Local Schools Near Buena Vista, Miami, 33127

The community of Buena Vista in Miami, FL, with the ZIP code 33127, is located in a vibrant area near downtown Miami. This area falls within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, which oversees public schools in the region. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Buena Vista, 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 often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student.

Public Schools Near Buena Vista (33127)

1. Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School

   • Address: 1801 NW 1st Pl, Miami, FL 33136 (approximately 1 mile from central Buena Vista)
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. It has faced challenges with test scores below the district average, but it offers programs aimed at student support and community engagement.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 250-300 students
   • Additional Info: Part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, with access to district resources like after-school programs.

2. Jose De Diego Middle School

   • Address: 3100 NW 5th Ave, Miami, FL 33127 (within Buena Vista)
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Located directly in the 33127 ZIP code, this school serves middle school students in the area. It has lower-than-average test scores compared to the state and district, but it offers extracurricular activities and support programs to address student needs.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Focuses on preparing students for high school with an emphasis on core subjects.

3. Booker T. Washington Senior High School

   • Address: 1200 NW 6th Ave, Miami, FL 33136 (about 1.5 miles from Buena Vista)
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org); C (Florida Department of Education School Grade)
   • Overview: A historic high school in the area, Booker T. Washington offers a range of academic and vocational programs. It has a diverse student body and provides Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurriculars like sports and arts. Test scores and graduation rates are below the state average, but the school has a strong community presence.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 900-1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its alumni network and community involvement.

4. Shadowlawn Elementary School

   • Address: 149 NW 49th St, Miami, FL 33127 (within Buena Vista)
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Another elementary option in the 33127 area, Shadowlawn serves younger students with a focus on early education. It performs slightly better than other local schools in terms of test scores but still faces challenges compared to district averages.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200-250 students
   • Additional Info: Offers a nurturing environment with small class sizes in some grades.

   Charter Schools Near Buena Vista (33127)

5. Miami Arts Charter School

   • Address: 3900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137 (about 1.5 miles from Buena Vista)
   • Type: Public Charter School (Grades 6-12)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida Department of Education)
   • Overview: This charter school focuses on arts education alongside academics, offering programs in visual arts, music, and theater. It has higher test scores and student progress metrics compared to nearby traditional public schools.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Admission may require an application or lottery system due to high demand.

   Private Schools Near Buena Vista (33127)

6. Cushman School

   • Address: 592 NE 60th St, Miami, FL 33137 (about 2 miles from Buena Vista)
   • Type: Private School (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded on Niche (A rating)
   • Overview: A prestigious private school with a focus on individualized learning and college preparation. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence and a supportive environment.
   • Tuition: Approx. $20,000–$40,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers financial aid and a diverse curriculum including STEM and humanities.

7. St. Mary’s Cathedral School

   • Address: 7485 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33150 (about 2 miles from Buena Vista)
   • Type: Private Catholic School (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but generally well-reviewed by parents for its faith-based education
   • Overview: A Catholic school offering a faith-based curriculum alongside standard academics. It emphasizes moral values and community service.
   • Tuition: Approx. $8,000–$10,000 per year
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400 students
   • Additional Info: Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Miami, with a focus on smaller class sizes.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are often based on standardized test scores, which may not fully capture a school’s culture, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents and students can provide deeper insight.
   • School Choice in Miami-Dade: Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers a school choice program, allowing families to apply to magnet schools, charter schools, or other public schools outside their zoned area. Popular magnet options near Buena Vista include Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), located about 2 miles away, which has an excellent reputation (9/10 on GreatSchools.org).
   • Demographics: Schools in and around Buena Vista often serve a diverse, predominantly minority student population, with a significant percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch programs, reflecting the socioeconomic challenges in the area.

   How to Research Further

   • Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website: Visit www.dadeschools.net for zoning information, school choice applications, and detailed reports on individual schools.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: These sites provide parent reviews, ratings, and additional data on academic performance.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer open houses or tours, especially private and charter schools, which can help families assess the environment.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school grades and performance data at www.fldoe.org.

   If you’re looking for specific programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or special needs support) or have a particular grade level in mind, let me know, and I can narrow down the options or provide more detailed information on a specific school!