Local Schools Near Community Gardens, Opa-locka, 33054

The community of Community Gardens in Opa-locka, FL (ZIP code 33054) is located in Miami-Dade County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve this area. Below, I’ll provide a list of nearby schools, including public and some private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically sourced from platforms like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the Community Gardens area (based on general location data for Opa-locka, ZIP 33054).

Public Schools Near Community Gardens, Opa-locka, FL (33054)

Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in the United States.

1. Nathan B. Young Elementary School

   • Address: 14120 NW 24th Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Approximate Distance: Within 1-2 miles of Community Gardens
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10 (as of recent data; subject to change)
   • Details: This school serves younger students in the Opa-locka area. Ratings reflect challenges in test scores and academic progress compared to state averages. However, it may offer community-specific programs or support services.

2. North Dade Middle School

   • Address: 1840 NW 157th St, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Approximate Distance: 1-3 miles from Community Gardens
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 2/10
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Opa-locka area. The lower rating is often tied to test performance and socioeconomic factors in the community. Check for magnet programs or extracurriculars that might be available.

3. Miami Carol City Senior High School

   • Address: 3301 Miami Gardens Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Approximate Distance: 2-4 miles from Community Gardens
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   • Details: One of the primary high schools serving the broader area, it has a diverse student body and offers various programs, including career and technical education. Ratings reflect challenges in academic performance compared to state averages.

4. Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School

   • Address: 600 Ahmad St, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
   • Approximate Distance: Within 1-2 miles of Community Gardens
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10
   • Details: Another elementary option in the heart of Opa-locka, this school has a slightly higher rating than some nearby schools but still faces challenges typical of urban schools in under-resourced areas.

5. Bunch Park Elementary School (now often referred to as Myrtle Grove K-8 Center)

   • Address: 1600 NW 141st St, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public K-8 Center
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Community Gardens
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   • Details: This school serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade, providing a continuous education option for families in the area.

   Charter Schools Near Community Gardens, Opa-locka, FL (33054)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus.

6. Here's Help Charter School

   • Address: 1205 NW 155th Ln, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Charter School (Alternative, often Grades 7-12)
   • Approximate Distance: Within 1-2 miles of Community Gardens
   • Rating: Limited data on GreatSchools; often not rated due to its alternative focus
   • Details: This school serves at-risk youth and may focus on dropout prevention or specialized support. Contact the school directly for enrollment and program details.

7. Beacon College Prep

   • Address: 13400 NW 28th Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Charter School (Grades K-8)
   • Approximate Distance: Within 1-2 miles of Community Gardens
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Details: A relatively newer charter option in the area, it focuses on college preparatory education and has a slightly better rating than some traditional public schools nearby.

   Private Schools Near Community Gardens, Opa-locka, FL (33054)

   Private schools may require tuition and often have a religious or specialized focus. Options are limited directly in Opa-locka but exist in nearby areas.

8. Betesda Christian School

   • Address: 3300 NW 135th St, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Private School (Grades K-12)
   • Approximate Distance: Within 1-2 miles of Community Gardens
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews on Niche.com or Google may vary
   • Details: A faith-based school offering education from elementary through high school. Contact the school for tuition and enrollment information.

9. Marian Center School & Services

   • Address: 15701 NW 37th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33054
   • Type: Private Special Needs School (Ages 6-22)
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Community Gardens
   • Rating: Not rated on standard platforms due to its specialized focus
   • Details: This school serves students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s run by the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami and may be an option for families with specific needs.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Many schools in the Opa-locka area have lower ratings (2-5/10 on GreatSchools) due to systemic challenges, including socioeconomic factors, funding disparities, and historical underperformance in standardized testing. However, ratings don’t tell the whole story—schools may have dedicated staff, community programs, or extracurriculars that benefit students.
   • School Choice in Miami-Dade: M-DCPS 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 Opa-locka include schools like MAST Academy or Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), though they are farther away and highly competitive.
   • Distance and Transportation: Distances provided are approximate based on the general location of Community Gardens in Opa-locka (ZIP 33054). Transportation options vary—some schools provide buses for zoned students, while charter and private schools may not.
   • Updates and Verification: School ratings and details can change. I recommend visiting the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (dadeschools.net) for zoning information and current school performance data. Additionally, platforms like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com offer parent reviews and updated ratings.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Check individual school websites via the M-DCPS portal or private school pages for programs, enrollment processes, and open house dates.
   2. Florida Department of Education: Review school report cards and performance data at fldoe.org.
   3. Community Input: Speak with local parents or visit community centers in Opa-locka for firsthand insights about schools.
   4. Tours and Open Houses: Many schools offer tours or virtual open houses, especially for charter and private options.

   If you have a specific address within Community Gardens or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., STEM, arts, special needs), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources in the area, I’m happy to assist!