Local Schools Near Belle Meade, Miami, 33138

Belle Meade is a small, affluent neighborhood within the larger area of Miami's Upper East Side, located in the 33138 ZIP code. This area is known for its historic charm and proximity to Biscayne Bay. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Belle Meade, Miami, FL (ZIP code 33138), including public and private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically sourced from platforms like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, academic progress, 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 through official school district websites or state education resources.

Public Schools Near Belle Meade (Miami-Dade County Public Schools)

Belle Meade falls under the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, one of the largest in the nation. Below are some of the public schools serving the 33138 area or nearby communities. I’ve included schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 1-5 miles) since school assignments can depend on zoning, and families often consider nearby options.

1. Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School

   • Address: 1801 NW 60th St, Miami, FL 33142 (approx. 3 miles from Belle Meade)
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and academic progress)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. However, test scores are below the state average, which contributes to the lower rating. It may not be the zoned school for all Belle Meade residents, so check zoning with MDCPS.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200-300 students (varies yearly)
   • Programs: Standard curriculum with some after-school activities.

2. Miami Edison Senior High School

   • Address: 6161 NW 5th Ct, Miami, FL 33127 (approx. 3 miles from Belle Meade)
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A historic school in the area, Miami Edison offers a range of academic and vocational programs. Like many urban schools, it faces challenges with test scores and graduation rates compared to state averages.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 800-1,000 students
   • Programs: Includes AP courses, career academies, and extracurriculars like sports and arts.

3. Horace Mann Middle School

   • Address: 8950 NW 2nd Ave, El Portal, FL 33150 (approx. 2 miles from Belle Meade)
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves students in the transition years between elementary and high school. It has a focus on core academics but receives mixed reviews for student progress and school environment.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   • Programs: Standard middle school curriculum with some electives.

4. Morningside K-8 Academy

   • Address: 6620 NE 5th Ave, Miami, FL 33138 (within 1-2 miles of Belle Meade)
   • Type: Public K-8 School
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located closer to Belle Meade, this school offers education from kindergarten through 8th grade, making it a convenient option for families seeking continuity. It has average test scores and a focus on community engagement.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400-500 students
   • Programs: Includes STEM initiatives and arts programs.

   Note on Public School Zoning: School assignments in Miami-Dade County are based on residential address. Belle Meade residents should confirm their zoned schools via the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on the district website, www.dadeschools.net). Additionally, MDCPS offers magnet programs and school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zone, such as Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) or MAST Academy, which are highly rated but competitive.

   Private Schools Near Belle Meade

   Many families in affluent areas like Belle Meade opt for private schools due to smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and additional resources. Below are notable private schools within or near the 33138 ZIP code.

5. Cushman School

   • Address: 592 NE 60th St, Miami, FL 33137 (approx. 1-2 miles from Belle Meade)
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community with strong parent reviews (often 4.5/5 on platforms like Niche.com)
   • Details: A prestigious independent school founded in 1926, Cushman emphasizes personalized learning and character development. It’s known for its rigorous academics and nurturing environment.
   • Tuition: Approx. $20,000–$40,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   • Programs: Offers arts, athletics, and advanced academics.

6. Miami Country Day School

   • Address: 601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161 (approx. 3-4 miles from Belle Meade)
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Highly rated (often 4.8/5 on Niche.com)
   • Details: One of Miami’s top private schools, offering a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on innovation, arts, and athletics. It attracts families from across the region.
   • Tuition: Approx. $30,000–$45,000 per year
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,200 students
   • Programs: Includes AP/IB courses, extensive extracurriculars, and global learning initiatives.

7. St. Patrick Catholic School

   • Address: 3700 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 (approx. 4-5 miles from Belle Meade)
   • Type: Private Catholic (Grades K-8)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on parent reviews and limited data)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a traditional curriculum with an emphasis on moral values and community service. It’s a popular choice for families seeking a religious education.
   • Tuition: Approx. $10,000–$15,000 per year
   • Enrollment: Approx. 300 students
   • Programs: Core academics with religious instruction and extracurriculars.

   Charter Schools Near Belle Meade

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. They can be an alternative to traditional public schools.

8. Mater Academy Miami Shores

   • Address: 350 NE 91st St, Miami Shores, FL 33138 (within 2-3 miles of Belle Meade)
   • Type: Charter (Grades K-5)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Part of the Mater Academy network, this school focuses on academic excellence and character development. It has better-than-average test scores for the area.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400 students
   • Programs: Emphasis on STEM and bilingual education options.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • School Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org or similar platforms are useful but not definitive. They often rely heavily on standardized test scores, which may not reflect a school’s culture, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools, speaking with parents, and reviewing recent state report cards (available via the Florida Department of Education) can provide a fuller picture.
   • Transportation: Belle Meade’s central location means many schools are accessible within a 10-15 minute drive, though traffic in Miami can be a factor. Public schools may offer bus services based on zoning, while private schools often require private transportation or carpools.
   • Preschools and Daycares: For younger children, Belle Meade and nearby areas have several preschools, such as Little Ones Academy (Miami Shores) and Montessori schools. These are not rated in the same way but can be researched via parent reviews on platforms like Yelp or Care.com.
   • Higher Education: For families considering proximity to colleges, Miami Dade College (Wolfson Campus) and Barry University are within a reasonable distance (5-10 miles).

   How to Verify Information

   • Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Visit www.dadeschools.net or call 305-995-1000 for zoning and enrollment details.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school performance reports at www.fldoe.org.
   • Private School Admissions: Contact schools directly for tours, application deadlines, and financial aid options.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: Useful for parent reviews and additional data.

   If you have a specific address in Belle Meade, I can help narrow down the exact zoned public schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., STEM