The community of Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach, FL, falls within the 33160 ZIP code. This area is part of Miami-Dade County, and the schools serving this region are primarily under the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, with some private school options as well. Below, I’ll provide information on the public and private schools near Acqualina, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information as of the latest updates. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, graduation rates), so I’ll note the source of the rating where applicable. Keep in mind that school assignments can depend on exact address zoning, and ratings or performance may change over time.
Public Schools Near Acqualina (Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160)
Public schools in this area are assigned based on zoning by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. You can confirm specific school assignments for an address via the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on their website). Below are the schools typically serving the Sunny Isles Beach area:
- Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8 Center
- Address: 201 182nd Dr, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
- Grades: K-8
- Type: Public
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores, equity, and student progress as of recent data)
- Details: This is the primary public school serving the Sunny Isles Beach community for elementary and middle school grades. It is well-regarded for its academic performance and proximity to Acqualina (within 1-2 miles). The school offers a variety of programs, including gifted education and extracurricular activities.
- Distance from Acqualina: Approximately 1 mile
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Parent Reviews: Generally positive, with praise for teacher involvement and community engagement (based on GreatSchools reviews).
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Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus
- Address: 2601 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33160
- Grades: 9-12
- Type: Public
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B+ (Niche.com, based on academics, diversity, and college prep)
- Details: This is the zoned high school for many students in Sunny Isles Beach. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and a focus on marine and environmental sciences due to its Biscayne Bay Campus designation.
- Distance from Acqualina: Approximately 3-4 miles
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Parent Reviews: Mixed reviews, with some highlighting strong academic programs and others noting concerns about overcrowding or facilities (per Niche and GreatSchools feedback).
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David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center (Alternative for some zoned areas)
- Address: 15000 Bay Vista Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181
- Grades: K-8
- Type: Public
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Depending on the exact address within 33160, some students may be zoned for this K-8 center instead of Norman S. Edelcup. It serves a diverse student population and offers standard MDCPS curriculum.
- Distance from Acqualina: Approximately 4-5 miles
- Parent Reviews: Reviews are varied, with some concerns about class sizes but appreciation for community efforts.
Private Schools Near Acqualina (Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160)
For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable distance of Acqualina. Private school ratings are often based on parent reviews, tuition costs, and niche academic focuses rather than standardized test scores alone.
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Scheck Hillel Community School
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The Tauber Academy
- Address: 20400 NE 30th Ave, Aventura, FL 33180
- Grades: PK-5
- Type: Private (Jewish Day School)
- Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive community feedback.
- Details: Focuses on early education with a Jewish cultural foundation. It’s a smaller school with a family-oriented approach.
- Distance from Acqualina: Approximately 3 miles
- Parent Reviews: Known for personalized attention and strong values-based education.
Charter Schools Near Acqualina
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Admission may require a lottery or application process.
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Aventura City of Excellence School
- Address: 3333 NE 188th St, Aventura, FL 33180
- Grades: K-8
- Type: Charter
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A highly rated charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It’s competitive to get into due to limited spots and high demand.
- Distance from Acqualina: Approximately 2-3 miles
- Parent Reviews: Often praised for small class sizes and innovative teaching methods.
Additional Notes on School Selection
- Zoning Verification: School assignments for public schools can vary even within the same ZIP code. Use the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ School Locator (available at dadeschools.net) to confirm the zoned schools for a specific address near Acqualina.
- Magnet Programs: Miami-Dade County offers magnet programs for specialized education (e.g., STEM, arts, IB). Applications are separate from zoned schools and often competitive.
- Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other platforms are based on available data up to 2023 and may not reflect the most current performance or changes in school leadership, funding, or demographics. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents is recommended for a full picture.
- Transportation: Many schools in this area are within a 5-mile radius of Acqualina, making them accessible by car. Public school bus services are available based on zoning and distance criteria set by MDCPS. Private schools may offer limited bus services for an additional fee.
How to Research Further
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website: dadeschools.net for zoning, magnet programs, and school performance reports.
- GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings, test scores, and parent reviews.
- Niche.com: For additional rankings and community feedback on both public and private schools.
- School Visits: Many schools offer open houses or tours, especially private and charter schools, which can provide insight into the environment and curriculum.
If you have a specific address within the Acqualina community or prefer more details on a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can refine the information further!