Local Schools Near Palm Bay, Miami, 33138

I'm happy to assist you with information about schools near the Palm Bay community in Miami, FL, with the ZIP code 33138. This area falls within Miami-Dade County, and I'll provide details on nearby schools, including their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on academic performance, equity, 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. Below, I’ll list public and private schools within or near the 33138 ZIP code, focusing on elementary, middle, and high schools.

Overview of the Area

The 33138 ZIP code covers parts of Miami’s Upper East Side, including neighborhoods like Palm Bay, Shorecrest, and areas near Biscayne Boulevard. This region is served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and there are also several private and charter options nearby. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 1-5 miles) from the Palm Bay community.

Public Schools Near Palm Bay, Miami, FL (33138)

1. Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School

   • Address: 1801 NW 60th St, Miami, FL 33142 (approx. 3 miles from central 33138)
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and equity)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. It has faced challenges with test scores but offers various support programs for students. Enrollment is around 300 students.
   • Distance: Close to the western edge of the 33138 area, accessible for some Palm Bay residents.

2. Morningside K-8 Academy

   • Address: 6620 NE 5th Ave, Miami, FL 33138 (within ZIP code)
   • Type: Public Elementary/Middle (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located directly in the 33138 area, this school serves over 400 students and offers a curriculum that includes arts and technology integration. It’s a convenient option for families in Palm Bay due to its proximity and grade range.
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from most parts of Palm Bay.

3. Miami Edison Senior High School

   • Address: 6161 NW 5th Ct, Miami, FL 33127 (approx. 3 miles from 33138)
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: One of the closest public high schools to the 33138 area, Miami Edison serves around 800 students. It offers various academic and vocational programs but has lower-than-average test scores and graduation rates compared to state standards.
   • Distance: A short drive from Palm Bay.

4. Horace Mann Middle School

   • Address: 8950 NW 2nd Ave, El Portal, FL 33150 (approx. 2 miles from 33138)
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serving around 600 students, this school provides a standard middle school curriculum with some extracurricular options. Academic performance is below average based on recent data.
   • Distance: Easily accessible from Palm Bay.

   Charter Schools Near Palm Bay, Miami, FL (33138)

   1. Mater Academy Miami Shores
   2. Address: 360 NE 75th St, Miami, FL 33138 (within ZIP code)
   3. Type: Charter Elementary/Middle (Grades K-8)
   4. Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org, but parent reviews are generally positive.
   5. Details: A tuition-free public charter school with a focus on academic rigor and character development. It serves students in the immediate 33138 area and is a popular alternative to traditional public schools.
   6. Distance: Very close to Palm Bay, within 1-2 miles.

   Private Schools Near Palm Bay, Miami, FL (33138)

   1. Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School
   2. Address: 602 NE 96th St, Miami Shores, FL 33138 (within ZIP code)
   3. Type: Private Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   4. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but known for a strong community reputation.
   5. Details: A faith-based school offering a nurturing environment with small class sizes. Tuition applies, and enrollment is limited.
   6. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Palm Bay.

5. Cushman School

   • Address: 592 NE 60th St, Miami, FL 33137 (just south of 33138)
   • Type: Private Elementary/Middle (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: Highly regarded, though not numerically rated on GreatSchools.org.
   • Details: A prestigious private school with a focus on innovative education and individualized learning. Tuition is significant, often exceeding $20,000 per year.
   • Distance: About 2-3 miles from Palm Bay.

6. St. Rose of Lima Catholic School

   • Address: 425 NE 105th St, Miami Shores, FL 33138 (within ZIP code)
   • Type: Private Elementary/Middle (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: Not numerically rated, but well-reviewed by parents for its values-based education.
   • Details: A Catholic school emphasizing academic excellence and spiritual growth. Tuition applies.
   • Distance: Roughly 2 miles from Palm Bay.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and sometimes parent reviews. A lower rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is a poor choice; it may reflect socioeconomic challenges or other factors. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can be checked via the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (www.dadeschools.net) using your specific address in Palm Bay.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Miami-Dade offers magnet schools and programs (e.g., arts, STEM) that may be accessible to 33138 residents through application, even if outside the immediate area. Examples include Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), located about 5 miles away in the Design District.

   How to Research Further

   • Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Visit www.dadeschools.net for school locator tools, zoning maps, and enrollment information.
   • GreatSchools.org: Provides detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data for most schools listed.
   • Florida Department of Education: Offers report cards and performance data for public and charter schools at www.fldoe.org.
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to assess the environment and meet staff.

   If you have a specific address within Palm Bay or prefer information on a particular type of school (e.g., only high schools or preschools), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’re interested in schools slightly outside the 33138 ZIP code or specific programs (like special needs or gifted education), I can expand the scope. Let me know how you’d like to proceed!