Local Schools Near Plaza Vecchia, Doral, 33178

Plaza Vecchia is a community located in Doral, FL, within the ZIP code 33178. Doral is a family-friendly city in Miami-Dade County known for its excellent schools, many of which are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) system. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Plaza Vecchia, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information. 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 visiting the schools or checking the latest data for the most current information.

Location Context

Plaza Vecchia is situated in the heart of Doral, near major roads like NW 107th Avenue and NW 41st Street. The community is close to several schools, as Doral has a high concentration of educational institutions due to its family-oriented demographic. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles or less) from this area.

Public Schools Near Plaza Vecchia, Doral, FL 33178

Public schools in this area are managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the U.S. Below are some of the notable schools zoned for or near the 33178 area:

1. Dr. Rolando Espinosa K-8 Center
2. Address: 11250 NW 86th St, Doral, FL 33178
3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Plaza Vecchia
4. Grades: PreK-8
5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
6. Details: This is a highly regarded K-8 center in Doral, known for strong academic performance and a diverse student body. It offers a variety of programs, including dual language options (Spanish). Test scores in math and reading are above the state average.

7. Parent Feedback: Parents often praise the school for its teachers and extracurricular activities, though some mention concerns about class sizes.

8. Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School

   • Address: 8600 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL 33178
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Plaza Vecchia
   • Grades: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org), A-rated by Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   • Details: This high school serves much of the Doral area and is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career academies. It has a good graduation rate and college readiness scores.

   • Parent Feedback: Reviews highlight the school’s facilities and opportunities, though some note challenges with overcrowding.

   • Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center

   • Address: 5950 NW 114th Ave, Doral, FL 33178
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Plaza Vecchia
   • Grades: PreK-8
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another top-rated K-8 school in Doral, Eugenia B. Thomas offers a strong curriculum with an emphasis on STEM and language programs. It consistently performs well on state assessments.

   • Parent Feedback: Highly rated for its academic rigor and supportive environment, though parking and traffic during drop-off/pick-up can be an issue.

   • John I. Smith K-8 Center

   • Address: 10415 NW 52nd St, Doral, FL 33178
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from Plaza Vecchia
   • Grades: PreK-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a large portion of Doral and is known for its academic programs and community involvement. It also offers dual language programs.
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive reviews for academics and extracurriculars, with some concerns about facility maintenance.

   Charter Schools Near Plaza Vecchia

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Doral has several notable charter options:

9. Doral Academy Charter School (Elementary, Middle, High)

   • Address (Elementary): 2450 NW 97th Ave, Doral, FL 33172 (Multiple campuses for middle and high school nearby)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Plaza Vecchia
   • Grades: K-12 (across different campuses)
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org for most campuses), A-rated by Florida DOE
   • Details: Doral Academy is one of the most sought-after charter schools in the area, with a focus on college preparatory education and strong test scores. Admission is lottery-based, and there are often waitlists.
   • Parent Feedback: Highly praised for academics and discipline, though some parents mention the competitive admission process as a drawback.

10. JUST Arts & Management Charter Middle School (JAM)

    • Address: 6800 NW 88th Ave, Doral, FL 33178
    • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Plaza Vecchia
    • Grades: 6-8
    • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: This charter school focuses on arts and management, offering a unique curriculum for middle school students. It has strong academic performance and smaller class sizes.
    • Parent Feedback: Positive reviews for its specialized programs, though some note limited extracurricular sports options.

    Private Schools Near Plaza Vecchia

    For families seeking private education, Doral offers several options with religious and secular focuses:

11. Divine Savior Academy

    • Address: 10311 NW 58th St, Doral, FL 33178
    • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Plaza Vecchia
    • Grades: PreK-12
    • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in local reviews (Niche: A-)
    • Details: A private Christian school offering a faith-based education with a strong academic curriculum. Tuition varies by grade level (approximately $10,000-$15,000 per year).
    • Parent Feedback: Known for its nurturing environment and college prep, though some mention the cost as a barrier.

12. Shelton Academy

    • Address: 11300 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33178
    • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Plaza Vecchia
    • Grades: K-8
    • Rating: Not widely rated, but positive local feedback (Niche: B+)
    • Details: A private school with a focus on personalized learning and small class sizes. Tuition is in the range of $12,000-$18,000 annually.
    • Parent Feedback: Praised for individual attention to students, though facilities are less expansive compared to public schools.

    Additional Notes on School Selection

    • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 33178. You can verify zoning through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (www.dadeschools.net) by entering your address in the School Locator tool.
    • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education may differ due to methodology. GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are widely used and focus on test scores, equity, and college readiness.
    • Application Deadlines: Charter and magnet schools often have lottery systems or application deadlines, so early planning is essential.
    • Transportation: Most public and charter schools offer bus services within a certain radius, but private schools may require private transportation or carpools.

    How to Research Further

    • Visit Schools: Many schools in Doral offer open houses or virtual tours, especially during enrollment periods.
    • Check MDCPS Website: For the most updated zoning and school performance data, visit www.dadeschools.net.
    • Parent Reviews: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com provide parent and student feedback.
    • Florida DOE School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments, available at www.fldoe.org.

    If you have a specific address within Plaza Vecchia or prefer details on a particular school level (e.g., only high schools), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, after-school programs, or special needs education, I can provide that information as well.