.
- Contact: (772) 219-1840
Private Schools Near Port Salerno, FL (34997)
For families seeking private education, there are a few options within a reasonable driving distance from Port Salerno. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and reputation.
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Redeemer Lutheran School
- Address: 2450 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Port Salerno.
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: Not always rated due to limited data, but parent reviews are generally positive (4/5 stars on some platforms).
- Niche: Often rated well for small class sizes and faith-based education.
- Details: A Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on individualized attention. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.
- Enrollment: Around 200-300 students.
- Contact: (772) 286-0932
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The Pine School
- Address: 12350 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 (Lower School); 1300 E 10th St, Stuart, FL 34996 (Upper School)
- Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Port Salerno.
- Grade Levels: K-12
- Rating:
- Niche: Often rated A or A- for academics and college prep.
- Parent reviews highlight strong academics and a nurturing environment.
- Details: An independent, college-preparatory school with a focus on leadership and innovation. It’s one of the more prestigious private options in the area, with tuition reflecting the high-quality education (around $20,000-$30,000 per year, depending on grade level).
- Enrollment: Around 400-500 students across campuses.
- Contact: (772) 675-7005
Charter Schools
- Clark Advanced Learning Center
- Address: 2400 SE Salerno Rd, Stuart, FL 34997
- Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Port Salerno.
- Grade Levels: 10-12 (Dual enrollment with Indian River State College)
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 9/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade: Typically an "A."
- Details: This is a highly regarded charter school offering dual enrollment opportunities for high school students to earn college credits. Admission is selective and based on application.
- Enrollment: Around 200-300 students.
- Contact: (772) 419-5751
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Variability: Ratings from sources like GreatSchools.org or Niche are useful but subjective. They often emphasize test scores, which may not fully reflect a school’s culture, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
- School Zoning: The exact address within McKenzie Development will determine the assigned public schools. Use the Martin County School District’s online locator tool or contact the district office at (772) 219-1200 to confirm.
- Transportation: Public school students in Martin County may qualify for bus transportation based on distance from the school. Check with the district for specific routes and policies.
- Special Programs: Martin County schools offer various programs, including gifted education, special needs support, and career/technical education at the high school level. Inquire directly with schools for details.
How to Research Further
- Martin County School District Website: www.martinschools.org – Provides school zoning maps, enrollment information, and district-wide performance data.
- GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34997) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
- Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards at www.fldoe.org for detailed performance metrics.
- School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
If you have a specific address within McKenzie Development or additional criteria (e.g., focus on special needs programs, sports, or arts), I can refine this information further. Let me know!