Broward County School Advice? Relocating from NYC & Concerned About Middle School Options

Hi everyone! My family and I are relocating to Fort Lauderdale from NYC. We just locked in an apartment in the Coral Ridge Isles area (ZIP 33334), zoned to Floranada Elementary, which looks amazing—yay!

But… we’re also zoned to Rickards Middle School, and everything I’ve read has me worried. Between the low ratings, past issues (ceiling collapse?!), and the fact that the new building is still under construction, I’m not sure if it’s worth rolling the dice and hoping for improvement.

We’re totally open to Charter Schools and looking into School Choice, but we need help navigating all the options.

We’re a family of four trying to save up to eventually buy a home, so private schools like Westminster or Pine Crest are pretty much out unless absolutely necessary.

Would love advice on:

Charter or public middle schools you’d recommend (or avoid!)

Which direction of town we should even be considering (traffic matters!)

Your own experiences with Broward County middle schools

Thanks in advance—we’re excited to be here and really appreciate the local wisdom!