Local Schools Near Sweetwater Villas West, Sweetwater, 33174

Sweetwater Villas West is a community located in Sweetwater, FL, with the ZIP code 33174. This area is near Florida International University (FIU) and falls within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, which serves the region. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this 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. Keep in mind 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.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity (approximately 1-5 miles) to the Sweetwater Villas West area, which is generally bounded by major roads like SW 8th Street (Tamiami Trail) and SW 107th Avenue, close to FIU’s main campus. Schools are categorized by level (elementary, middle, high), and I’ll include both public and private options where applicable.

Elementary Schools

1. Sweetwater Elementary School

   • Address: 10655 SW 4th St, Sweetwater, FL 33174
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   • Type: Public
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves the local Sweetwater community and has a focus on bilingual education, reflecting the area’s diverse population (predominantly Hispanic). It offers programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment but note occasional concerns about class sizes. Enrollment is around 500-600 students.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B (based on state assessments)

2. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary School

   • Address: 11901 SW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33184
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   • Type: Public
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Named after the famous environmentalist, this school emphasizes academic achievement and has a strong community reputation. It serves a diverse student body and offers after-school programs. Enrollment is around 800 students.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

3. E.W.F. Stirrup Elementary School

   • Address: 330 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   • Type: Public
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school provides a standard elementary curriculum with additional support for English language learners. It has a smaller student population (around 400-500) and mixed parent feedback regarding facilities and academic rigor.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C

   Middle Schools

   1. Ruben Dario Middle School
   2. Address: 350 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   4. Type: Public
   5. Grade Levels: 6-8
   6. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   7. Details: Named after the Nicaraguan poet, this school offers a variety of electives and extracurricular activities, including sports and arts programs. It serves around 600-700 students and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Reviews highlight a supportive staff but mention occasional challenges with student behavior.
   8. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

4. Paul W. Bell Middle School

   • Address: 11800 NW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33182
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   • Type: Public
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse population and offers magnet programs in areas like technology. Enrollment is around 800 students. Parent feedback varies, with some praising the magnet options and others noting concerns about overcrowding.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C

   High Schools

   1. Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School
   2. Address: 8600 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL 33178
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   4. Type: Public
   5. Grade Levels: 9-12
   6. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   7. Details: This high school is well-regarded for its academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career academies. It serves over 2,000 students and has a strong focus on college readiness. Reviews often praise the school’s facilities and extracurriculars, though some mention challenges with large class sizes.
   8. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

5. G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School

   • Address: 3601 SW 147th Ave, Miami, FL 33185
   • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   • Type: Public
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This large high school (over 3,000 students) offers a range of programs, including magnet options in finance and international business. It has a diverse student body and mixed reviews, with strengths in certain academies but concerns about overcrowding and resource allocation.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

   Private Schools

   1. St. Agatha Catholic School
   2. Address: 1111 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
   3. Distance: Approximately 1 mile from Sweetwater Villas West
   4. Type: Private (Catholic)
   5. Grade Levels: PK-8
   6. Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   7. Details: This school offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and moral development. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools (around 200-300 total students). Tuition information is available directly from the school, but private schools in the area generally range from $5,000-$10,000 per year. Parent reviews often highlight the close-knit community.

6. Belen Jesuit Preparatory School (Boys Only)

   • Address: 500 SW 127th Ave, Miami, FL 33184
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   • Type: Private (Catholic, Jesuit)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: A+ (Niche.com)
   • Details: A prestigious all-boys school with a strong reputation for academics, athletics, and college placement. It has a rigorous curriculum and a competitive admissions process. Tuition is higher, often exceeding $15,000 annually. Enrollment is around 1,400 students. Highly rated by parents for its discipline and outcomes.

   Charter Schools

   1. Doral Academy Charter Middle School
   2. Address: 2600 NW 112th Ave, Doral, FL 33172
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   4. Type: Public Charter
   5. Grade Levels: 6-8
   6. Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   7. Details: Part of the Doral Academy network, this school is known for high academic standards and a focus on arts integration. It has a strong reputation in the community, with over 1,000 students. Admission is often lottery-based due to high demand.
   8. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

7. Doral Academy Charter High School

   • Address: 11100 NW 27th St, Doral, FL 33172
   • Distance: Approximately 4 miles from Sweetwater Villas West
   • Type: Public Charter
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This high school offers college-prep programs and has a strong track record for student achievement. It serves around 1,500 students and is highly sought after, often requiring a lottery for admission.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Sweetwater Villas West. You can confirm zoning and