Local Schools Near Old Church Manor, Merritt Island, 32953

The community of Old Church Manor in Merritt Island, FL, falls within the 32953 ZIP code. Merritt Island is part of Brevard County, and the schools serving this area are primarily under the Brevard Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including 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 checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for the 32953 area, as well as mention nearby private school options. Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within Old Church Manor, I suggest confirming with Brevard Public Schools (https://www.brevardschools.org/) for the most accurate school assignments. Distances are approximate based on the general location of Old Church Manor near central Merritt Island.

Public Schools Near Old Church Manor, Merritt Island, FL 32953

1. Mila Elementary School (Grades PK-6)

   • Location: 288 W Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Old Church Manor
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Mila Elementary serves preschool through 6th grade and is known for a strong focus on foundational skills. It has a diverse student body and offers programs like gifted education. Parent reviews often highlight the supportive teachers and community involvement.
   • Student Population: Approximately 500 students
   • Additional Info: Check the school’s website or Brevard Public Schools for specific programs like after-school care or extracurriculars.

2. Thomas Jefferson Middle School (Grades 7-8)

   • Location: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Old Church Manor
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This middle school serves students in grades 7-8 and focuses on preparing students for high school with a curriculum that includes advanced courses and electives. It has mixed reviews, with some parents noting strong STEM programs and others mentioning concerns about class sizes.
   • Student Population: Approximately 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Offers sports and clubs; check zoning as some areas of 32953 may feed into other middle schools.

3. Merritt Island High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Old Church Manor
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Merritt Island High School is well-regarded in the area, with strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-technical education. It also has a good reputation for athletics and extracurriculars like band and theater. Graduation rates are typically above the state average.
   • Student Population: Approximately 1,500 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program; check college readiness scores on the Florida Department of Education website.

   Alternative Public School Options

   • Edgewood Jr/Sr High School (Grades 7-12)
   • Location: 180 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Old Church Manor
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This is a highly rated choice school in Brevard County, often requiring an application or lottery for entry. It combines middle and high school grades and focuses on academic excellence with a smaller student body.
   • Student Population: Approximately 900 students
   • Additional Info: Known for rigorous academics and high college acceptance rates; not automatically zoned for Old Church Manor residents.

   Private Schools Near Old Church Manor, Merritt Island, FL 32953

   1. Merritt Island Christian School (Grades PK-12)
   2. Location: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Old Church Manor
   4. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally positive parent feedback on Niche (B+ overall)
   5. Overview: A private, faith-based school offering education from preschool through high school. It emphasizes Christian values alongside academics and offers smaller class sizes.
   6. Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for current rates)
   7. Additional Info: Includes sports and fine arts programs; check for enrollment availability.

4. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy (Grades PK-8)

   • Location: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Old Church Manor
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive local reputation
   • Overview: A Catholic school focusing on faith-based education with a curriculum that includes core academics and religious studies. Known for a close-knit community.
   • Tuition: Around $5,000-$7,000 per year (contact school for exact figures)
   • Additional Info: Offers before/after-school care; limited to middle school grades.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche provides letter grades (A-F) based on similar metrics plus parent reviews. Florida’s school grading system (A-F) from the Department of Education focuses on state test performance and can be found at https://www.fldoe.org/.
   • Zoning: School assignments can vary within Merritt Island. Use the Brevard Public Schools zoning tool (available on their website) by entering your specific address to confirm assigned schools.
   • Charter Schools: Brevard County has several charter options, such as Sculptor Charter School (K-8, rated 8/10 on GreatSchools), located about 5-6 miles away in Titusville. These often require applications and may have waitlists.
   • Special Programs: If your child has specific needs (e.g., gifted, special education), contact Brevard Public Schools for tailored options or magnet programs.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com have parent feedback for most schools listed above.
   • District Resources: Brevard Public Schools (321-633-1000 or https://www.brevardschools.org/) provides detailed zoning maps, bus routes, and program information.
   • Local Community Input: Check local forums or social media groups for Merritt Island parents’ firsthand experiences.

   If you have a specific address within Old Church Manor or additional criteria (e.g., focus on STEM, arts, or special needs), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you’d like details on a particular school or additional private/charter options!