Local Schools Near Gil-Mar, Sweetwater, 33174

The community of Gil-Mar in Sweetwater, FL, falls within the ZIP code 33174, which is part of Miami-Dade County. This area is served by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in the United States. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Gil-Mar 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 verifying the most current information.

Public Schools Near Gil-Mar, Sweetwater, FL (ZIP 33174)

Public schools in this area are zoned based on residential addresses. The following schools are likely to serve the Gil-Mar community or are in close proximity to ZIP 33174. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools.

Elementary Schools

1. Sweetwater Elementary School

   • Address: 10655 SW 4th St, Sweetwater, FL 33174
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school is located directly in Sweetwater and serves many local families. It has a diverse student body and offers programs focused on literacy and math. Parental reviews often highlight the supportive staff, though some note concerns about class sizes.
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from most parts of Gil-Mar.

2. Coral Park Elementary School

   • Address: 1225 SW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for strong academic performance compared to other local schools, Coral Park Elementary emphasizes bilingual education and has a significant Hispanic student population, reflecting the community’s demographics.
   • Distance: About 1-2 miles from Gil-Mar.

   Middle Schools

   1. Ruben Dario Middle School
   2. Address: 350 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172 (near 33174)
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This school offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including magnet options for STEM. Test scores are average for the district, with some parental feedback mentioning the need for more resources.
   6. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Gil-Mar.

   High Schools

   1. Miami Coral Park Senior High School
   2. Address: 8865 SW 16th St, Miami, FL 33165 (near 33174)
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida Department of Education, recent years)
   5. Details: This high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a strong athletics program. It has a diverse student body and a graduation rate around the district average (approximately 85-90%). Reviews mention a mix of strong teachers and occasional overcrowding.
   6. Distance: About 2-3 miles from Gil-Mar.

   Private Schools Near Gil-Mar, Sweetwater, FL (ZIP 33174)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options in or near the 33174 area. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, tuition costs, and academic reputation.

3. St. Brendan Elementary School

   • Address: 8755 SW 32nd St, Miami, FL 33165
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Highly regarded in parent reviews on Niche (often 4/5 stars)
   • Details: A Catholic school with a focus on faith-based education, strong academics, and community involvement. Tuition is approximately $8,000-$10,000 per year, though financial aid may be available.
   • Distance: About 3-4 miles from Gil-Mar.

4. Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

   • Address: 500 SW 127th Ave, Miami, FL 33184
   • Grade Levels: 6-12 (all-boys)
   • Rating: Excellent reputation; often ranked among the top private schools in Miami (Niche A+ rating)
   • Details: A prestigious Catholic school with rigorous academics, college preparatory programs, and a strong alumni network. Tuition is higher, around $15,000-$20,000 annually.
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Gil-Mar.

   Charter Schools Near Gil-Mar, Sweetwater, FL (ZIP 33174)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Enrollment may require a lottery system.

5. Academir Charter School West

   • Address: 14850 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33185 (near 33174)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Focuses on a dual-language program (English/Spanish) and STEM education. It has received positive feedback for its innovative approach and smaller class sizes.
   • Distance: About 3-4 miles from Gil-Mar.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t always reflect the full student experience. Visiting schools, speaking with parents, and reviewing recent Florida Department of Education report cards (available at fldoe.org) can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on exact addresses within Gil-Mar. You can confirm zoning through the MDCPS School Locator tool (schools.miamidade.gov).
   • Demographics: Schools in this area typically reflect Sweetwater’s predominantly Hispanic population, with many offering bilingual or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programs.
   • Transportation: MDCPS provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check MDCPS Website: The district’s site (dadeschools.net) offers detailed information on enrollment, magnet programs, and school performance.
   • Parent Reviews: Platforms like Niche.com and GreatSchools.org include community feedback that can highlight strengths and concerns not captured in numerical ratings.

   If you have a specific address within Gil-Mar or prefer more details on a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can refine the information further!