Local Schools Near Sweetwater Gardens, Sweetwater, 33174

Sweetwater Gardens is a community located in Sweetwater, FL, with the ZIP code 33174. This area is near Florida International University (FIU) and falls within Miami-Dade County, which is served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), one of the largest school districts in the United States. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Sweetwater Gardens community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available 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 Sweetwater Gardens (33174)

Public schools in this area are zoned based on residential addresses. The following schools are likely to serve the Sweetwater Gardens community or are in close proximity. I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary reference, along with additional context where available.

Elementary Schools

1. Sweetwater Elementary School

   • Address: 10655 SW 4th St, Sweetwater, FL 33174
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from Sweetwater Gardens
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational education. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 16:1. Performance in math and reading is near the state average, with some variation year to year.
   • Additional Info: Offers bilingual programs and after-school care options.

2. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary School

   • Address: 11901 SW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33184 (near the border of 33174)
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5-2 miles from Sweetwater Gardens
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for strong academic performance compared to other local elementary schools, with test scores above the district average in reading and math.
   • Additional Info: Features extracurricular activities and parent involvement programs.

   Middle Schools

   1. Ruben Dario Middle School
   2. Address: 350 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172 (close to 33174)
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Sweetwater Gardens
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school has a diverse student body and offers various elective courses. Test scores are near or slightly below the state average, with efforts in place to improve student outcomes.
   7. Additional Info: Provides magnet programs and extracurriculars like sports and arts.

   High Schools

   1. Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School
   2. Address: 8600 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL 33178 (serving parts of 33174)
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sweetwater Gardens
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This high school is well-regarded for its academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career academies. Graduation rates are above the state average.
   7. Additional Info: Strong focus on college readiness and extracurricular activities.

3. G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School

   • Address: 3601 SW 147th Ave, Miami, FL 33185 (near 33174)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Sweetwater Gardens
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Offers a variety of programs, including magnet options in technology and health sciences. Test scores and college readiness metrics are near the state average.
   • Additional Info: Large student population with diverse course offerings.

   Private Schools Near Sweetwater Gardens (33174)

   Private schools in the area provide alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but are based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and available data from sources like Niche.

4. St. Agatha Catholic School

   • Address: 1111 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Sweetwater Gardens
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Generally positive reviews (Niche: B-)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a curriculum rooted in Catholic values, with an emphasis on academics and character development. Tuition is typically required.
   • Additional Info: Small class sizes and a focus on community involvement.

5. Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

   • Address: 500 SW 127th Ave, Miami, FL 33184 (near 33174)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Sweetwater Gardens
   • Grade Levels: 6-12 (All-boys)
   • Rating: Highly rated (Niche: A+)
   • Details: A prestigious private Catholic school known for rigorous academics, college preparatory programs, and strong extracurriculars. Admission is competitive, and tuition is significant.
   • Additional Info: Focus on leadership and service, with a high college acceptance rate.

   Charter Schools Near Sweetwater Gardens (33174)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. They may have enrollment lotteries or specific application processes.

6. Pinecrest Academy Charter Middle School

   • Address: 11551 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175 (near 33174)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Sweetwater Gardens
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Part of the Pinecrest Academy network, this charter school emphasizes academic excellence and character education. Test scores are generally above state averages.
   • Additional Info: Application required; offers a structured learning environment.

   School Zoning and Verification

   Since school assignments in Miami-Dade County are based on residential addresses, I recommend using the Miami-Dade County Public Schools School Locator Tool (available on the MDCPS website at www.dadeschools.net) to confirm the exact zoned schools for a specific address in Sweetwater Gardens. Boundaries can shift, and some schools offer choice programs or magnet options that allow enrollment outside of zoned areas.

   Additional Notes on Ratings

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and college readiness (for high schools). A rating of 6-7 is considered average to above average, while 8-10 is excellent.
   • Niche Ratings: These incorporate parent and student reviews, alongside academic data. Letter grades (A, B, etc.) reflect overall performance and satisfaction.
   • Ratings should be one of many factors in choosing a school. Visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and considering a child’s specific needs (e.g., special education, language programs, or extracurricular interests) are equally important.

   Other Educational Resources

   • Florida International University (FIU): Located directly in the 33174 ZIP code, FIU offers dual enrollment opportunities for high school students and community programs that may benefit local families.
   • After-School and Tutoring Programs: Many schools and local organizations in Sweetwater and nearby areas provide additional academic support and enrichment activities.

   If you have a specific address within Sweetwater Gardens or are looking for more detailed information about a particular school (e.g., special programs, enrollment processes, or recent performance data), let me know, and I can help further. Additionally, if you’re interested in schools outside this immediate area or specific types of programs (e.g., Montessori, STEM-focused), I can expand the search.