Local Schools Near Opa-Locka Heights, Opa-locka, 33054

Opa-Locka Heights is a neighborhood within Opa-locka, FL, with the ZIP code 33054. This area is primarily 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 Opa-Locka Heights, including public and some private options, along with their ratings based on 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 checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the center of Opa-Locka Heights (using a general reference point near NW 22nd Avenue and Ali Baba Avenue).

Public Schools Near Opa-Locka Heights (ZIP 33054)

These schools are assigned based on zoning by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. However, school boundaries can shift, and parents should verify zoning with MDCPS (www.dadeschools.net) or by calling the district at (305) 995-1000.

1. Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School

   • Address: 600 Ahmad St, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance: Approx. 0.5 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves a predominantly low-income student population with a focus on foundational education. It has faced challenges with test scores but offers programs like after-school care. Enrollment is around 300-400 students.
   • Contact: (305) 688-4605

2. Nathan B. Young Elementary School

   • Address: 14120 NW 24th Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance: Approx. 1 mile from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another local elementary option with similar demographics to Dr. Robert B. Ingram. It has struggled with academic performance but provides community-based support programs.
   • Contact: (305) 685-5401

3. Bunch Park Elementary School (now often referred to as Myrtle Grove K-8 Center)

   • Address: 1600 NW 141st St, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public K-8 Center
   • Distance: Approx. 1.2 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade, offering a longer continuity of education in one location. It has mixed reviews on academic performance.
   • Contact: (305) 688-2912

4. North Dade Middle School

   • Address: 1840 NW 157th St, Opa-locka, FL 33054
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance: Approx. 2 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Opa-locka area with a focus on preparing for high school. It has faced challenges with student achievement metrics.
   • Contact: (305) 624-8415

5. Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School

   • Address: 7977 W 12th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33014
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: One of the zoned high schools for parts of Opa-locka, this school offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It serves a diverse student body of over 1,500 students.
   • Contact: (305) 823-1330

   Charter Schools Near Opa-Locka Heights

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment may require an application or lottery.

6. Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School

   • Address: 7901 NW 103rd St, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades 6-12)
   • Distance: Approx. 4 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Part of the Mater Academy network, this school offers a rigorous curriculum with a focus on college preparation. It’s a popular choice for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools.
   • Contact: (305) 828-1886

7. Excelsior Charter Academy

   • Address: 18200 NW 22nd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; limited data available
   • Details: A smaller charter option focusing on personalized learning. Reviews are mixed, and parents should visit the school for more insight.
   • Contact: (305) 760-9655

   Private Schools Near Opa-Locka Heights

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies.

8. B & B Christian Academy

   • Address: 1499 NW 153rd St, Miami, FL 33169
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-5)
   • Distance: Approx. 2 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited public data
   • Details: A faith-based school offering early childhood and elementary education with a focus on Christian values. Tuition and enrollment details are available directly from the school.
   • Contact: (305) 685-8734

9. Marian Center School & Services

   • Address: 15701 NW 37th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33054
   • Type: Private (Special Needs, Ages 6-22)
   • Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles from central Opa-Locka Heights
   • Rating: Not rated on standard scales due to specialized focus
   • Details: A Catholic-affiliated school serving students with intellectual disabilities. It provides tailored education and vocational training.
   • Contact: (305) 625-8354

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Performance

   • Ratings Context: The ratings from GreatSchools.org primarily reflect standardized test scores (like the Florida Standards Assessments, or FSA) and student progress. Schools in economically challenged areas like Opa-locka often score lower due to systemic factors such as poverty, limited resources, and language barriers (many students are English Language Learners). A low rating does not necessarily mean a school lacks dedicated staff or community support.
   • School Choice: Miami-Dade County offers a school choice program, including magnet schools, charter schools, and controlled open enrollment, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area. Popular nearby magnet options include MAST Academy or DASH (Design and Architecture Senior High), though they are farther away and highly competitive.
   • Safety and Environment: Opa-locka has historically faced challenges with crime rates, which can impact perceptions of school safety. Parents are encouraged to visit schools, review safety reports on the MDCPS website, and speak with other families.
   • Updates: School ratings and zoning can change yearly. For the most current information, check the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability reports (www.fldoe.org) or MDCPS’s school locator tool.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like Niche.com and GreatSchools.org include parent feedback, which can provide insight beyond numerical ratings.
   • District Resources: Contact Miami-Dade County Public Schools at (305) 995-1000 or use their online school locator to confirm zoning.
   • Community Input: Local forums, social media groups (e.g., Opa-locka community pages on Facebook), or neighbors can offer personal experiences with these schools.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, gifted programs, or a preference for private schools), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like me to focus on a particular grade level or type of school?