Local Schools Near Riverdale Estates, Merritt Island, 32953

Riverdale Estates is a community located in Merritt Island, FL, within the 32953 ZIP code. Merritt Island is part of Brevard County, which is served by the Brevard Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Riverdale Estates, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information. Ratings are typically 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 data directly with the schools or the Brevard Public Schools district.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to the 32953 area, particularly those serving Merritt Island. Since exact addresses for Riverdale Estates may vary, I’m assuming a central location in Merritt Island for distance estimates. If you have a specific address, I can refine the search further.

Public Schools Near Riverdale Estates, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Brevard Public Schools assigns students to schools based on zoning. You can confirm the exact zoned schools for a specific address using the Brevard Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website). Below are the likely zoned schools and other nearby public schools based on the general location of Merritt Island in the 32953 ZIP code.

Elementary Schools

1. Mila Elementary School

   • Address: 288 W Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Merritt Island areas like Riverdale Estates.
   • Grade Levels: PreK-6
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Mila Elementary is a public school with a focus on core academics and some extracurricular activities. It serves a diverse student population and has a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1 (based on recent data). Parent reviews often highlight the supportive staff, though some note areas for improvement in facilities.
   • Contact: (321) 454-1070

2. Tropical Elementary School

   • Address: 885 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Riverdale Estates.
   • Grade Levels: PreK-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for strong academic performance compared to other local elementary schools, Tropical Elementary has a good reputation for student engagement and parent involvement. The student-teacher ratio is around 15:1.
   • Contact: (321) 454-1080

   Middle Schools

   1. Thomas Jefferson Middle School
   2. Address: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Riverdale Estates.
   4. Grade Levels: 7-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This middle school serves students transitioning to high school with a focus on academics and extracurriculars like sports and clubs. Test scores are near the state average, and the student-teacher ratio is about 16:1.
   7. Contact: (321) 453-5154

   High Schools

   1. Merritt Island High School
   2. Address: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Riverdale Estates.
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B+ (Niche)
   6. Details: Merritt Island High School is the primary high school for the area, offering a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical programs, and athletics. It has a graduation rate of around 95% (based on recent data) and a student-teacher ratio of approximately 18:1. Reviews often praise the school’s community feel and extracurricular opportunities.
   7. Contact: (321) 454-1000

   Private Schools Near Riverdale Estates, Merritt Island, FL 32953

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools in or near Merritt Island. These schools often have smaller class sizes and may offer religious or specialized curricula.

3. Merritt Island Christian School

   • Address: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Riverdale Estates.
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews.
   • Details: A private, faith-based school offering a Christian education with a focus on academics and spiritual development. Tuition varies by grade level, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools. Enrollment is around 400 students.
   • Contact: (321) 453-2710
   • Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies by grade; confirm with school).

4. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Address: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Riverdale Estates.
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback on Niche.
   • Details: A Catholic school emphasizing faith-based education alongside academics. It has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Tuition is typically in the range of $5,000-$7,000 annually for parish members (higher for non-members).
   • Contact: (321) 452-0263

   Charter Schools and Other Options

   • Sculptor Charter School
   • Address: 1301 Armstrong Dr, Titusville, FL 32780 (serves parts of Merritt Island)
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Riverdale Estates.
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public charter school with a focus on arts-integrated learning. It’s a bit farther from Merritt Island but serves some families in the area. Admission is lottery-based if demand exceeds capacity.
   • Contact: (321) 264-4000

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture or specific programs. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Confirm the zoned schools for your exact address using the Brevard Public Schools website (www.brevardschools.org) under the “School Locator” tool.
   • School Choice: Brevard County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs and charter schools are also options.
   • Special Needs and Programs: If your child requires special education services or gifted programs, contact the schools directly or the district’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department for details on accommodations and offerings.

   How to Research Further

   • Brevard Public Schools Website: www.brevardschools.org for zoning, calendars, and district policies.
   • GreatSchools.org: Detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and some private schools.
   • Niche.com: Offers parent and student reviews, along with rankings for schools and neighborhoods.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or virtual open houses, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have a specific address in Riverdale Estates or additional criteria (e.g., focus on STEM programs, sports, or religious education), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like me to look into a specific school or provide more details on any of the above?