If you are thinking about moving to the area, navigating the landscape of schools in Tamarac, FL, is probably at the top of your to-do list. While Tamarac was historically known as a retirement haven, the demographic has shifted significantly. Today, you’ll find plenty of families and a school system that offers a surprising amount of variety.
Tamarac is part of the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) system, which is the sixth-largest school district in the nation. That size brings benefits, specifically regarding resources and magnet programs. However, the city has a unique setup: it offers a mix of traditional neighborhood schools, high-performing charters, and a “school choice” system that allows students to cross municipal lines for specialized programs.
One thing to keep in mind right away is that while there are excellent elementary and middle options directly in town, the high school experience often involves a short commute to neighboring cities like Coral Springs or Sunrise. Here is the inside scoop on how education works here and what parents need to know.
Public Elementary Schools in Tamarac
For families with younger children, the local public elementary schools are likely your first stop. These are traditional neighborhood schools where enrollment is generally based on your home address, making the location of homes for sale in Tamarac a key factor in your decision.
Tamarac Elementary School is a central fixture in the community. It serves grades PreK through 5 and is well-regarded for its diversity and inclusive atmosphere. One of its standout features is the specialized ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) cluster, which draws families specifically looking for robust support systems for neurodivergent children.
Another major option is Challenger Elementary School. Tucked away in a quieter residential zone, Challenger tends to serve the families on the western side of the city. It offers the standard BCPS curriculum and is often praised by parents for having a tight-knit community feel.
It is worth noting that school boundaries in Broward County don’t always align perfectly with city limits. Depending on where you buy or rent, you might actually be zoned for a school just outside of Tamarac, such as Pinewood Elementary in North Lauderdale. Always verify the specific address before signing a lease or contract.
Top-Rated Middle & High School Options
Once students graduate from elementary school, the landscape shifts. While there are zoned middle schools, Tamarac is home to one of the most sought-after magnet programs in the county.
Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy is effectively the crown jewel of Tamarac’s public education. Formerly known just as Millennium Middle, it has expanded into a full collegiate academy. This is a magnet school, meaning admission often requires an application or lottery process, particularly for the high school portion. The 6-12 model allows for great continuity, so students don’t have to switch campuses between 8th and 9th grade.
The academic draw here is significant. Through a partnership with Broward College, high school students at Millennium have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credits, potentially graduating with an Associate of Arts degree alongside their high school diploma.
For students who do not attend Millennium, zoning depends on your specific neighborhood. Many residents are zoned for Silver Lakes Middle School in North Lauderdale. Because Millennium is so popular, competition for seats can be stiff, so having a backup plan with zoned schools or charters is smart.
High School Zoning for Tamarac Residents
This is the part that often confuses newcomers: Tamarac does not have a traditional, comprehensive public high school bearing the city’s name. Instead, teenage residents are zoned for high schools in adjacent towns.
Most living in Tamarac will find themselves zoned for either J.P. Taravella High School or Piper High School.
J.P. Taravella High School is located just north of the city line in Coral Springs. It is the designated school for a large chunk of Tamarac. Taravella has a strong reputation for its extracurriculars, specifically its drama and arts programs, as well as a highly active culinary arts track.
Piper High School, located in Sunrise, generally serves the southern and western portions of Tamarac. Piper has been gaining traction for its Cambridge AICE program, which offers rigorous college-prep coursework similar to IB or AP classes.
Occasionally, depending on enrollment numbers and boundaries, some areas might have the option to attend Boyd H. Anderson High School. The key takeaway here is to use the BCPS “Find My School” tool. Don’t assume that because you are close to one school, you are automatically zoned for it.
Charter School Alternatives
If the traditional public school path doesn’t feel like the right fit, Tamarac has a robust selection of tuition-free charter schools. These are public schools that operate independently, often requiring uniforms and mandatory parent volunteer hours.
Everest Charter School is a major player here. It is a K-8 school that consistently garners high ratings from the state and independent review sites. Parents often choose Everest for its structured environment and high test scores. Since it goes through 8th grade, it also solves the “middle school transition” issue for many families.
Another popular choice is Renaissance Charter School at University. Like Everest, it is a K-8 institution. Renaissance focuses heavily on character education alongside academics. These schools operate on a lottery system if applications exceed capacity, so getting your paperwork in early is essential.
Private School Options
For those interested in private education, there are several religious and secular options within the city and in the immediate vicinity.
St. Malachy Catholic School is the primary parochial option within Tamarac limits. They currently serve PreK through 5th grade, though they have had plans for expansion. It’s a common choice for families seeking a faith-based curriculum close to home.
For older students, Rohr Bais Chaya Academy offers a private high school curriculum. There are also smaller, specialized private schools like JLP Inspiring Minds, which focuses on individualized attention for PreK-5 students who might get lost in a larger public system.
If you are looking for elite college prep schools, you generally won’t find them inside Tamarac, but you are well-positioned. Large preparatory schools in Fort Lauderdale or Coral Springs are typically a manageable 15 to 20-minute drive away.
Special Education Resources
Broward County is generally proactive regarding Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and Tamarac schools are no exception.
As mentioned earlier, Tamarac Elementary serves as a hub for the district’s ASD Cluster program. This provides specialized classroom environments and sensory support for children on the autism spectrum.
Across all zoned schools, including Taravella and Piper, the district’s “Exceptional Student Learning Support” (ESLS) department ensures compliance with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). If you have a preschool-aged child and have concerns about their development, the district offers “Child Find” screenings to identify needs before kindergarten starts.
Tips for New Residents: Zoning & Commutes
If you are relocating to the area, there are a few logistical tips that can make your life easier.
First, look into Innovation Zones. Broward County groups schools into zones to ensure curriculum continuity. For example, if your child attends a specific elementary school in Tamarac, the curriculum is often designed to feed seamlessly into the corresponding middle and high schools in Coral Springs or Sunrise.
Second, watch the calendar. The School Choice Window for Broward County usually opens in December for the following school year. If you want your child to attend Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy or a magnet program outside your zone, you must apply during this window. Missing it usually means being placed on a waitlist.
Finally, consider the commute. University Drive and Commercial Boulevard are the main arteries here, and traffic is heavy during drop-off and pick-up times. If you are buying a home, do a “test drive” to the school during rush hour to see what your real mornings will look like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings can fluctuate year to year, but Everest Charter School and Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy consistently receive the highest marks from the state and independent review platforms. Millennium is particularly noted for its high school collegiate program.
Technically, no. While Millennium 6-12 serves high schoolers, it is a magnet academy rather than a zoned school. Most students attend J.P. Taravella High School (Coral Springs) or Piper High School (Sunrise) based on their home address.
Since Millennium is a magnet school, you cannot simply enroll by living nearby. You must submit an application through the Broward County School Choice designated window, which typically opens in December for the upcoming school year.
Yes, the charter options are strong. Everest Charter School and Renaissance Charter School at University are both popular K-8 options that offer a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools, often with a focus on stricter academic structures and uniforms.
