Local Schools Near Northern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, 33154

The community of Northern Star in Bay Harbor Islands, FL (ZIP code 33154) is a small, upscale area in Miami-Dade County, known for its proximity to beaches, luxury living, and family-friendly environment. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, 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. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Northern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in the United States. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the 33154 ZIP code, though boundaries can shift, and parents should confirm zoning with MDCPS (www.dadeschools.net or 305-995-1000). I’ve included schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles) of Bay Harbor Islands.

Elementary Schools

1. Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
2. Location: 1155 93rd St, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 (approximately 0.5 miles from Northern Star)
3. Grades: PK-8 (serves as both elementary and middle school)
4. Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org (as of recent data)
5. Details: This is a highly regarded public school directly serving the Bay Harbor Islands community. It consistently performs well on state assessments, with strong scores in math and reading. The school offers a nurturing environment with a focus on academic excellence and community involvement. It also has a diverse student body and various extracurricular programs.
6. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 17:1

7. Enrollment: Around 1,300 students

8. Treasure Island Elementary School

   • Location: 7540 E Treasure Dr, North Bay Village, FL 33141 (approximately 2.5 miles away)
   • Grades: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: A nearby option for elementary students, this school serves families in the surrounding islands and North Bay Village. It has average performance on state tests and offers programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to support its diverse population.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 16:1
   • Enrollment: Around 600 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center (as mentioned above)
   2. Covers middle school grades (6-8) for the immediate Bay Harbor Islands area.
   3. See details and rating above.

9. Nautilus Middle School

   • Location: 4301 N Michigan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 (approximately 4 miles away)
   • Grades: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: Located in Miami Beach, this school serves a broader area and has a diverse student population. It offers various magnet programs and extracurriculars but has mixed reviews on academic performance.
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 20:1
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students

   High Schools

   1. Miami Beach Senior High School
   2. Location: 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (approximately 5 miles away)
   3. Grades: 9-12
   4. Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org; B rating from Florida DOE (based on recent data)
   5. Details: This is the zoned high school for Bay Harbor Islands residents. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and career academies. The school has a diverse student body and a strong arts and athletics presence, though test scores are average compared to state benchmarks.
   6. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 22:1
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,400 students

   Private Schools Near Northern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

   Bay Harbor Islands and the surrounding areas, including Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Miami Beach, have several private school options for families seeking alternatives to public education. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and college placement success (e.g., via Niche or Private School Review).

10. Lehrman Community Day School

    • Location: 727 Lehrman Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (approximately 1.5 miles away)
    • Grades: PK-5
    • Type: Jewish Day School
    • Rating: Highly regarded; 5/5 on Niche (based on parent reviews)
    • Details: This school offers a dual curriculum of general and Judaic studies with a focus on individualized learning. It has small class sizes and a strong community focus.
    • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$20,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for exact figures)
    • Enrollment: Around 300 students

11. St. Patrick Catholic School

    • Location: 3700 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 (approximately 3.5 miles away)
    • Grades: PK-8
    • Type: Catholic
    • Rating: Well-reviewed; 4.5/5 on Niche
    • Details: A faith-based school with a strong academic program and emphasis on character development. It serves families in the Miami Beach area and offers extracurricular activities.
    • Tuition: Approximately $10,000–$15,000 per year
    • Enrollment: Around 250 students

12. Miami Country Day School

    • Location: 601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161 (approximately 4 miles away)
    • Grades: PK-12
    • Type: Independent, College Preparatory
    • Rating: Excellent; A+ on Niche; highly ranked for college readiness
    • Details: One of the top private schools in the Miami area, offering rigorous academics, arts, and athletics. It has a strong reputation for preparing students for top colleges.
    • Tuition: Approximately $30,000–$40,000 per year
    • Enrollment: Around 1,250 students

    Charter Schools Near Northern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

    Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Admission is typically by lottery or application.

13. Mater Academy Miami Beach

    • Location: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (approximately 1.5 miles away)
    • Grades: K-8
    • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org
    • Details: A tuition-free charter school with a focus on academic achievement and character education. It serves a diverse population and has solid test scores compared to nearby public schools.
    • Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 18:1
    • Enrollment: Around 550 students

    Additional Notes on School Selection

    • Zoning and Enrollment: Public school assignments are based on residential address. Families in Northern Star should verify their zoned schools using the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on the district website) or by contacting the district directly.
    • School Choice Programs: Miami-Dade County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area. Application deadlines and processes vary.
    • Ratings Variability: School ratings are subjective and depend on the metrics used (e.g., test scores vs. parent satisfaction). Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
    • Transportation: Bay Harbor Islands is a compact area, but some schools (especially high schools and private options) may require driving or public transportation. Check with schools for bus services or proximity to public transit like Miami-Dade Transit.

    How to Research Further

    • GreatSchools.org: Provides detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and some private schools.
    • Niche.com: Offers rankings and parent reviews for public, private, and charter schools.
    • Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org): Publishes school grades and performance reports for public schools.
    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools (dadeschools.net): Official source for zoning, magnet programs, and district updates.
    • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or virtual open houses, especially for private and charter options.

    If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, language immersion, or a particular grade level), 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 near Northern Star, I’m happy to assist!