Local Schools Near Southern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, 33154

The community of Southern Star in Bay Harbor Islands, FL (ZIP code 33154) is a small, upscale area in Miami-Dade County, known for its proximity to beaches, luxury living, and family-friendly environment. Below, I’ll provide information on available schools near this community, including public, private, and charter 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 verifying the most current information directly with the schools or the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) district.

Public Schools Near Southern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

Bay Harbor Islands falls within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district, one of the largest in the nation. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning or proximity to the 33154 ZIP code. You can confirm zoning through the M-DCPS School Locator tool (available on their website).

1. Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
2. Address: 1155 93rd St, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
3. Type: Public (K-8)
4. Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from Southern Star
5. Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
6. Details: This is the primary public school serving Bay Harbor Islands. It is highly regarded for its academic performance, diverse student body, and strong community involvement. The school offers programs for gifted students and has a focus on STEM education. Test scores are consistently above state averages.
7. Enrollment: Approx. 1,300 students

8. Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1

9. Nautilus Middle School

   • Address: 4301 N Michigan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
   • Type: Public (6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles from Southern Star
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: For students who may not attend the K-8 program at Ruth K. Broad, Nautilus Middle School serves as an option for middle schoolers. It offers various magnet programs, including STEM and performing arts. Ratings are moderate due to mixed test scores and student progress metrics.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,000 students
   • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1

10. Miami Beach Senior High School

    • Address: 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
    • Type: Public (9-12)
    • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Southern Star
    • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: This is the zoned high school for Bay Harbor Islands residents. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and career academies. The school has a diverse student population and a strong arts program, though test scores and graduation rates are slightly above average compared to state benchmarks.
    • Enrollment: Approx. 2,300 students
    • Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1

    Private Schools Near Southern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

    Bay Harbor Islands and nearby areas like Surfside, Bal Harbour, and North Miami offer several private school options, many of which cater to families seeking smaller class sizes or religious education.

11. Lehrman Community Day School

    • Address: 727 Lehrman Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Type: Private (PK-5), Jewish Day School
    • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Southern Star
    • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; highly regarded on Niche (A- overall)
    • Details: This school emphasizes Jewish values alongside a rigorous academic curriculum. It offers a nurturing environment with a focus on individualized learning. Tuition is typically in the range of $15,000–$20,000 per year.
    • Enrollment: Approx. 300 students
    • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1

12. St. Joseph’s School

    • Address: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Type: Private (PK-8), Catholic
    • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from Southern Star
    • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent reviews on Niche
    • Details: A Catholic school offering faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and character development. Tuition is around $10,000–$12,000 annually.
    • Enrollment: Approx. 200 students
    • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1

13. Miami Country Day School

    • Address: 601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161
    • Type: Private (PK-12)
    • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from Southern Star
    • Rating: A+ (Niche)
    • Details: One of the top private schools in the Miami area, offering a college-preparatory curriculum, extensive extracurriculars, and state-of-the-art facilities. Tuition ranges from $30,000–$40,000 per year depending on grade level.
    • Enrollment: Approx. 1,250 students
    • Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1

    Charter Schools Near Southern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

    Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Admission is typically by lottery if demand exceeds capacity.

14. Mater Academy Miami Beach

    • Address: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Type: Charter (K-8)
    • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from Southern Star
    • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: Part of the Mater Academy network, this school focuses on academic rigor and character education. It has strong test scores in math and reading compared to nearby public schools.
    • Enrollment: Approx. 550 students
    • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche ratings (letter grades) incorporate parent reviews, academics, and extracurriculars. Always cross-check with recent data as ratings can fluctuate.
    • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Use the M-DCPS School Locator (mdcpsportalapps2.dadeschools.net/SchoolLocator) to confirm eligibility.
    • Transportation: Bay Harbor Islands is a compact area, but some schools (especially high schools and private options) may require driving or public transit. Check with schools for bus services.
    • Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. Contact individual schools for details on application processes.

    Conclusion

    Families in Southern Star, Bay Harbor Islands, have access to a range of educational options. The local public school, Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center, stands out with a high rating and proximity. For private education, schools like Miami Country Day School offer elite college-prep programs, while religious options like Lehrman Community Day School cater to specific cultural or faith-based needs. Charter schools provide additional public alternatives with specialized focuses.

    If you have specific needs (e.g., special education, particular grade levels, or extracurricular priorities), let me know, and I can narrow down the options further. Additionally, visiting schools or attending open houses is highly recommended to get a firsthand feel for the environment. You can also contact the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district at (305) 995-1000 for the latest zoning and enrollment information.