School Choices Detailed and Rated RiverWalk, West Palm Beach, 33401

The RiverWalk community in West Palm Beach, FL (ZIP code 33401) is a vibrant, family-friendly area with access to a variety of schools in the Palm Beach County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on nearby schools, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. 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 not fully reflect the quality of a school for every student or family. I’ll also include approximate distances from the RiverWalk community (centered near Okeechobee Boulevard and Haverhill Road) for reference.

Public Schools Near RiverWalk, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Public schools in this area are managed by the School District of Palm Beach County. Here are some of the closest schools, along with their ratings and key details (ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, on a scale of 1-10, as of the latest available data in 2023):

1. Belvedere Elementary School

   • Address: 3001 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 1.5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Belvedere Elementary offers a standard curriculum with a focus on core subjects. It has a diverse student body and provides programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for non-native speakers. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note room for improvement in facilities and extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

2. Conniston Middle School

   • Address: 3630 Parker Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 2.5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Conniston Middle is a magnet school with a focus on International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, which can be a draw for families seeking a globally focused curriculum. Test scores are slightly below state averages, but the school offers various extracurricular activities.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,200 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1

3. Forest Hill Community High School

   • Address: 6901 Parker Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 3 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Forest Hill High offers several magnet programs, including IB, engineering, and medical sciences, which are highly regarded. However, overall test scores and graduation rates are near or below state averages. The school has a diverse population and active sports programs.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 2,400 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
   • Graduation Rate: Approx. 85% (based on recent Florida DOE data)

   Alternative Public Schools (Magnet/Charter Options)

   Families in the RiverWalk area may also consider magnet or charter schools, which often have specialized programs and may require applications or lotteries for admission.

4. Bak Middle School of the Arts (Magnet)

   • Address: 1725 Echo Lake Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A highly rated magnet school focusing on visual and performing arts. Admission is competitive and based on auditions/portfolios. It consistently ranks among the top middle schools in the state for academic performance.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,300 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1

5. Palm Beach Lakes Community High School (Magnet Programs)

   • Address: 3505 Shiloh Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 3.5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Offers magnet programs in medical sciences and engineering, though overall academic performance is below state averages. It serves a diverse community with various extracurricular options.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 2,500 students
   • Graduation Rate: Approx. 80%

6. Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Beach

   • Address: 1889 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 2 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A tuition-free public charter school with a focus on personalized learning. It has mixed reviews, with some parents praising small class sizes and others noting inconsistent academic outcomes.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1

   Private Schools Near RiverWalk, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

   For families seeking private education, there are several options near RiverWalk, often with religious affiliations or specialized curricula. Tuition costs vary widely, and many offer financial aid.

7. Cardinal Newman High School

   • Address: 512 Spencer Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 2.5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it an A-
   • Overview: A well-regarded Catholic high school with a strong emphasis on college prep and faith-based education. It has a reputation for academic rigor and a supportive community.
   • Tuition: Approx. $14,000-$16,000 per year (varies based on financial aid)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1

8. The King’s Academy

   • Address: 8401 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it an A
   • Overview: A private Christian school offering a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on faith, academics, and extracurriculars like arts and athletics. It’s known for small class sizes and individualized attention.
   • Tuition: Approx. $10,000-$15,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,200 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1

9. Oxbridge Academy

   • Address: 3151 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
   • Distance from RiverWalk: Approx. 3 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it an A+
   • Overview: An elite private school with a focus on college preparatory education, innovative teaching, and leadership development. It’s one of the top private schools in the area but comes with a high tuition cost.
   • Tuition: Approx. $30,000-$35,000 per year
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments are based on zoning, which can be checked via the Palm Beach County School District’s website (www.palmbeachschools.org) using your specific address in RiverWalk. Families can also apply for school choice programs to attend out-of-zone schools if space is available.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, or other platforms may not capture intangibles like school culture, teacher dedication, or specific student needs. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: The Palm Beach County School District provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Private schools may offer limited transportation or require families to arrange it.
   • Special Needs and Programs: If your child requires special education services, gifted programs, or other accommodations, contact the district or individual schools for details on available resources.

   How to Research Further

   • Palm Beach County School District Website: www.palmbeachschools.org for zoning maps, school choice applications, and performance reports.
   • 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 both public and private schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides official school grades and accountability reports at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a