Local Schools Near The Highlands, North Miami Beach, 33181

The Highlands is a community in North Miami Beach, FL, within the 33181 ZIP code. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational resources. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind 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. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the 33181 ZIP code area.

Public Schools Near The Highlands, North Miami Beach, FL (33181)

Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, one of the largest school districts in the U.S. Below are schools zoned for or near the 33181 area:

1. David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center
2. Address: 15000 Bay Vista Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181
3. Type: Public (K-8)
4. Distance: Within the 33181 ZIP code, approximately 1-2 miles from central areas of The Highlands.
5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
6. Details: This school serves elementary and middle school students. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs, including gifted education. Test scores are above average for the state in some areas, though performance varies by grade level.
7. Student Population: Approximately 1,500 students.

8. Additional Info: Known for a strong community focus and extracurricular activities.

9. North Miami Senior High School

   • Address: 13110 NE 8th Ave, North Miami, FL 33161
   • Type: Public (9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from The Highlands.
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the primary high school serving the area. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. Test scores and graduation rates are slightly below state averages, but the school has initiatives to improve student outcomes.
   • Student Population: Around 2,500 students.
   • Additional Info: Known for its diversity and sports programs.

10. Natural Bridge Elementary School

    • Address: 1650 NE 141st St, North Miami, FL 33181
    • Type: Public (PK-5)
    • Distance: Within 1-2 miles of The Highlands.
    • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: A smaller elementary school with a focus on foundational education. Test scores are near the state average, with some variation in math and reading proficiency.
    • Student Population: Approximately 600 students.
    • Additional Info: Offers pre-kindergarten programs and after-school care.

11. North Miami Middle School

    • Address: 700 NE 137th St, North Miami, FL 33161
    • Type: Public (6-8)
    • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from The Highlands.
    • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: Serves middle school students in the area with a focus on preparing for high school. Academic performance is slightly below state averages, but the school offers extracurriculars like band and sports.
    • Student Population: Around 1,000 students.

    Private Schools Near The Highlands, North Miami Beach, FL (33181)

    Private schools offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Here are some notable ones near the 33181 area:

12. Fulford Christian Academy

    • Address: 1900 NE 164th St, North Miami Beach, FL 33162
    • Type: Private (PK-1)
    • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from The Highlands.
    • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews are limited.
    • Details: A small Christian-based school focusing on early childhood education. It emphasizes moral and academic development.
    • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000 annually for private elementary schools in the area).
    • Additional Info: Limited enrollment; often requires parent interviews.

13. Von Wedel Montessori School

    • Address: 11860 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161
    • Type: Private (PK-2)
    • Distance: Approximately 1.5-2 miles from The Highlands.
    • Rating: Not widely rated; generally positive parent feedback.
    • Details: Follows the Montessori method, focusing on individualized learning for young children.
    • Tuition: Estimated $6,000-$10,000 per year; contact for specifics.
    • Additional Info: Small class sizes and a hands-on learning approach.

14. St. Lawrence Catholic School (nearby option)

    • Address: 2200 NE 191st St, Miami, FL 33180
    • Type: Private (PK-8)
    • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from The Highlands.
    • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; generally well-regarded by the community.
    • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academics and character development.
    • Tuition: Around $7,000-$9,000 annually (varies by grade; contact for details).
    • Additional Info: Offers extracurricular activities and religious instruction.

    Charter Schools Near The Highlands, North Miami Beach, FL (33181)

    Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Here are some options nearby:

15. Mater Academy Lakes High School

    • Address: 17300 NW 87th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33015 (also serves students from North Miami Beach via lottery)
    • Type: Charter (6-12)
    • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from The Highlands (transportation may be available).
    • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: A well-regarded charter school with strong academic performance and college prep programs. Admission is often through a lottery system.
    • Student Population: Around 1,200 students.
    • Additional Info: Focuses on STEM and dual-enrollment opportunities.

16. BridgePrep Academy of North Miami Beach

    • Address: 18801 NE 22nd Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33180
    • Type: Charter (K-5)
    • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from The Highlands.
    • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: Focuses on a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on character education. Test scores are generally above average for charter schools in the area.
    • Student Population: Around 500 students.
    • Additional Info: Offers a family-oriented environment and after-school programs.

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Source: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity. However, ratings are subjective and may not reflect the full experience of a school. Visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and reading parent reviews are recommended.
    • School Boundaries: Public school assignments depend on zoning, which can change. Use the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ School Finder tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve a specific address in The Highlands.
    • Transportation: Public schools may provide bus services based on distance and zoning. Private and charter schools often require private transportation or have limited bus options.
    • Special Programs: Some schools offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. For example, David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center has a gifted program, and North Miami Senior High offers AP courses.

    How to Research Further

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website: www.dadeschools.net (use the School Finder tool for zoning and magnet program info).
    • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings and parent reviews.
    • Florida Department of Education: For state assessment data and school report cards (www.fldoe.org).
    • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.

    If you have a specific address within The Highlands or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, arts, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, after-school programs, or nearby colleges, I’m happy to assist!