A Space Coast Guide for Families
If you’re considering a move to Merritt Island, Florida, you’re likely drawn to more than just the waterfront views, boating lifestyle, and proximity to Cocoa Beach—you’re also thinking about great schools. Fortunately, Merritt Island is one of the most academically strong and family-friendly areas on Florida’s Space Coast, offering top-rated public, private, and magnet school options that make it an ideal place to call home.
As Carrie Liotta, Space Coast Realtor®, I often help families relocating to Brevard County find neighborhoods that combine exceptional schools with that signature Merritt Island lifestyle—sun, water, and community.
📍 Overview of Merritt Island’s School System
Merritt Island is part of the Brevard Public Schools District (BPS)—one of Florida’s highest-performing districts. In 2025, BPS once again earned an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education, ranking in the top tier statewide for math and reading proficiency.
- Average reading proficiency: 68% (Florida average: 52%)
- Average math proficiency: 64% (Florida average: 53%)
- Public school enrollment: ~5,700 students across 10 schools
- Private school enrollment: ~730 students
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 (Brevard average)
Merritt Island’s schools are known for academic rigor, STEM programs inspired by Kennedy Space Center, and a strong sense of community pride.
🏆 Top Public Schools in Merritt Island
Edgewood Jr/Sr High School (Grades 7-12)
📍 180 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL ⭐ GreatSchools Rating: 10/10 | Niche Grade: A+ | U.S. News: Top 10 in Florida
Consistently ranked among the best public high schools in Florida, Edgewood is a college-prep magnet school with small class sizes, strong Advanced Placement participation, and a family-like atmosphere. Admission is selective, based on academic performance and a lottery system.
Programs & Highlights:
- AP Capstone and dual enrollment with Eastern Florida State College
- Strong theater, music, and visual arts programs
- National Honor Society, robotics, and engineering clubs
- Graduation rate: 100% (2024)
🎯 Perfect for families prioritizing academic excellence and college preparation.
Merritt Island High School (Grades 9-12)
📍 100 E Mustang Way, Merritt Island, FL ⭐ GreatSchools Rating: 8/10 | U.S. News: Top 300 in Florida
Known for its spirited “Mustang Pride,” Merritt Island High offers both strong academics and a vibrant extracurricular scene. The school features multiple academies in engineering, biomedical sciences, and performing arts, plus a robust athletics program.
Key Features:
- Career and technical education (CTE) certifications
- AP and dual-enrollment programs
- Competitive sports: football, swim, and volleyball
- Average graduation rate: 95%
🎯 Ideal for students looking for a balanced mix of academics, athletics, and school spirit.
Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School (Grades K-6)
📍 1450 Martin Blvd, Merritt Island, FL ⭐ GreatSchools Rating: 10/10 | U.S. News: #24 Elementary in Florida
Stevenson Elementary is a standout neighborhood school emphasizing STEM learning and hands-on science projects. It consistently scores in the top 1% statewide for math and reading.
🎯 Perfect for families who value early academic enrichment and a close-knit campus environment.
Lewis Carroll Elementary School (Grades PK-6)
⭐ GreatSchools Rating: 9/10 | Niche Grade: A-
This long-established school emphasizes creativity and literature-based learning. Families praise its strong parent involvement, caring teachers, and enrichment activities.
🎯 A great fit for younger students who thrive in nurturing, community-driven settings.
Audubon Elementary School (Grades PK-6)
📍 1201 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL ⭐ GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
Audubon offers bilingual education and environmental learning programs that make use of Merritt Island’s natural surroundings. Located near the Banana River, it’s popular with local families for its coastal-inspired curriculum and dedicated staff.
✝️ Private & Faith-Based Schools
Merritt Island Christian School (PK-12)
📍 140 Magnolia Ave, Merritt Island, FL ⭐ GreatSchools Rating: 9/10 | Niche Grade: A
Merritt Island Christian School (MICS) provides a faith-based, small-class environment emphasizing academics, athletics, and service. The 14-acre campus includes advanced STEM labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces.
🎯 Ideal for families seeking Christian education and individualized attention.
Divine Mercy Catholic Academy (PK-8)
⭐ Niche Grade: B+ A private Catholic school with small class sizes and character-based learning, Divine Mercy is known for its community service, music program, and affordable tuition options.
Faithful Hearts Academy (K-12)
⭐ GreatSchools Rating: 8/10 A hybrid homeschool and private program that offers flexible schedules and personalized learning—ideal for families who prefer a tailored academic path.
🎓 Higher Education & Continuing Learning
Just minutes from Merritt Island, Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) in Cocoa provides over 150 programs—from aviation and engineering to nursing and computer technology. Many Merritt Island high schoolers dual-enroll through EFSC, getting a head start on college credits.
Nearby, University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando offers world-class degree programs and is a popular transfer destination for Space Coast students.
🏡 Real Estate & School District Appeal
For families relocating to the Space Coast, proximity to top-rated schools is one of Merritt Island’s biggest draws. Homes near Edgewood Jr/Sr High and Stevenson Elementary are especially sought after, and neighborhoods like Waterway Manor, Catalina Isles, and Diana Shores combine excellent school access with waterfront living.
As a local resident and highly trained Space Coast Realtor®, I help families find homes in school zones that fit both their lifestyle and educational goals.
✨ Final Thoughts
Merritt Island offers something rare in Florida real estate: top-tier education combined with coastal living. Whether you’re drawn to magnet programs, small private schools, or faith-based education, you’ll find outstanding options here backed by community involvement and consistent results.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Brevard County or buying a home in Merritt Island, I can help you explore neighborhoods by school zone, proximity, and amenities—so your family gets the best of both worlds.
📞 Contact Carrie Liotta, Merritt Island Realtor® Your trusted guide to Space Coast homes, schools, and waterfront living.
1. What are the best public schools in Merritt Island, Florida?
Answer: Some of the best public schools in Merritt Island, Florida include Edgewood Jr/Sr High School, Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School, Lewis Carroll Elementary, and Merritt Island High School. These schools consistently rank among the top-rated in Brevard County and are known for strong academics, advanced placement courses, and community involvement. Edgewood Jr/Sr High is especially noteworthy—it’s ranked among the top 10 high schools in Florida by U.S. News and is located just minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and Merritt Island Causeway. Families moving to Merritt Island often choose homes zoned for these schools due to their reputation for excellence.
2. Are there private or faith-based schools in Merritt Island?
Answer: Yes — Merritt Island offers several highly rated private and faith-based schools that provide small class sizes and individualized education. The most well-known is Merritt Island Christian School (MICS), a Pre-K through 12th-grade program offering a Christian-based curriculum and strong athletics. Other options include Divine Mercy Catholic Academy and Faithful Hearts Academy, both located near central Merritt Island along Courtenay Parkway. Many of these schools serve families from neighboring areas like Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, and Cape Canaveral, making Merritt Island one of the most popular education hubs on the Space Coast.
3. Which Merritt Island neighborhoods are located near top-rated schools?
Answer: Families often look for homes for sale near top-rated schools in Merritt Island such as Edgewood Jr/Sr High and Stevenson Elementary. Desirable nearby neighborhoods include Catalina Isles, Waterway Manor, Diana Shores, and Villa De Palmas, all within a short drive of Merritt Island’s top schools and waterfront amenities. These areas combine excellent school district zoning, easy access to the Indian River, and proximity to Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Village, and the beaches. Working with a local Merritt Island Realtor® like Carrie Liotta ensures you’ll find a home that fits both your educational and lifestyle needs on Florida’s Space Coast.