Local Schools Near Crystal Colony, Sweetwater, 33174

Crystal Colony is a community located in the Sweetwater area of Miami-Dade County, Florida, with the ZIP code 33174. This area is near Florida International University (FIU) and is part of a bustling suburban region. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note 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 firsthand impression.

Public Schools Near Crystal Colony, Sweetwater, FL (ZIP 33174)

Public schools in this area are managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), one of the largest school districts in the United States. I’ve focused on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 1-5 miles) from the 33174 ZIP code area, particularly around Sweetwater and near FIU.

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: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on bilingual education due to the high percentage of Hispanic students. It offers standard elementary curriculum with some extracurricular activities. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note occasional overcrowding concerns.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students

2. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary School

   • Address: 11901 SW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33184 (just outside Sweetwater)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Named after the famous environmentalist, this school has a strong academic reputation for an elementary level in the area. It emphasizes reading and math proficiency and has after-school programs.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1
   • Enrollment: Around 800 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Ruben Dario Middle School
   2. Address: 350 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Crystal Colony
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school offers a standard middle school curriculum with some magnet programs focused on international studies. It serves a predominantly Hispanic student body and has mixed reviews regarding academic rigor and facilities.
   7. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 20:1
   8. Enrollment: Around 600 students

3. Paul W. Bell Middle School

   • Address: 11800 NW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33182
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for a decent academic environment, this school offers various extracurriculars like sports and clubs. Test scores are average for the district, with some parent feedback highlighting good teacher engagement.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 19:1
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students

   High Schools

   1. Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School
   2. Address: 8600 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL 33178
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Crystal Colony
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This high school is well-regarded in the area for its academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a strong focus on college readiness. It also has a good reputation for extracurriculars like sports and arts.
   7. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 22:1
   8. Enrollment: Around 2,800 students

4. G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School

   • Address: 3601 SW 147th Ave, Miami, FL 33185
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A large public high school with a diverse student body, offering various programs including career academies and AP courses. Test scores are average, and reviews mention a need for better facilities but praise certain dedicated teachers.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 23:1
   • Enrollment: Around 3,000 students

   Private Schools Near Crystal Colony, Sweetwater, FL (ZIP 33174)

   Private schools in the area often cater to families seeking smaller class sizes, religious education, or specialized curricula. Here are a few notable options within a 5-mile radius.

5. St. Agatha Catholic School

   • Address: 1111 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on core academics and moral values. It has a smaller enrollment, providing a close-knit community feel. Tuition is typically in the range of $6,000-$8,000 per year (verify with the school for current rates).
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 12:1
   • Enrollment: Around 200-300 students

6. Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

   • Address: 500 SW 127th Ave, Miami, FL 33184
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: 6-12 (All-boys)
   • Rating: A+ (Niche.com)
   • Details: A prestigious Catholic Jesuit school known for its rigorous academics, college preparatory focus, and strong extracurricular programs. It’s highly competitive with excellent college placement rates. Tuition is higher, often around $15,000-$20,000 annually (confirm with the school).
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 12:1
   • Enrollment: Around 1,400 students

7. Conchita Espinosa Academy

   • Address: 12975 SW 6th St, Miami, FL 33184
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: A- (Niche.com)
   • Details: A private, co-ed school with a strong emphasis on arts, academics, and character development. It’s known for its nurturing environment and bilingual programs. Tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000 per year (check for current rates).
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 10:1
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students

   Charter Schools Near Crystal Colony, Sweetwater, FL (ZIP 33174)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy, often focusing on specific educational models. Here are a couple in the vicinity.

8. Doral Academy Charter Middle School

   • Address: 2600 NW 112th Ave, Doral, FL 33172
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Part of the Doral Academy network, this school is highly rated for its academic performance and offers a college-prep focus with strong STEM programs.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 20:1
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students

9. Pinecrest Academy Charter School (South Campus)

   • Address: 14301 SW 42nd St, Miami, FL 33175
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Crystal Colony
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A well-regarded charter school with a focus on personalized learning and strong community involvement. It often has a waiting list due to high demand.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 18:1
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, student growth, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s environment or fit for your child. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33174