Local Schools Near Alcala Plaza, Miami, 33145

The community of Alcala Plaza is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, FL, with the ZIP code 33145. This area is primarily residential and falls within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, which serves the region. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the general area of Alcala Plaza (around SW 27th Avenue and SW 22nd Street, near Coral Way).

Public Schools Near Alcala Plaza, Miami, FL 33145

Public schools in this area are managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Here are some of the closest schools, along with their ratings and key details (ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org as of the latest available data):

1. Coral Way K-8 Center
2. Address: 1950 SW 13th Avenue, Miami, FL 33145
3. Distance: Approximately 0.5–1 mile from Alcala Plaza
4. Type: Public (K-8)
5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
6. Details: This is a highly regarded bilingual school offering a dual-language program in English and Spanish. It serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade and is known for strong academic performance and community involvement.
7. Enrollment: Around 1,500 students

8. Notable: Often praised for its diverse student body and extracurricular programs.

9. Shenandoah Elementary School

   • Address: 1023 SW 21st Avenue, Miami, FL 33135
   • Distance: Approximately 1–1.5 miles from Alcala Plaza
   • Type: Public (PK-5)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A smaller elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. It has a focus on foundational education and offers some bilingual support.
   • Enrollment: Around 500 students
   • Notable: Known for a tight-knit community feel but has average test scores compared to district standards.

10. Shenandoah Middle School

    • Address: 1950 SW 19th Street, Miami, FL 33145
    • Distance: Approximately 0.5–1 mile from Alcala Plaza
    • Type: Public (6-8)
    • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: Serves middle school students in the area with a focus on preparing students for high school. It offers various electives and extracurricular activities.
    • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
    • Notable: Mixed reviews on academic performance, with some areas for improvement in test scores.

11. Miami Senior High School

    • Address: 2450 SW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33135
    • Distance: Approximately 1.5–2 miles from Alcala Plaza
    • Type: Public (9-12)
    • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: One of the oldest high schools in Miami, offering a variety of programs including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies.
    • Enrollment: Around 2,800 students
    • Notable: Known for its historical significance and diverse student population, though academic performance varies.

    Private Schools Near Alcala Plaza, Miami, FL 33145

    Private schools in the area often cater to families seeking alternative education options, including religious or specialized curricula. Here are a few notable ones:

12. Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School

    • Address: 1435 SW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33135
    • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from Alcala Plaza
    • Type: Private (PK-8)
    • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; generally well-regarded by community reviews (Niche: B-)
    • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and moral values.
    • Tuition: Approximately $8,000–$10,000 per year (varies by grade; check with school for current rates)
    • Notable: Strong emphasis on community service and smaller class sizes.

13. Immaculata-La Salle High School

    • Address: 3601 S Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33133
    • Distance: Approximately 2–2.5 miles from Alcala Plaza
    • Type: Private (9-12)
    • Rating: Highly rated in community reviews (Niche: A-)
    • Details: A Catholic college-preparatory high school known for strong academics, athletics, and arts programs.
    • Tuition: Approximately $12,000–$15,000 per year (check with school for exact figures)
    • Notable: Offers a rigorous curriculum with a high college acceptance rate.

    Charter Schools Near Alcala Plaza, Miami, FL 33145

    Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here’s one nearby option:

14. Mater Academy East Charter School

    • Address: 450 SW 4th Street, Miami, FL 33130
    • Distance: Approximately 2.5–3 miles from Alcala Plaza
    • Type: Charter (K-5)
    • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: Part of the Mater Academy network, this school emphasizes a structured curriculum with a focus on character development and academics.
    • Enrollment: Around 500 students
    • Notable: Known for strong parental involvement and bilingual education options.

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, and equity, among other metrics. Niche ratings (letter grades) incorporate user reviews and additional data. Always consider visiting schools or speaking with current parents for a fuller picture, as ratings don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs).
    • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be confirmed via the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (www.dadeschools.net) using your exact address. Alcala Plaza residents are typically zoned for Coral Way K-8 or nearby schools, but magnet and choice programs may allow enrollment elsewhere.
    • Magnet Programs: Miami-Dade offers magnet schools with specialized focuses (e.g., STEM, arts). Schools like Coral Way K-8 have magnet components, and others, such as MAST Academy (farther away), might be accessible via application.
    • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within zoning areas, though proximity to Alcala Plaza means some families may walk or drive. Private schools typically do not provide transportation.

    How to Research Further

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools Portal: Use the school locator tool at www.dadeschools.net to confirm zoning and explore magnet/charter options.
    • GreatSchools.org: Detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data for most schools.
    • Niche.com: Offers parent and student reviews alongside academic data.
    • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter schools.
    • Florida Department of Education: Provides official report cards for public schools at www.fldoe.org.

    If you have a specific address within Alcala Plaza or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like more details on a specific school or updated ratings, I can assist with that as well!