Shopping for a home in Merrick and trying to make sense of the school map? You are not alone. School district lines here can be confusing, especially for families planning the next few years. In this quick guide, you will learn how Merrick’s districts work, how to verify a specific address, key transportation and enrollment rules, and how schools can influence your purchase or sale. Let’s dive in.
Merrick schools at a glance
Merrick is served by two separate K–6 elementary districts and a shared grades 7–12 district. Merrick Union Free School District (UFSD) operates three elementary schools and serves many Merrick addresses. You can review district programs and school pages on the Merrick UFSD site.
North Merrick UFSD is a distinct K–6 district with its own three elementary schools and administrative offices. You can learn more on the North Merrick UFSD district page.
For grades 7–12, both elementary districts feed into the Bellmore–Merrick Central High School District (BMCHSD), which runs two middle schools and three high schools. See the full lineup on the BMCHSD district overview.
Elementary districts: what to know
Merrick UFSD serves grades PK–6 at Birch, Chatterton, and Norman J. Levy (Lakeside). A recent federal snapshot shows approximately 1,686 students and a district-level student to teacher ratio near 10 to 1. You can view the latest data on the NCES Merrick UFSD page.
North Merrick UFSD serves PK–6 at Camp Avenue, Harold D. Fayette, and Old Mill Road. Enrollment, programs, and calendars are posted on the North Merrick UFSD site. Boundaries between Merrick UFSD and North Merrick UFSD do not always align with postal city names, so always verify by address.
Where grades 7–12 attend
All public middle and high school students in Merrick attend BMCHSD schools: Grand Avenue Middle School, Merrick Avenue Middle School, and one of three high schools (John F. Kennedy, Sanford H. Calhoun, Wellington C. Mepham). Recent snapshots show high graduation rates and strong Advanced Placement participation across the high schools. You can see current indicators on resources like the US News page for John F. Kennedy High School.
How to verify your school assignment
Quick 3-step checklist
- Contact the district registrar with your full address. The central office can confirm your elementary zone and which middle and high school path applies. Start with Merrick UFSD or North Merrick UFSD.
- Cross-check the listing and tax records. Many property records list a school district code, but always confirm with the district for accuracy.
- If you use a map or GIS tool, treat it as a guide only. Final word comes from the district registrar.
Transportation basics
Bus eligibility is based on the distance from your home to school and may differ by grade level. In Merrick UFSD, students who live more than 0.5 miles from their elementary school are generally eligible for bus service. You can confirm rules and how distances are measured on the Merrick UFSD transportation page.
For middle and high school, BMCHSD posts mileage thresholds by grade level, such as more than 1 mile for middle school and 1.25 miles for high school. Check current rules and request procedures on the BMCHSD transportation page.
Enrollment, residency, and transfers
New residents have the right to enroll their children in the district where they live. New York State guidance requires districts to accept many types of residency proof and to allow provisional enrollment while documents are gathered. Review your rights and timelines in the state’s NYSED enrollment guidance.
Interdistrict transfers are limited and typically require district approvals or specific agreements. If you hope to attend a school outside your assigned district, contact the registrar to understand current policy and whether any nonresident or tuition options exist.
Programs to explore
As you compare options, look at course offerings, services, and activities. BMCHSD high schools offer a wide range of Advanced Placement courses. Districts also provide special education services, enrichment opportunities, and after-school programs. Use each district’s website and school pages for details, timelines, and contacts.
School budgets and your taxes
School districts propose annual budgets each spring and publish voter information and levy details. Reviewing recent budgets is a smart way to understand tax trends for a property. Merrick UFSD posts current and prior-year documents on its budget information page. North Merrick UFSD publishes similar information on its site.
How schools can influence home values
Research shows that buyers often prioritize public school performance, and that demand can be reflected in sale prices. A national analysis from the Brookings Institution found a measurable premium for homes near higher-scoring schools. You can read the study summary here: Brookings on school access and housing costs. In Merrick, the best way to estimate the local effect is to review recent comparable sales within the same school path.
If you want help lining up school zones with your home search or understanding how district lines affect value, reach out. I live and work this market every day and can make the map simple.
Ready to tour homes in your preferred school path or discuss a sale? Connect with Nicholas Santillo for local guidance and a clear plan.
FAQs
Which district serves my Merrick address?
- Provide your full street address to the Merrick UFSD or North Merrick UFSD registrar. District staff can confirm your elementary school and the BMCHSD middle and high school path.
Do postal city names match school districts in Merrick?
- Not always. A “Merrick” mailing address may fall in Merrick UFSD or North Merrick UFSD, so you should always verify by address with the district.
How do I check bus eligibility for my child?
- Review the transportation pages for your district and measure the road distance from home to school. Elementary and secondary mileage thresholds differ, so confirm the current rules with the district.
What documents do I need to enroll a student?
- Districts typically require proof of residency, age, and immunizations. New York State allows provisional enrollment while documents are gathered and protects students in temporary housing.
Can I request a transfer to a different public district?
- Interdistrict transfers are not automatic and depend on district policy. Contact the registrar to ask about any available options or tuition agreements.
Do district boundaries change often in Merrick?
- Boundary changes are uncommon and usually follow a public process. For current assignments, always confirm with the district office before you buy or sign a lease.
