Local Schools Near Ridge Manor Estates, Merritt Island, 32952

Ridge Manor Estates is a community located in Merritt Island, FL, within the 32952 ZIP code. Merritt Island is part of Brevard County, and the area is served by the Brevard Public Schools district, which oversees a variety of public schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Ridge Manor Estates, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other educational review platforms. 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 checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Location Context

Ridge Manor Estates is situated in central Merritt Island, near State Road 520 (King Street) and Courtenay Parkway, providing relatively easy access to schools in the surrounding area. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from this community.

Public Schools Near Ridge Manor Estates, Merritt Island, FL 32952

Public schools in this area are part of Brevard Public Schools, known for a generally strong reputation in Florida. Here are the closest schools, categorized by level (elementary, middle, high), with approximate distances and ratings based on GreatSchools.org (as of the latest available data, typically on a 1-10 scale):

Elementary Schools

1. Tropical Elementary School

   • Address: 885 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Ridge Manor Estates
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Tropical Elementary is a well-regarded school in the area with a focus on academic achievement and a diverse student body. It offers programs for pre-kindergarten through 6th grade and has a reputation for strong community involvement.
   • Student Population: Around 700 students
   • Additional Info: Known for solid test scores in math and reading compared to state averages.

2. Audubon Elementary School

   • Address: 1201 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Ridge Manor Estates
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Audubon Elementary often receives high marks for student performance and teacher quality. It serves a similar grade range as Tropical and emphasizes a supportive learning environment.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students
   • Additional Info: Frequently praised for its extracurricular activities and parent engagement.

   Middle Schools

   1. Thomas Jefferson Middle School
   2. Address: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Ridge Manor Estates
   4. Grade Levels: 7-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: Jefferson Middle School serves as the primary middle school for much of Merritt Island. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, though its ratings are slightly lower than nearby elementary schools due to varying test score outcomes.
   7. Student Population: Around 600-700 students
   8. Additional Info: Offers programs like band and sports; some reviews note a need for facility updates.

   High Schools

   1. Merritt Island High School
   2. Address: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Ridge Manor Estates
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Overview: This is the main high school serving the Merritt Island area. It has a solid reputation for college readiness, with a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-technical programs.
   7. Student Population: Around 1,500 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for strong athletics (especially football) and a decent graduation rate compared to state averages.

   Private Schools Near Ridge Manor Estates, Merritt Island, FL 32952

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are a few 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: 140 Magnolia Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Ridge Manor Estates
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   • Overview: A private, faith-based school offering education from preschool through high school. It emphasizes Christian values alongside academics.
   • Student Population: Around 400-500 students
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (based on general estimates for similar schools; contact for exact figures)
   • Additional Info: Smaller class sizes and a focus on moral development are often highlighted by parents.

4. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Address: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Ridge Manor Estates
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Overview: A Catholic school providing education with a religious foundation, focusing on academic excellence and spiritual growth.
   • Student Population: Around 200-300 students
   • Tuition: Estimated $5,000-$7,000 annually (contact school for current rates)
   • Additional Info: Known for a tight-knit community and individualized attention.

   Charter Schools

   There are no charter schools directly in Merritt Island within close proximity to Ridge Manor Estates, but families can explore options in nearby Cocoa or Titusville, such as Sculptor Charter School (K-8, about 10 miles away in Titusville), which has a rating of 6/10 on GreatSchools.org. Charter schools in Brevard County often have waitlists, so early application is recommended.

   School Ratings Summary

   • Elementary: Tropical (7/10), Audubon (8/10) – Both are strong options with above-average performance.
   • Middle: Jefferson (6/10) – Decent but with mixed reviews on student experience.
   • High: Merritt Island High (7/10) – A solid choice for college prep and extracurriculars.
   • Private: Merritt Island Christian (B- on Niche), Divine Mercy (limited data) – Good for families seeking faith-based or smaller environments.

   Additional Considerations

   • School Boundaries: School assignments in Brevard County are based on zoning. You can confirm which public schools serve Ridge Manor Estates by using the Brevard Public Schools’ School Locator tool on their website (brevardschools.org) or by contacting the district at (321) 633-1000.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services within designated zones. Check with individual schools for routes near Ridge Manor Estates.
   • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, Merritt Island High has AP courses, and some elementary schools have STEM initiatives.
   • Parent Reviews: Ratings are a starting point, but parent and student feedback on platforms like Niche or GreatSchools can provide deeper insight into school culture and challenges.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to see facilities and meet staff.
   • Brevard Public Schools Website: brevardschools.org for zoning, enrollment, and performance data.
   • Florida Department of Education: fldoe.org for state-level report cards on schools.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: For updated ratings and reviews.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, preschool options, or a focus on certain extracurriculars), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like details on a particular school or additional resources for enrollment?