Local Schools Near Surfland Palms, Merritt Island, 32953

Surfland Palms is a community located in Merritt Island, FL, within the 32953 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 elementary, middle, and high schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Surfland Palms, 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.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 32953 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Distances are approximate based on the general location of Surfland Palms in northern Merritt Island near State Road 3 (Courtney Parkway). If you have a specific address within Surfland Palms, zoning can be confirmed through the Brevard Public Schools website (brevardschools.org) using their school locator tool.

Public Schools Near Surfland Palms, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Elementary Schools

1. Audubon Elementary School

   • Address: 1201 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles south of Surfland Palms
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grades 2022-2023)
   • Details: Audubon Elementary is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement. It serves a diverse student population and offers programs like gifted education. Test scores in math and reading are generally above the state average.
   • Enrollment: ~600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~14:1

2. Mila Elementary School

   • Address: 288 W Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Surfland Palms
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grades 2022-2023)
   • Details: Mila Elementary is a neighborhood school with a focus on foundational skills in reading and math. It has a slightly smaller student body compared to Audubon and offers extracurricular activities.
   • Enrollment: ~450 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~13:1

   Middle Schools

   1. Thomas Jefferson Middle School
   2. Address: 1275 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles south of Surfland Palms
   4. Grade Levels: 7-8
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grades 2022-2023)
   6. Details: Jefferson Middle School serves as the primary middle school for much of Merritt Island. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced classes for high-achieving students. The school also has sports and club opportunities.
   7. Enrollment: ~600 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: ~16:1

   High Schools

   1. Merritt Island High School
   2. Address: 100 Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Surfland Palms
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grades 2022-2023)
   6. Details: Merritt Island High School is the main high school serving the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a strong athletics program. Graduation rates are above the state average, and the school has a reputation for preparing students for college and careers.
   7. Enrollment: ~1,500 students
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: ~18:1

   Private Schools Near Surfland Palms

   1. Merritt Island Christian School
   2. Address: 1400 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles south of Surfland Palms
   4. Grade Levels: PK-12
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in the community (based on parent reviews on Niche)
   6. Details: This private, faith-based school offers a Christian curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools, and the school provides extracurricular activities.
   7. Tuition: Varies by grade; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000/year based on regional averages)
   8. Enrollment: ~400 students

3. Divine Mercy Catholic Academy

   • Address: 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Surfland Palms
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; positive local feedback (based on parent reviews)
   • Details: A Catholic school emphasizing academic rigor and religious education. It offers a nurturing environment for younger students.
   • Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$7,000/year (contact school for exact figures)
   • Enrollment: ~200 students

   Charter Schools

   There are no charter schools directly in the immediate vicinity of Surfland Palms, but families in Brevard County have access to charter options elsewhere in the district. One nearby option is: 1. Sculptor Charter School - Address: 1301 Armstrong Dr, Titusville, FL 32780 - Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles north of Surfland Palms - Grade Levels: K-8 - Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grades 2022-2023) - Details: Sculptor Charter focuses on a curriculum integrating arts and sciences. It’s a public charter school, so there’s no tuition, but enrollment may require a lottery system. - Enrollment: ~500 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are on a 1-10 scale and are based on test scores, student progress, and equity data. A rating of 6 or above is generally considered average to above average.
   • Florida DOE School Grades: Schools are graded A-F based on student achievement, learning gains, graduation rates, and other metrics. Most schools near Surfland Palms have a B grade, indicating solid performance.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on your exact address within Surfland Palms. Use the Brevard Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool online to confirm zoning.
   • 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 career academies are also options at the high school level.

   Other Educational Resources

   • Preschools/Daycares: Several options are available near Surfland Palms, including faith-based and Montessori programs. Examples include Merritt Island Presbyterian Preschool and Little Learners Academy.
   • Higher Education: Brevard County is home to Eastern Florida State College, with a campus in Cocoa (about 5-10 miles away), offering associate degrees and vocational programs.

   If you’re considering a move to Surfland Palms or need specific details about a school (e.g., special programs, extracurriculars, or recent performance data), let me know, and I can dig deeper. Additionally, visiting schools or attending open houses can provide valuable insight beyond ratings. Would you like me to look into a specific school or provide contact information for any of these institutions?