Local Schools Near Surfside Estates, Merritt Island, 32952

Surfside Estates is a residential community located in Merritt Island, FL, within the 32952 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 Surfside Estates, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available 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 change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Location Context

Surfside Estates is situated in central Merritt Island, near State Road 520 (King Street) and close to the Banana River. The community is primarily residential, and schools in the area are within a reasonable driving distance. I’ll focus on schools within a 5-10 mile radius, as this is a typical range for local school assignments and commuting.

Public Schools Near Surfside Estates (Brevard Public Schools District)

1. Tropical Elementary School

   • Address: 885 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Surfside Estates
   • Grade Levels: PreK-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Tropical Elementary is a well-regarded school in the Merritt Island area, known for strong academic performance and community involvement. It serves as the primary elementary school for many families in the Surfside Estates area. The school emphasizes STEM programs and has a focus on student engagement.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1

2. Thomas Jefferson Middle School

   • Address: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Surfside Estates
   • Grade Levels: 7-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students transitioning from elementary to high school in the Merritt Island area. It offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, and focuses on preparing students for high school academics.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1

3. Merritt Island High School

   • Address: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Surfside Estates
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating (Florida Department of Education)
   • Details: Merritt Island High School is the primary high school for the area, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong athletics program. It has a reputation for a supportive community and decent college readiness metrics.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 18:1

   Alternative Public Schools or Magnet Programs

   • Edgewood Jr/Sr High School
   • Address: 180 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Surfside Estates
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A rating (Florida Department of Education)
   • Details: Edgewood is a highly rated public school with a selective admissions process based on academic performance and behavior. It offers a rigorous curriculum and is often considered one of the top schools in Brevard County. Students must apply to attend.
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 17:1

   Private Schools Near Surfside Estates

   1. Merritt Island Christian School
   2. Address: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Surfside Estates
   4. Grade Levels: PreK-12
   5. Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; generally positive parent reviews on Niche (around 4/5 stars)
   6. Details: This private, faith-based school offers a Christian education with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development. It provides smaller class sizes and a family-oriented environment.
   7. Tuition: Varies by grade; approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (contact school for current rates)
   8. Enrollment: Around 400 students

4. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Address: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Surfside Estates
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive feedback from parents (Niche)
   • Details: A Catholic school emphasizing faith-based education alongside academics. It offers a nurturing environment with a focus on community service and moral values.
   • Tuition: Approximately $5,000-$7,000 per year (contact school for specifics)
   • Enrollment: Around 200 students

   Charter Schools Near Surfside Estates

   1. Sculptor Charter School
   2. Address: 1301 Armstrong Dr, Titusville, FL 32780 (serves Merritt Island families)
   3. Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Surfside Estates
   4. Grade Levels: K-8
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Sculptor Charter School is a public charter school with a focus on arts-integrated education. It’s a bit farther from Surfside Estates but is an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. Admission is typically by lottery.
   7. Enrollment: Around 500 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 14:1

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, equity, and other factors. The Florida Department of Education also assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments). Niche provides user reviews and additional data.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments are based on zoning, so it’s important to confirm with Brevard Public Schools (https://www.brevardschools.org/) which schools serve Surfside Estates specifically. You can use their school locator tool or call the district office at (321) 633-1000.
   • School Choice: Brevard County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet programs like Edgewood Jr/Sr High are also an option for qualifying students.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance can change yearly based on test results and other metrics. For the most current information, visit the school websites or the Florida Department of Education’s school report card portal (https://edudata.fldoe.org/).

   Conclusion

   Families in Surfside Estates have access to several quality public schools, including Tropical Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle, and Merritt Island High, all of which have decent ratings and are conveniently located. For those seeking alternatives, Edgewood Jr/Sr High offers a top-tier public option with selective admission, while private schools like Merritt Island Christian School and Divine Mercy Catholic Academy provide faith-based education. Charter schools like Sculptor are also within reach for families willing to commute slightly farther.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular preferences, or preschool options), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Additionally, visiting schools or attending open houses can give you a better sense of the environment and community fit. Would you like me to look into a specific school or provide contact information for any of these institutions?