The community of Los Patios at Snapper Creek is located in Sweetwater, FL, with the ZIP code 33174. This area is near Florida International University (FIU) and falls within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, which serves the 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 verifying the latest information directly with the schools or district.
I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity (approximately 5 miles) to the 33174 ZIP code, as this covers the immediate Sweetwater area and nearby neighborhoods. Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools.
Public Schools Near Los Patios at Snapper Creek (33174)
Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. Here are some of the closest schools, categorized by level (elementary, middle, high):
Elementary Schools
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Sweetwater Elementary School
- Address: 10655 SW 4th St, Sweetwater, FL 33174
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Los Patios at Snapper Creek
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
- Details: This is one of the closest elementary schools to the community. It serves a diverse student population and offers standard curriculum with some focus on bilingual education due to the area’s demographics.
- Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students (varies yearly)
- Additional Info: Check the MDCPS website for zoning to confirm if this is the assigned school for Los Patios residents.
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Coral Park Elementary School
- Address: 1225 SW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Known for strong academic performance compared to other local elementary schools, with a focus on student achievement and parental involvement.
- Enrollment: Approx. 400-500 students
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E.W.F. Stirrup Elementary School
- Address: 330 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Offers a standard curriculum with some extracurricular programs. Test scores are average for the district.
Middle Schools
- Ruben Dario Middle School
- Address: 350 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A public middle school with a focus on preparing students for high school. It has a diverse student body and offers various electives.
- Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
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Paul W. Bell Middle School
- Address: 11800 NW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33182
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Known for a solid academic program and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs.
High Schools
- Miami Coral Park Senior High School
- Address: 8865 SW 16th St, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida DOE School Grades, recent years)
- Details: A large public high school with various academic tracks, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. It also has a strong athletics program.
- Enrollment: Approx. 2,000-2,500 students
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Southwest Miami Senior High School
- Address: 8855 SW 50th Terrace, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida DOE)
- Details: Offers a range of programs, including magnet options for law and public affairs, as well as AP courses.
- Enrollment: Approx. 2,000 students
Private Schools Near Los Patios at Snapper Creek (33174)
For families seeking private education, there are several options in the area, often with a religious affiliation or specialized curriculum.
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St. Brendan Elementary School
- Address: 8755 SW 32nd St, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating: Not publicly rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community (Niche gives it positive parent reviews)
- Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a strong academic focus. Tuition applies.
- Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
- Tuition: Approx. $8,000-$10,000 per year (varies; contact school for current rates)
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Christopher Columbus High School
- Address: 3000 SW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A- overall) for academics and college prep
- Details: An all-boys Catholic high school known for rigorous academics, sports, and extracurriculars. It’s one of the top private schools in Miami-Dade.
- Enrollment: Approx. 1,400 students
- Tuition: Approx. $12,000-$15,000 per year (contact school for exact figures)
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Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
- Address: 5525 SW 84th St, Miami, FL 33143
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: A on Niche for academics and student life
- Details: An all-girls Catholic high school with a reputation for academic excellence and a supportive environment.
- Enrollment: Approx. 800 students
- Tuition: Approx. $12,000-$14,000 per year
Charter Schools Near Los Patios at Snapper Creek (33174)
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of options nearby:
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Pinecrest Academy Charter Middle School
- Address: 11551 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Part of the Pinecrest Academy network, known for strong academics and a structured environment. Admission is often by lottery.
- Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
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Academir Charter School West
- Address: 14850 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33185
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
- Grade Levels: K-8
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Focuses on a bilingual curriculum (English/Spanish) and STEM education.
- Enrollment: Approx. 600 students
Additional Notes on School Selection
- School Zoning: For public schools, attendance is typically determined by residential zoning. You can confirm the assigned schools for Los Patios at Snapper Creek by using the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on the district website, www.dadeschools.net) or by calling the district at (305) 995-1000.
- Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida DOE may differ due to methodology. GreatSchools.org focuses heavily on test scores, while Niche includes parent and student reviews. Florida DOE grades (A-F) are based on state assessments and other metrics.
- Transportation: Public schools may offer bus services based on distance and zoning. Private and charter schools often require private transportation or have limited bus options.
- Special Programs: Some schools in the area offer magnet programs, bilingual education, or special needs support. Contact individual schools or MDCPS for details on programs like gifted education or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
How to Research Further
- Visit School Websites: Most schools have official websites with detailed information on curriculum, extracurriculars, and enrollment processes.