Local Schools Near Kirkland Heights, Miami, 33135

Kirkland Heights is a neighborhood within the broader area of Little Havana in Miami, Florida, with the ZIP code 33135. This area is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, primarily influenced by Cuban and other Latin American communities. 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, 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 verifying the most current information through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) website or visiting the schools directly.

Public Schools Near Kirkland Heights (ZIP 33135)

1. Shenandoah Elementary School

   • Address: 1023 SW 21st Ave, Miami, FL 33135
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Shenandoah Elementary is a nearby public school serving the Little Havana area. It has a diverse student body and offers programs focused on academic growth and community engagement. The school performs above average in reading and math proficiency compared to other schools in the district.
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from central Kirkland Heights.

2. Shenandoah Middle School

   • Address: 1950 SW 19th St, Miami, FL 33145 (just outside 33135 but serves the area)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the surrounding neighborhoods, including Kirkland Heights. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, though test scores are around the district average.
   • Distance: Approximately 1-1.5 miles from Kirkland Heights.

3. Miami Senior High School

   • Address: 2450 SW 1st St, Miami, FL 33135
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Miami Senior High is a historic public high school located directly in the Little Havana area. It serves a large, diverse student population and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurricular activities. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores in some subjects are below average.

   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from Kirkland Heights.

   • Ada Merritt K-8 Center

   • Address: 660 SW 3rd St, Miami, FL 33130 (nearby ZIP, serves 33135 students)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a highly rated magnet school with a focus on international studies and dual-language programs (English/Spanish). Admission is competitive and often requires an application or lottery. It’s a great option for families seeking a rigorous academic environment.
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5-2 miles from Kirkland Heights.

   Private Schools Near Kirkland Heights (ZIP 33135)

4. Sts. Peter & Paul School

   • Address: 1435 SW 12th St, Miami, FL 33135
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded in the community (based on parent reviews and local reputation).
   • Details: This Catholic school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and moral values. It serves many families in the Little Havana area and has a strong community presence. Tuition information is available directly from the school.
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from Kirkland Heights.

5. Tamiami United Methodist Day School

   • Address: 750 SW 16th Ave, Miami, FL 33135
   • Grade Levels: PK-K
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited data available.
   • Details: This is a smaller private preschool and kindergarten with a focus on early childhood education in a nurturing environment. It’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from Kirkland Heights.

   Charter Schools Near Kirkland Heights

6. Mater Academy East Charter School

   • Address: 450 SW 4th St, Miami, FL 33130 (nearby ZIP, serves 33135 students)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Mater Academy East is a well-regarded charter school with a focus on academic achievement and bilingual education. It often has a waiting list due to high demand.
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5-2 miles from Kirkland Heights.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, extracurricular offerings, or specific programs that might be a better fit for your child. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments in Miami-Dade County are based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools your address is zoned for by using the M-DCPS School Locator tool (available on their website: www.dadeschools.net).
   • Magnet and Charter Options: Miami-Dade County offers numerous magnet and charter schools with specialized programs (e.g., STEM, arts, international studies). These often require applications or lotteries, and transportation may not always be provided.
   • Bilingual Education: Given the cultural makeup of Little Havana, many schools in the area offer dual-language or ESL (English as a Second Language) programs to support non-native English speakers.

   How to Research Further

   • Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS): Visit www.dadeschools.net for detailed information on public schools, zoning, and magnet/charter applications.
   • GreatSchools.org: A useful resource for ratings, reviews, and demographic data on schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides report cards and performance data for all schools in the state (www.fldoe.org).
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at the environment and meet staff.

   If you have a specific address within Kirkland Heights, I can help narrow down the zoned schools further. Additionally, if you’re looking for specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or after-school care), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information.