Local Schools Near Washington Heights, Fort Pierce, 34950

Washington Heights is a community in Fort Pierce, Florida, within the ZIP code 34950. This area is part of St. Lucie County, and the schools serving this community are primarily under the St. Lucie Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Washington Heights, including their ratings, based on available 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 firsthand impression.

Overview of Washington Heights, Fort Pierce, FL (ZIP 34950)

Washington Heights is located in central Fort Pierce, a city on Florida’s Treasure Coast. The ZIP code 34950 covers a mix of residential and commercial areas, and schools in this region serve a diverse student population. The schools listed below are those closest to or serving the Washington Heights community, based on zoning and proximity.

Public Schools Near Washington Heights (34950)

1. Chester A. Moore Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Address: 827 N 29th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34947 (approximately 1-2 miles from Washington Heights)
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 3/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the Fort Pierce area. It focuses on foundational skills but has faced challenges with test scores compared to state averages. The school offers various support programs for students.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 500-600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Around 15:1

2. Dan McCarty Middle School

   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Address: 1201 Mississippi Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 (within or very close to Washington Heights)
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 2/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): D
   • Details: Located centrally in Fort Pierce, this middle school serves students transitioning from elementary to high school. It has struggled with academic performance and student achievement metrics in recent years.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 700-800 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Around 16:1

3. Fort Pierce Central High School

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 4101 S 25th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 (about 3-4 miles from Washington Heights)
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 4/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: This is the primary high school serving the Fort Pierce area, including Washington Heights. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused tracks. Graduation rates are near the state average.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 2,500-2,700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Around 20:1

   Charter and Magnet Schools Near Washington Heights

   Charter and magnet schools may also be options for families in the 34950 area. These schools often have specific enrollment processes or lotteries.

4. St. Lucie West Centennial High School (Magnet Option)

   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 1485 SW Cashmere Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (about 8-10 miles from Washington Heights)
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 6/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: While farther from Washington Heights, this school is an option for students seeking a magnet program or a different high school environment. It has better ratings than Fort Pierce Central and offers various academic and athletic opportunities.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 2,500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Around 22:1

5. Somerset College Preparatory Academy

   • Type: Charter School (Grades K-12)
   • Address: 725 NW California Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (about 7-9 miles from Washington Heights)
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 7/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: This charter school offers a college-preparatory curriculum and serves students from kindergarten through high school. It’s a popular alternative to traditional public schools in the area.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Around 18:1

   Private Schools Near Washington Heights

   Private schools provide additional options for families seeking alternative education environments, often with a religious or specialized focus.

6. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy

   • Type: Private School (Grades PK-12)
   • Address: 210 S Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 (within 2-3 miles of Washington Heights)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-regarded in the community for its small class sizes and individualized attention.
   • Details: This is a faith-based school offering a comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on character development and academics. Tuition is required, and financial aid may be available.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 200-300 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Around 10:1

7. John Carroll Catholic High School

   • Type: Private Catholic High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Address: 3402 Delaware Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34947 (about 2-3 miles from Washington Heights)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but known for strong academics and extracurriculars in the region.
   • Details: A Catholic high school with a focus on college preparation and spiritual growth. Tuition applies, with potential financial aid options.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 400 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Around 12:1

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and the Florida Department of Education are based on standardized test scores, graduation rates, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect the quality of education, school culture, or individual student experiences. Visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and connecting with other parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments are based on residential zoning. To confirm which schools serve a specific address in Washington Heights, use the St. Lucie Public Schools’ zoning tool (available on their website) or contact the district office at (772) 429-3600.
   • Transportation: For schools farther from Washington Heights, check with the district or school for bus services or transportation options.
   • Special Programs: Some schools offer specialized programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or International Baccalaureate). Inquire directly with schools for details.

   Conclusion

   The Washington Heights community in Fort Pierce, FL (ZIP 34950), has access to a range of public, charter, and private schools. Public schools like Chester A. Moore Elementary, Dan McCarty Middle, and Fort Pierce Central High serve the immediate area but have lower ratings (2-4/10 on GreatSchools.org and C/D grades from the state). Alternatives include charter schools like Somerset College Preparatory Academy (rated 7/10) or private options like St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy and John Carroll Catholic High School, which may offer smaller class sizes and specialized curricula but require tuition.

   For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend: - Visiting the St. Lucie Public Schools website (www.stlucie.k12.fl.us) for zoning and enrollment details. - Checking GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for parent reviews and updated ratings. - Contacting schools directly to arrange tours or ask about specific programs.

   If you have a specific address in Washington Heights or additional criteria (e.g., focus on special needs programs or extracurriculars), let me know, and I can refine the search further!