Colony Bay Harbor is a residential community located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL, within the ZIP code 33154. Bay Harbor Islands is a small, upscale town in Miami-Dade County, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to Miami Beach. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.
Public Schools Near Colony Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)
Public schools in this area are managed by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in the United States. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the 33154 ZIP code, though boundaries can shift, and parents should confirm zoning with MDCPS (via their website or by calling 305-995-1000).
- Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
- Address: 1155 93rd St, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
- Type: Public (Kindergarten through 8th Grade)
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
- Details: This is the primary public school serving Bay Harbor Islands and is located directly within the community, making it a convenient option for families in Colony Bay Harbor. It is highly regarded for its academic performance, diverse student body, and strong community involvement. The school offers a range of programs, including gifted education and extracurricular activities.
- Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from most parts of Colony Bay Harbor.
- Enrollment: Around 1,300 students (varies annually).
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Contact: 305-865-7912 or visit the MDCPS website.
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Nautilus Middle School (for students not attending Ruth K. Broad for middle school)
- Address: 4301 N Michigan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- Type: Public (6th through 8th Grade)
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Located in nearby Miami Beach, this school serves some students from Bay Harbor Islands if they are not zoned for or attending Ruth K. Broad’s middle school program. It offers various academic and extracurricular programs, including arts and sports.
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Colony Bay Harbor.
- Enrollment: Around 1,000 students.
- Contact: 305-532-3481.
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Miami Beach Senior High School
- Address: 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Type: Public (9th through 12th Grade)
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This is the zoned high school for Bay Harbor Islands residents. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. The school has a diverse student population and is known for its historic campus and beachside location.
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Colony Bay Harbor.
- Enrollment: Around 2,300 students.
- Contact: 305-532-4515.
Private Schools Near Colony Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)
Bay Harbor Islands and the surrounding areas, including Miami Beach and Surfside, have several private school options for families seeking alternatives to public education. These schools often have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula.
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Lehrman Community Day School
- Address: 727 Lehrman Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33141
- Type: Private (Preschool through 5th Grade, Jewish Day School)
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community for its academic rigor and values-based education.
- Details: Located just across the causeway from Bay Harbor Islands, this school offers a dual curriculum of general studies and Jewish education. It emphasizes critical thinking and community service.
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Colony Bay Harbor.
- Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $10,000–$15,000/year).
- Contact: 305-866-2771 or visit their website.
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St. Patrick Catholic School
- Address: 3700 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- Type: Private (Kindergarten through 8th Grade, Catholic)
- Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but known for a strong academic and spiritual foundation.
- Details: This school provides a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It serves families in the Miami Beach and Bay Harbor areas.
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Colony Bay Harbor.
- Tuition: Around $8,000–$12,000/year (contact for exact figures).
- Contact: 305-534-4616.
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Miami Country Day School
- Address: 601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161
- Type: Private (Preschool through 12th Grade)
- Rating: Highly rated, often considered one of the top private schools in Miami-Dade County (specific ratings vary, but frequently praised for college prep).
- Details: A prestigious independent school offering a rigorous academic program, arts, athletics, and technology integration. It attracts students from across Miami-Dade, including Bay Harbor Islands.
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Colony Bay Harbor.
- Tuition: Approximately $25,000–$40,000/year depending on grade level.
- Contact: 305-759-2843 or visit their website.
Charter Schools and Magnet Programs
Miami-Dade County offers numerous charter and magnet schools that families in Bay Harbor Islands can apply to, often with specialized focuses like STEM, arts, or international studies. Admission is typically lottery-based or requires an application.
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Mater Academy East Charter School
- Address: 450 SW 4th St, Miami, FL 33130 (multiple campuses exist)
- Type: Charter (K-12 options at various locations)
- Rating: Varies by campus, generally 6-8/10 on GreatSchools.org.
- Details: Mater Academy offers a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on academic achievement and character education.
- Distance: Varies (closest campuses are 5-10 miles away).
- Contact: Check the Mater Academy website for specific campus information.
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MAST Academy (Maritime and Science Technology Academy)
- Address: 3979 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149
- Type: Public Magnet (6th through 12th Grade)
- Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A highly competitive magnet school focusing on maritime studies and STEM. Admission is selective and based on academic performance and application.
- Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Colony Bay Harbor.
- Contact: 305-365-6278.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are on a 1-10 scale and are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars are also important. Visit schools or speak with current parents for a fuller picture.
- Zoning: Public school assignments depend on exact address. Use the MDCPS School Locator tool (available online) to confirm zoning for a specific property in Colony Bay Harbor.
- Transportation: Bay Harbor Islands is a compact area, but for schools outside the immediate vicinity (e.g., high schools or magnet programs), families may need to arrange transportation as busing isn’t always provided for out-of-zone schools.
- Preschools: There are several preschools and daycare options in and around Bay Harbor Islands, such as Happy Kids Private School and local Montessori programs. Contact individual centers for availability and ratings.
How to Research Further
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website: www.dadeschools.net for zoning, enrollment, and program details.
- GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings and parent reviews.
- Florida Department of Education: For state-level data and school report cards (www.fldoe.org).
- School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter schools.
If you have a specific address within Colony Bay Harbor or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, arts focus), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on after-school programs, tutoring centers, or other educational resources in the area, I’m happy to assist!