Local Schools Near West End, Fort Pierce, 34950

The community of West End in Fort Pierce, FL, with the ZIP code 34950, is located in St. Lucie County. Below is a detailed overview of the schools near this area, 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 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.

Public Schools Near West End, Fort Pierce, FL (34950)

Public schools in this area are part of the St. Lucie Public Schools district. Here are the schools closest to the West End community, generally within a 5-10 mile radius:

1. Fort Pierce Central High School

   • Address: 4101 S 25th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central 34950
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a large public high school with a diverse student body. It offers various programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. Reviews note challenges with student performance on standardized tests but praise some of the extracurricular opportunities.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1

2. Dan McCarty Middle School

   • Address: 1201 Mississippi Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34950
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located very close to the West End area, this middle school serves a diverse population. Test scores are below state averages, and the school has faced challenges with academic performance, though there are efforts to improve through targeted programs.
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1

3. Chester A. Moore Elementary School

   • Address: 827 N 29th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34950
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This elementary school is nearby and serves younger students in the area. It has lower-than-average test scores compared to state benchmarks, but it offers a community-focused environment with programs to support student growth.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

4. Lawnwood Elementary School

   • Address: 1900 S 23rd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central 34950
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another nearby elementary option, Lawnwood has a focus on foundational skills but struggles with consistent academic performance based on state assessments.
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1

5. St. Lucie Elementary School

   • Address: 2020 S 13th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34950
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school is centrally located near West End and serves a diverse student population. It faces similar challenges with test scores but offers pre-K programs and community support initiatives.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1

   Charter and Magnet Schools Near West End, Fort Pierce, FL (34950)

   Charter and magnet schools are publicly funded but often have specialized programs or admissions processes. Here are some options nearby:

6. St. Lucie West Centennial High School

   • Address: 1485 SW Cashmere Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from 34950
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: While a bit farther from West End, this high school offers a stronger academic profile with better test scores and college readiness programs compared to Fort Pierce Central. It’s a popular choice for families willing to commute.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,500 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1

7. Somerset College Preparatory Academy

   • Address: 725 NW California Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance: Approximately 7-9 miles from 34950
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes college preparation and has higher ratings for academic performance. It’s a good alternative for families seeking a more rigorous curriculum.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1

   Private Schools Near West End, Fort Pierce, FL (34950)

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies. Here are some options in or near the 34950 area:

8. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy

   • Address: 210 S Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 34950
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B+ based on parent reviews
   • Details: This private Episcopal school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It’s one of the closest private options to West End.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; approximately $8,000-$12,000 per year (contact school for exact figures)
   • Enrollment: Around 300 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1

9. John Carroll Catholic High School

   • Address: 3402 Delaware Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from 34950
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B
   • Details: A Catholic high school with a reputation for strong academics and extracurriculars, including sports. It’s a popular choice for families seeking a private, faith-based education.
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000-$12,000 per year (contact school for details)
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1

10. Sunrise Country Preschool

    • Address: 2706 Sunrise Blvd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
    • Grade Levels: PK-K
    • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from 34950
    • Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews are generally positive
    • Details: A smaller private preschool option for early childhood education, focusing on a nurturing environment.
    • Tuition: Contact school for details
    • Enrollment: Small, under 100 students

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are often based on test scores, which may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Schools in the Fort Pierce area, particularly in ZIP code 34950, often serve economically diverse populations, which can impact test performance due to factors outside the school’s control.
    • School District Performance: St. Lucie Public Schools as a district has a mixed reputation, with some schools performing better than others. The district is working on improvement plans, especially for underperforming schools like Dan McCarty Middle and some elementary schools in the area.
    • Transportation: For schools farther from West End (e.g., in Port St. Lucie), check with the district or school for bus availability or consider commuting logistics.
    • Open Enrollment and School Choice: Florida offers school choice options, including charter schools and magnet programs. Families in 34950 may apply to schools outside their immediate zone if space is available, though transportation may not be provided.

    How to Research Further

    • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
    • Check Florida Department of Education: The state provides detailed report cards for public schools at www.fldoe.org.
    • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com include parent feedback that can offer insights beyond numerical ratings.
    • Local Community Input: Speak with neighbors or join local Fort Pierce parent groups on social media for firsthand experiences.

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