Local Schools Near Almar, North Miami, 33161

The community of Almar is located in North Miami, FL, with the ZIP code 33161. This area falls within Miami-Dade County, and there are several schools nearby that serve the residents of this community. Below, I’ll provide a list of public and private schools in or near the 33161 ZIP code, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website for updates. I’ll also include approximate distances from the center of the 33161 ZIP code area (near NE 6th Avenue and NE 123rd Street) for reference.

Public Schools Near Almar, North Miami, FL (33161)

Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in the United States. Here are some of the notable public schools serving the 33161 area:

1. North Miami Elementary School

   • Address: 655 NE 145th St, North Miami, FL 33161
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from central 33161
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. It has programs for English Language Learners (ELL) due to the area's multicultural demographic. Parental reviews often mention the need for more resources, but some appreciate the dedicated staff.

2. North Miami Middle School

   • Address: 700 NE 137th St, North Miami, FL 33161
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 1 mile from central 33161
   • Details: This middle school offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs. It has faced challenges with test scores, as reflected in the rating, but offers magnet programs in areas like STEM. Community feedback highlights a mix of experiences, with some concerns about class sizes.

3. North Miami Senior High School

   • Address: 13110 NE 8th Ave, North Miami, FL 33161
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from central 33161
   • Details: As the primary high school for the area, it serves a large and diverse student body. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. The rating reflects challenges in test performance and graduation rates compared to state averages, though some students and parents praise specific teachers and programs.

4. Arch Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 702 NE 140th St, North Miami, FL 33161
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 1 mile from central 33161
   • Details: This elementary school has a slightly higher rating than others in the immediate area, with a focus on improving student achievement. It serves a diverse population and has received mixed reviews regarding facilities and parental involvement.

5. William H. Turner Technical Arts High School (nearby magnet school)

   • Address: 10151 NW 19th Ave, Miami, FL 33147 (just outside 33161)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from central 33161
   • Details: This is a magnet school focusing on career and technical education, offering programs in health sciences, IT, and more. It has a better rating than the local high school and is an option for students in the area who qualify through the MDCPS magnet application process.

   Private Schools Near Almar, North Miami, FL (33161)

   Private schools in the area offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but can be found on platforms like Niche.com or through parent reviews.

6. Miami Union Academy of SDA

   • Address: 12600 NW 4th Ave, North Miami, FL 33168 (near 33161)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche.com gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from central 33161
   • Details: This is a Seventh-day Adventist school offering a faith-based education. It emphasizes academic and spiritual development. Tuition and enrollment details are available directly from the school.

7. Montessori School of North Miami

   • Address: 695 NE 123rd St, North Miami, FL 33161
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback on Niche.com
   • Distance: Approximately 0.2 miles from central 33161
   • Details: This school follows the Montessori method, focusing on individualized learning. It’s a smaller institution with a reputation for fostering creativity and independence. Contact the school for tuition and availability.

8. St. James Catholic School

   • Address: 121 NE 2nd St, North Miami, FL 33162 (adjacent to 33161)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; generally favorable reviews on Niche.com
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from central 33161
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based curriculum alongside standard academics. It’s known for a tight-knit community and emphasis on values. Tuition information is available through the school office.

   Charter Schools Near Almar, North Miami, FL (33161)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of options nearby:

9. Mater Academy Miami Lakes

   • Address: 8001 NW 5th St, Miami, FL 33126 (slightly outside immediate area but accessible)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from central 33161
   • Details: Part of the Mater Academy network, this charter school has a strong academic reputation and offers a structured environment. Enrollment is via lottery, as with most charter schools.

10. BridgePrep Academy of North Miami Beach

    • Address: 1881 NE 164th St, North Miami Beach, FL 33162
    • Grade Levels: K-8
    • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from central 33161
    • Details: This charter school focuses on college preparatory education and has a bilingual program option. It’s an alternative for families seeking smaller class sizes or different teaching approaches.

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity data. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad”—it may reflect socioeconomic challenges or resource limitations in the area. Visiting schools, meeting with staff, and reading recent parent reviews can provide a fuller picture.
    • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be checked via the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (www.dadeschools.net) using your specific address in Almar.
    • Magnet and Charter Options: Miami-Dade County offers numerous magnet and charter schools with specialized programs (e.g., arts, STEM). Applications are typically required, and deadlines apply.
    • Demographics: The 33161 area is diverse, with a significant population of Haitian-American, Hispanic, and African-American families. Many schools reflect this diversity and offer bilingual or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programs.

    How to Research Further

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Visit www.dadeschools.net for zoning maps, school report cards, and magnet/charter applications.
    • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code for updated ratings and parent reviews.
    • Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for public and private schools.
    • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private and charter options.

    If you have a specific address within Almar or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like more details on a specific school or assistance with enrollment processes, I’m happy to help!