Local Schools Near Barlovento, Sweetwater, 33174

The community of Barlovento in Sweetwater, FL, with the ZIP code 33174, is located in Miami-Dade County. This area is served by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in the United States. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Barlovento community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current data directly from the school district or visiting the schools.

Since Barlovento is a specific neighborhood or condo community within Sweetwater near Florida International University (FIU), I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable radius (approximately 1-5 miles) of the general area of ZIP code 33174. If you have a specific address within Barlovento, I can refine the search further.

Public Schools Near Barlovento, Sweetwater, FL (33174)

Miami-Dade County Public Schools assigns students to schools based on residential zoning. You can confirm exact school assignments using the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on their website) by entering your address. Below are schools likely to serve the Barlovento area or nearby:

Elementary Schools

1. Sweetwater Elementary School

   • Address: 10655 SW 4th St, Sweetwater, FL 33174
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central 33174 areas.
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10 (as of recent data)
   • Overview: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on bilingual education due to the high percentage of Hispanic students. It offers standard curriculum and some extracurricular activities.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 15:1
   • Additional Info: Known for community involvement and support programs for English Language Learners (ELL).

2. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary School

   • Address: 11901 SW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33184
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Barlovento.
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: Named after the famous environmentalist, this school emphasizes academic achievement and has a strong focus on STEM programs.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 16:1
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and has a reputation for parent involvement.

   Middle Schools

   1. Ruben Dario Middle School
   2. Address: 350 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Barlovento.
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   6. Overview: This school provides a standard middle school curriculum with electives in arts and technology. It serves a diverse population with a focus on preparing students for high school.
   7. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 18:1
   8. Additional Info: Offers magnet programs and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs.

3. Paul W. Bell Middle School

   • Address: 11800 NW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33182
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Barlovento.
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Known for a supportive environment and programs aimed at academic growth, including advanced placement options.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 19:1
   • Additional Info: Features a variety of sports teams and after-school programs.

   High Schools

   1. Miami Coral Park Senior High School
   2. Address: 8865 SW 16th St, Miami, FL 33165
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Barlovento.
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   6. Overview: A large public high school offering a variety of academic tracks, including AP courses and vocational programs. It has a diverse student body and a strong athletics program.
   7. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 22:1
   8. Additional Info: Known for its marching band and community engagement initiatives.

4. G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School

   • Address: 3601 SW 147th Ave, Miami, FL 33185
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Barlovento.
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including magnet programs in business and technology.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approx. 23:1
   • Additional Info: Recognized for its diversity and career preparation programs.

   Charter Schools Near Barlovento

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system.

5. Pinecrest Academy Charter Middle School

   • Address: 11551 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Barlovento.
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Overview: Part of the Pinecrest Academy network, this school focuses on academic rigor and character development with a bilingual curriculum.
   • Additional Info: High demand; requires application for enrollment.

6. Academir Charter School West

   • Address: 14850 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33185
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Barlovento.
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: Emphasizes a strong academic foundation with a focus on STEM and bilingual education.
   • Additional Info: Known for small class sizes and individualized attention.

   Private Schools Near Barlovento

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies. Here are a few options nearby:

7. St. Kevin Catholic School

   • Address: 4001 SW 127th Ave, Miami, FL 33175
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Barlovento.
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating (Niche): A- (based on parent reviews and academic performance)
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a strong academic curriculum and extracurricular activities.
   • Tuition: Approx. $7,000-$9,000 per year (varies; contact school for exact figures)
   • Additional Info: Emphasizes moral values alongside academics.

8. Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

   • Address: 500 SW 127th Ave, Miami, FL 33184
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Barlovento.
   • Grade Levels: 6-12 (all-boys)
   • Rating (Niche): A+ (highly regarded in the area)
   • Overview: A prestigious Catholic Jesuit school known for academic excellence, college preparation, and a strong alumni network.
   • Tuition: Approx. $15,000-$18,000 per year (financial aid available)
   • Additional Info: Competitive admissions process; focuses on leadership and service.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, specific programs, or fit for your child. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or parents is recommended.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Barlovento. Use the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available at dadeschools.net) for confirmation.
   • Florida International University Proximity: Since Barlovento is near FIU, some families may also explore educational programs or partnerships offered by the university, such as dual enrollment for high school students or community outreach programs.
   • Transportation: Check with individual schools or MDCPS for bus routes and transportation options, as Sweetwater’s layout and traffic (especially near major roads like SW 8th St) can impact commute times.

   How to Research Further

   1. Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website: Visit dadeschools.net for school zoning, registration information, and detailed school profiles.
   2. GreatSchools.org: Provides updated ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and charter schools.
   3. Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for public, charter, and private schools, including parent and student feedback.
   4. School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
   5. **Florida Department