The community of Manatee in Surfside, FL, falls within the ZIP code 33154, which covers Surfside and nearby areas like Bal Harbour and Bay Harbor Islands. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on 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. Keep in mind 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 the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) district.
Public Schools Near Surfside, FL (ZIP 33154)
Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, one of the largest school districts in the U.S. Below are the schools zoned for or near the Surfside/Bal Harbour area:
- Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
- Location: 1155 93rd St, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 (approximately 1-2 miles from central Surfside)
- Grades: PK-8
- Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org (as of recent data); A-rated by the Florida Department of Education (based on 2022-2023 school grades)
- Details: This is a highly regarded public school serving the Bay Harbor Islands and Surfside communities. It offers a strong academic program with an emphasis on student achievement and community involvement. The school consistently performs well on state assessments.
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,300 students
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Notable Features: Offers gifted programs, extracurricular activities, and a focus on STEM education.
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Mater Academy Miami Beach
- Location: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (about 2-3 miles from Surfside)
- Grades: K-8
- Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org; B-rated by the Florida Department of Education
- Details: A public charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It serves students in the greater Miami Beach area, including nearby Surfside.
- Enrollment: Around 550 students
- Notable Features: Smaller class sizes and a dual-language program (English/Spanish).
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Nautilus Middle School
- Location: 4301 N Michigan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 (approximately 3-4 miles from Surfside)
- Grades: 6-8
- Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org; C-rated by the Florida Department of Education
- Details: This middle school serves students from Surfside and surrounding areas. It offers various academic and extracurricular programs but has mixed reviews regarding student performance and school environment.
- Enrollment: About 1,000 students
- Notable Features: Offers magnet programs in areas like performing arts.
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Miami Beach Senior High School
- Location: 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (about 5-6 miles from Surfside)
- Grades: 9-12
- Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org; B-rated by the Florida Department of Education
- Details: The primary high school serving Surfside and nearby communities. It has a diverse student body and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and career academies.
- Enrollment: Approximately 2,400 students
- Notable Features: Strong arts and athletics programs, with a historic campus.
Private Schools Near Surfside, FL (ZIP 33154)
There are several private schools in and around Surfside, catering to families seeking alternative education options, often with religious or specialized curricula.
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Lehrman Community Day School
- Location: 727 Lehrman Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (about 2 miles from Surfside)
- Grades: PK-5
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org due to limited public data; highly regarded in the community (based on parent reviews on Niche)
- Details: A Jewish day school offering a dual curriculum of general and Judaic studies. It emphasizes academic excellence and character development.
- Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$20,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for exact figures)
- Enrollment: Around 300 students
- Notable Features: Small class sizes and a strong sense of community.
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St. Joseph’s School
- Location: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (about 2-3 miles from Surfside)
- Grades: PK-8
- Rating: Not widely rated; positive parent feedback on Niche
- Details: A Catholic school providing a faith-based education with a focus on academic rigor and moral values.
- Tuition: Around $8,000-$10,000 per year (contact school for current rates)
- Enrollment: Approximately 200 students
- Notable Features: Offers religious instruction and community service opportunities.
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The Tauber Academy
- Location: 865 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (about 5-6 miles from Surfside)
- Grades: PK-5
- Rating: Limited public data; well-regarded in the Jewish community
- Details: Another Jewish day school focusing on a blend of secular and religious education, with an emphasis on Hebrew language and Jewish traditions.
- Tuition: Approximately $15,000-$18,000 per year
- Enrollment: Small, around 100-150 students
- Notable Features: Personalized attention due to smaller enrollment.
Additional Notes on School Zoning and Options
- Zoning: School assignments in Miami-Dade County are based on residential address. Families in Surfside (33154) are typically zoned for Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center for elementary and middle school, and Miami Beach Senior High for high school. However, zoning can vary slightly within the ZIP code, so it’s best to confirm with M-DCPS using their school locator tool (available on the district website: dadeschools.net).
- Magnet and Charter Schools: Miami-Dade County offers numerous magnet and charter school options with specialized programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or language immersion). Admission often requires an application or lottery, and transportation may not be provided.
- School Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and the Florida DOE are useful but not definitive. They often reflect test scores and may not capture other important factors like school culture, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
- Transportation: Public schools may offer bus services based on distance from the school (typically for students living more than 2 miles away). Private schools often do not provide transportation, though some may arrange carpools or private shuttles.
How to Research Further
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website: dadeschools.net – Use the “School Locator” tool to confirm zoning based on your exact address in Surfside.
- GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33154) for updated ratings, reviews, and test score data.
- Niche.com: Offers detailed parent and student reviews, along with rankings for both public and private schools.
- Florida Department of Education: Check school grades and performance reports at fldoe.org.
- School Visits: Many schools offer open houses or tours, especially private schools and charter/magnet programs.
If you have a specific address in Surfside or Manatee, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or specific extracurriculars), let me know, and I can provide more targeted information.