Local Schools Near Port Canaveral, Merritt Island, 32952

Port Canaveral is located in Brevard County, Florida, near Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral, within the ZIP code 32920. However, since you mentioned 32952, which corresponds to Merritt Island, I’ll focus on schools in and around that area, as well as nearby Port Canaveral. Below, I’ll provide information on available schools (public and private) near Merritt Island, FL (32952) and the surrounding areas, 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.

Geographic Context

• Port Canaveral (32920) is a small port community near Cape Canaveral, with limited schools directly within its boundaries. Most families in this area send their children to schools in nearby Merritt Island (32952/32953) or Cocoa Beach (32931).
• Merritt Island (32952) is a larger residential area with a variety of schools and is just a short drive from Port Canaveral.

I’ll list schools within or near the 32952 ZIP code and surrounding areas that serve families in the Port Canaveral/Merritt Island region. Distances are approximate from central Merritt Island or Port Canaveral.

Public Schools Near Merritt Island, FL (32952) and Port Canaveral

Public schools in this area are part of the Brevard Public Schools district, which serves all of Brevard County. Below are schools zoned for or near Merritt Island (32952) and accessible to Port Canaveral residents.

Elementary Schools

1. Tropical Elementary School

   • Location: 885 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Central to 32952, approx. 5-7 miles from Port Canaveral
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for strong academic programs and a focus on STEM education. Test scores are above the state average in math and reading.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 700 students

2. Mila Elementary School

   • Location: 288 W Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (just outside 32952)
   • Distance: Approx. 6-8 miles from Port Canaveral
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Offers a supportive environment with diverse student programs. Performance is near or slightly above state averages.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students

3. Cape View Elementary School (Closer to Port Canaveral)

   • Location: 8440 Rosalind Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
   • Distance: Approx. 2-3 miles from Port Canaveral
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A smaller school with a community feel, serving families in Cape Canaveral and nearby areas. Test scores are near state averages.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 300 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Thomas Jefferson Middle School
   2. Location: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Central to 32952, approx. 5-7 miles from Port Canaveral
   4. Grade Levels: 7-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Offers a range of extracurriculars and advanced courses. Test scores are near or slightly above state averages.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 600 students

   High Schools

   1. Merritt Island High School
   2. Location: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (near 32952)
   3. Distance: Approx. 6-8 miles from Port Canaveral
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida DOE (based on recent data)
   6. Details: Known for strong academics, athletics, and arts programs. Offers AP courses and dual enrollment options. Graduation rate is above the state average.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 1,500 students

4. Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School (Alternative for Port Canaveral area)

   • Location: 1500 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
   • Distance: Approx. 5-6 miles from Port Canaveral
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida DOE
   • Details: A highly regarded school with strong academic performance, especially in college readiness. Offers a unique coastal community vibe.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,000 students

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   Private Schools Near Merritt Island, FL (32952) and Port Canaveral

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in the Merritt Island area. These schools often have smaller class sizes and may offer religious or specialized curricula.

5. Merritt Island Christian School

   • Location: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Central to 32952, approx. 5-7 miles from Port Canaveral
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally well-regarded by community reviews on Niche (B+)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on Christian values. Includes sports and extracurriculars.
   • Tuition: Approx. $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for current rates)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400 students

6. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Location: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (near 32952)
   • Distance: Approx. 6-8 miles from Port Canaveral
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Details: A Catholic school emphasizing academic excellence and spiritual growth.
   • Tuition: Approx. $5,000-$7,000 per year (contact school for specifics)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200 students

7. Our Saviour Catholic School (Closer to Port Canaveral)

   • Location: 5301 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
   • Distance: Approx. 4-5 miles from Port Canaveral
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive community reviews
   • Details: A smaller Catholic school with a focus on individualized attention and faith-based education.
   • Tuition: Approx. $5,000-$6,500 per year (contact school for details)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 150 students

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   Charter Schools and Other Options

   1. Sculptor Charter School
   2. Location: 1301 Armstrong Dr, Titusville, FL 32780 (a bit farther but serves Brevard County)
   3. Distance: Approx. 15-20 miles from Port Canaveral/Merritt Island
   4. Grade Levels: K-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: A public charter school with a focus on arts-integrated learning. Admission is by lottery.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 500 students

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   School Ratings Summary

   • Highest Rated Public Schools: Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High (8/10), Merritt Island High (7/10)
   • General Range for Public Schools: 6-8/10, indicating above-average performance compared to state standards.
   • Private Schools: Not always rated numerically but often praised for smaller class sizes and specialized programs.

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   Additional Notes

   • Zoning: School assignments depend on specific addresses. Use the Brevard Public Schools’ “School Locator” tool (available on their website, www.brevardschools.org) to confirm which schools serve your exact location in 32952 or near Port Canaveral.
   • Transportation: Brevard Public Schools provides bus services for zoned students; private schools may offer limited transportation or none at all.
   • Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer gifted programs, STEM initiatives, and extracurriculars. Merritt Island High and Cocoa Beach High are particularly noted for college prep.
   • Community Feedback: Parents in Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral often highlight the family-friendly atmosphere of local schools and the proximity to unique opportunities like space-related field trips (due to nearby Kennedy Space Center).

   If you have a specific address or need details about a particular school (e.g., programs, enrollment process, or recent performance data), let me know, and I can help narrow