School Choices Detailed and Rated University Gardens, Boca Raton, 33431

University Gardens is a community located in Boca Raton, FL, with the ZIP code 33431. This area is near Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and is known for its proximity to excellent schools in the Palm Beach County School District, which is highly regarded in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near University Gardens, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note 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 schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of the 33431 ZIP code, as this covers the immediate vicinity of University Gardens. Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools. Schools are categorized by level (elementary, middle, high) and include both public and private options where applicable.

Public Schools Near University Gardens, Boca Raton, FL 33431

The Palm Beach County School District assigns schools based on zoning, but families can also apply for school choice programs or magnet schools. Below are the schools most likely to serve the University Gardens area, based on proximity and zoning maps (as of the latest available data). Always confirm zoning with the district as boundaries can shift.

Elementary Schools

1. J.C. Mitchell Elementary School

   • Address: 2470 NW 5th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from central 33431
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   • Details: Known for strong academic performance and a diverse student body. Offers programs like gifted education and after-school activities.
   • Enrollment: ~600 students (approximate)
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~14:1

2. Calusa Elementary School

   • Address: 2051 Clint Moore Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33496
   • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from 33431
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Details: Highly rated for test scores and student progress. Features a focus on STEM education and community involvement.
   • Enrollment: ~800 students (approximate)
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~15:1

   Middle Schools

   1. Boca Raton Community Middle School
   2. Address: 1251 NW 8th St, Boca Raton, FL 33486
   3. Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from 33431
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   6. Details: Offers a variety of electives, advanced courses, and extracurriculars like band and sports. Known for a supportive environment.
   7. Enrollment: ~1,300 students (approximate)
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: ~16:1

3. Don Estridge High Tech Middle School (Magnet School)

   • Address: 1798 NW Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431
   • Distance: Approximately 1 mile from central 33431
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Details: A highly sought-after magnet school focusing on technology and innovation. Admission is lottery-based, not zoned.
   • Enrollment: ~1,200 students (approximate)
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~17:1

   High Schools

   1. Boca Raton Community High School
   2. Address: 1501 NW 15th Ct, Boca Raton, FL 33486
   3. Distance: Approximately 2 miles from 33431
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   6. Details: Offers a wide range of AP courses, career academies (e.g., medical, engineering), and strong athletics programs. Known for college readiness.
   7. Enrollment: ~3,000 students (approximate)
   8. Student-Teacher Ratio: ~18:1
   9. Graduation Rate: ~95% (based on recent data)

4. Spanish River Community High School

   • Address: 5100 Jog Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33496
   • Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles from 33431
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education
   • Details: Features strong academic programs, including IB (International Baccalaureate) and biotech academies. Highly rated for student achievement.
   • Enrollment: ~2,400 students (approximate)
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~19:1
   • Graduation Rate: ~97% (based on recent data)

   Private Schools Near University Gardens, Boca Raton, FL 33431

   Boca Raton has a variety of private schools offering alternative curricula, religious education, and smaller class sizes. Here are some notable options near the 33431 area.

5. Saint Andrew’s School

   • Address: 3900 Jog Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33434
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from 33431
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded; 5/5 on Niche.com (based on parent and student reviews)
   • Details: A prestigious Episcopal day and boarding school with a focus on academics, arts, and athletics. Offers IB program and strong college placement.
   • Tuition: ~$30,000-$60,000/year (varies by grade and boarding status)
   • Enrollment: ~1,300 students (approximate)
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~8:1

6. Pine Crest School - Boca Raton Campus

   • Address: 2700 St Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33434
   • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from 33431
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8 (High school campus in Fort Lauderdale)
   • Rating: Excellent reputation; 5/5 on Niche.com
   • Details: Known for rigorous academics, innovation, and extracurriculars. Emphasizes leadership and critical thinking.
   • Tuition: ~$25,000-$35,000/year (varies by grade)
   • Enrollment: ~800 students (Boca campus, approximate)
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~10:1

7. Boca Raton Christian School

   • Address: 470 NW 4th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from 33431
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: 4/5 on Niche.com
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian worldview alongside academics and sports. Smaller class sizes and family-oriented environment.
   • Tuition: ~$10,000-$15,000/year (varies by grade)
   • Enrollment: ~500 students (approximate)
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: ~12:1

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and college readiness. Niche.com ratings (out of 5) incorporate user reviews and broader metrics. Florida Department of Education grades (A-F) focus on standardized testing and growth metrics.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33431. Use the Palm Beach County School District’s “Find My School” tool (available on their website) to confirm.
   • Magnet/Charter Options: Schools like Don Estridge High Tech Middle and A.D. Henderson University School (a lab school at FAU, K-12, lottery-based) are excellent options but require applications.
   • Proximity to FAU: Being near Florida Atlantic University, University Gardens residents may also benefit from educational outreach programs or dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check District Website: The Palm Beach County School District (palmbeachschools.org) provides updated zoning maps, school choice info, and performance data.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com feature parent and student feedback.
   • Local Resources: Connect with the Boca Raton community through forums or neighborhood groups for firsthand insights.

   If you have a specific address within University Gardens or prefer details on a particular school type (e.g., Montessori, special needs programs), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, after-school programs, or nearby colleges