Local Schools Near Palmetto, Merritt Island, 32953

The community of Palmetto in Merritt Island, FL, with the ZIP code 32953, is located in Brevard County. This area is served by the Brevard Public Schools district, which includes a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Merritt Island, FL 32953, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information. 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 visiting the schools or checking the latest data for the most current information.

I’ll focus on schools within or near the Merritt Island area, as Palmetto is a specific neighborhood within Merritt Island. Distances are approximate and based on general proximity to central Merritt Island (ZIP 32953). If you have a specific address in Palmetto, I can refine the search further.

Elementary Schools Near Merritt Island, FL 32953

1. Tropical Elementary School

   • Address: 885 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Merritt Island (32953)
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Tropical Elementary is known for strong academic performance in reading and math compared to state averages. It has a diverse student body and offers various extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Around 700 students
   • Additional Info: Focuses on STEM programs and has a positive reputation among parents for teacher engagement.

2. Mila Elementary School

   • Address: 288 W Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Merritt Island (32953)
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Mila Elementary serves a diverse population and performs near the state average in test scores. It emphasizes community involvement and offers after-school programs.
   • Student Population: Around 500 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a supportive environment and smaller class sizes.

3. Audubon Elementary School

   • Address: 1201 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Merritt Island (32953)
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Audubon Elementary often scores above state averages in math and reading. It has a strong focus on environmental education, given its proximity to natural areas.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Highly rated for student progress and teacher quality.

   Middle Schools Near Merritt Island, FL 32953

   1. Thomas Jefferson Middle School
   2. Address: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Merritt Island (32953)
   4. Grade Levels: 7-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This middle school offers a range of academic and elective courses, with test scores near the state average. It has programs for advanced students and extracurricular options like sports and clubs.
   7. Student Population: Around 600 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for a supportive transition program from elementary to middle school.

   High Schools Near Merritt Island, FL 32953

   1. Merritt Island High School
   2. Address: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Merritt Island (32953)
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Merritt Island High School is the primary high school serving the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a variety of sports and arts programs. College readiness scores are above the state average.
   7. Student Population: Around 1,500 students
   8. Additional Info: Recognized for strong athletics and a diverse curriculum. Graduation rates are typically high.

   Private and Charter Schools Near Merritt Island, FL 32953

   1. Merritt Island Christian School
   2. Address: 140 Magnolia Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Merritt Island (32953)
   4. Grade Levels: PK-12
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche give it a B- overall
   6. Details: A private, faith-based school offering a Christian-centered education with smaller class sizes and a focus on moral development alongside academics.
   7. Student Population: Around 400 students
   8. Additional Info: Tuition-based; known for a close-knit community and individualized attention.

4. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Address: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Merritt Island (32953)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews on Niche are generally positive
   • Details: A private Catholic school emphasizing faith-based education and academic rigor.
   • Student Population: Around 200 students
   • Additional Info: Offers a nurturing environment with a focus on spiritual growth.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Source: The ratings provided are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, equity, and other metrics. Niche.com ratings (letter grades) are also referenced for private schools. These ratings are snapshots and may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student.
   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Brevard County are based on zoning. To confirm which public school your child would attend, you can use the Brevard Public Schools’ School Locator tool on their website (brevardschools.org) by entering your specific address in Palmetto.
   • Other Options: If you’re open to schools slightly farther away (e.g., in Cocoa or Rockledge), additional high-rated options like Edgewood Jr/Sr High School (rated 9/10) may be accessible, though they are about 5-7 miles away.
   • Charter Schools: There are limited charter schools directly in Merritt Island, but options like Sculptor Charter School (K-8, rated 8/10) in Titusville (about 10 miles away) might be worth considering if you’re looking for alternatives to traditional public schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check Brevard Public Schools Website: The district site (brevardschools.org) provides detailed information on zoning, programs, and performance data.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent and student feedback that can offer insights beyond numerical ratings.
   • Florida Department of Education: The state’s education website (fldoe.org) provides report cards for schools, including detailed test scores and graduation rates.

   If you have a specific address in Palmetto or preferences (e.g., focus on STEM, arts, or special needs programs), let me know, and I can narrow down the options or provide more tailored information. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or after-school programs, I can include those as well.