The community of Seaway in Surfside, FL (ZIP code 33154) is located in Miami-Dade County, near the towns of Surfside and Bal Harbour. This area is known for its proximity to beaches, upscale neighborhoods, and access to quality education. Below, I’ll provide information on available 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 firsthand impression.
Public Schools Near Seaway, Surfside, 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. Below are the closest public schools to the Surfside area, along with their ratings and key details (based on data available as of 2023 from GreatSchools.org and other public sources):
- Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
- Location: 1155 93rd St, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 (approximately 1-2 miles from Seaway, Surfside)
- Grades Served: PK-8
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: This is a highly regarded public school in the area, known for strong academic performance, a diverse student body, and a focus on both elementary and middle school education under one roof. It serves students from Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, and nearby communities. The school often receives high marks for test scores and student progress.
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,300 students
-
Notable Features: Offers advanced academic programs and extracurricular activities.
-
Mater Academy Miami Beach
- Location: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (approximately 2-3 miles from Seaway, Surfside)
- Grades Served: K-8
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: A public charter school with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It serves students in the greater Miami Beach area, including Surfside families.
- Enrollment: Around 550 students
- Notable Features: Smaller class sizes and a curriculum that emphasizes STEM and arts.
-
Nautilus Middle School
- Location: 4301 N Michigan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 (approximately 3-4 miles from Seaway, Surfside)
- Grades Served: 6-8
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: This middle school serves students from Surfside and surrounding areas. It has a diverse student population and offers various academic and extracurricular programs, though its ratings are slightly lower due to varying test score outcomes.
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
- Notable Features: Focus on technology integration and after-school programs.
-
Miami Beach Senior High School
- Location: 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (approximately 5-6 miles from Seaway, Surfside)
- Grades Served: 9-12
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: The primary public high school serving the Surfside area, located in Miami Beach. It offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. Ratings reflect a mix of strong college readiness programs but challenges with overall test scores compared to state averages.
- Enrollment: Approximately 2,300 students
- Notable Features: Strong arts and athletics programs, diverse student body.
Private Schools Near Seaway, Surfside, FL (33154)
Surfside and nearby areas like Bal Harbour and Miami Beach are home to several private schools, many of which cater to families seeking specialized education, religious instruction, or smaller class sizes. Below are some notable private schools in the vicinity:
-
Lehrman Community Day School
- Location: 727 Lehrman Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (approximately 2 miles from Seaway, Surfside)
- Grades Served: PK-5
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community (often praised on Niche for academic rigor and Jewish education)
- Overview: A Jewish day school offering a dual curriculum of general studies and Jewish education. It emphasizes academic excellence and character development.
- Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$20,000 per year (varies by grade; check with the school for current rates)
- Notable Features: Small class sizes, focus on Hebrew language and Jewish values.
-
St. Joseph’s School
- Location: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141 (approximately 2-3 miles from Seaway, Surfside)
- Grades Served: PK-8
- Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms, but known for a strong Catholic education in the area
- Overview: A Catholic school providing a faith-based education with an emphasis on academics and community service.
- Tuition: Around $8,000–$12,000 per year (contact school for exact figures)
- Notable Features: Religious instruction, family-oriented environment.
-
The Tauber Academy
- Location: 865 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (approximately 5-6 miles from Seaway, Surfside)
- Grades Served: PK-5
- Rating: Highly reviewed by parents on platforms like Niche for its personalized approach
- Overview: A private Jewish school focusing on individualized learning and a nurturing environment.
- Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$18,000 per year
- Notable Features: Emphasis on critical thinking and Jewish heritage.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on metrics like test scores, student-teacher ratios, and parent reviews. However, they may not fully capture a school’s culture, extracurricular offerings, or specific programs that might be a better fit for your child. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or current parents is highly recommended.
- School Boundaries: Public school assignments in Miami-Dade County are based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools your address is zoned for by using the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on the district’s website: www.dadeschools.net).
- Charter and Magnet Options: Miami-Dade County offers numerous charter and magnet schools with specialized programs (e.g., STEM, arts, or International Baccalaureate). Some of these may require applications or lotteries for admission.
- Distance: The schools listed are within a reasonable driving distance (1-6 miles) from the Seaway community in Surfside. Traffic in the Miami area can impact commute times, especially during peak hours.
How to Research Further
- GreatSchools.org: Provides detailed ratings, reviews, and demographic data for public and some private schools.
- Niche.com: Offers parent and student reviews, along with rankings for schools in the area.
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website (dadeschools.net): Use the school locator tool and explore district reports on performance and programs.
- School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
- Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards for state-assessed performance metrics.
If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, language immersion, or a particular grade level), let me know, and I can narrow down the options or provide additional resources. Additionally, if you’re considering schools slightly outside this radius or have questions about a specific institution, I’m happy to assist!