Local Schools Near Oak Park, Okeechobee, 34974

Oak Park is a community in Okeechobee, FL, with the ZIP code 34974. 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 not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student. I’ll also include approximate distances from central Okeechobee (near Oak Park) and note if the schools are within the Okeechobee County School District.

Public Schools Near Oak Park, Okeechobee, FL 34974

Okeechobee County School District serves the Oak Park community. Here are the primary public schools zoned for or near this area:

1. South Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Address: 2468 SW 7th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from central Oak Park
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: South Elementary focuses on foundational skills with an emphasis on reading and math. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs like after-school care. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note occasional concerns about class sizes.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400-500 students
   • Contact: (863) 462-5087

2. Yearling Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 925 NW 23rd Ln, Okeechobee, FL 34972
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Oak Park
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Yearling Middle provides a range of academic and extracurricular options, including sports and clubs. Test scores are slightly below the state average, but the school has initiatives for student improvement. Some reviews highlight bullying concerns, while others praise teacher dedication.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
   • Contact: (863) 462-5056

3. Okeechobee High School

   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 2800 US-441 N, Okeechobee, FL 34972
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Oak Park
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); C (Florida Department of Education School Grade, 2022-2023)
   • Details: The only traditional high school in Okeechobee County, it offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and extracurriculars like band and athletics. Graduation rates are near the state average (around 85-90%). Reviews are mixed, with some praising vocational programs and others noting resource limitations.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,200-1,300 students
   • Contact: (863) 462-5025

4. Everglades Elementary School (Alternative Elementary Option)

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Address: 3725 SE 18th Terrace, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from parts of Oak Park
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another elementary option for some Oak Park residents depending on zoning. It has slightly higher test scores than South Elementary and offers similar programs.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
   • Contact: (863) 462-5108

   Private Schools Near Oak Park, Okeechobee, FL 34974

   Private school options in Okeechobee are limited, but there are a couple of notable choices:

5. Okeechobee Christian Academy

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 701 S Parrott Ave, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Oak Park
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. It emphasizes moral education alongside academics. Tuition information is available upon request, but private schools in the area typically range from $3,000-$6,000 per year. Parent feedback often highlights the close-knit community but notes fewer extracurriculars compared to public schools.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 100-150 students
   • Contact: (863) 763-3072

6. Rock Solid Christian Academy

   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Address: 401 SW 4th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Approximate Distance: 3 miles from Oak Park
   • Rating: Limited data; not widely rated
   • Details: Another small, faith-based option focusing on individualized learning with a Christian worldview. It’s less known than Okeechobee Christian Academy, and reviews are sparse. Tuition is likely in a similar range.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 50-100 students
   • Contact: (863) 763-0200

   Charter Schools and Alternative Education

   • Okeechobee Achievement Academy
   • Type: Public Alternative (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 1000 NE 6th St, Okeechobee, FL 34972
   • Approximate Distance: 4-5 miles from Oak Park
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools due to its alternative status
   • Details: This school serves students with behavioral or academic challenges, offering specialized support. It’s not a traditional school but an option for those needing alternative education paths.
   • Contact: (863) 462-5288

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida DOE grades (A-F) focus on achievement and improvement metrics. Ratings below 6/10 or a C grade often indicate areas of concern, such as lower test scores or graduation rates, but they don’t account for individual student experiences or specific programs.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on exact addresses within Oak Park. You can confirm zoning through the Okeechobee County School District website (www.okee.k12.fl.us) or by calling the district office at (863) 462-5000.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for students within zoning boundaries. Private schools may not offer transportation.
   • Community Feedback: Local reviews (e.g., on GreatSchools or Niche) often mention that Okeechobee schools are underfunded compared to larger districts, but many teachers are dedicated. Rural challenges, like limited advanced course offerings, are common.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit the Okeechobee County School District website for updated zoning maps, school calendars, and registration details.
   • Check GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for parent reviews and more detailed performance data.
   • Contact schools directly for open houses or tours, especially for private options.
   • Look into extracurricular or special programs (e.g., STEM, arts) if your child has specific interests.

   If you have a specific address in Oak Park or need details about a particular grade level or program (e.g., special education, gifted programs), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’re considering schools outside a certain radius or in neighboring counties, I can expand the list.