Local Schools Near The Waters, Bay Harbor Islands, 33154

The Waters is a luxury residential community located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL, within the ZIP code 33154. Bay Harbor Islands is a small, upscale town in Miami-Dade County, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to excellent schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other educational review platforms. Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from The Waters community (based on a central point in Bay Harbor Islands).

Public Schools Near The Waters, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, which is one of the largest school districts in the United States. The schools listed below are zoned for or near the 33154 ZIP code.

1. Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
2. Address: 1155 93rd St, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
3. Distance from The Waters: Approximately 0.5-1 mile (within walking distance for many residents)
4. Type: Public (Kindergarten through 8th Grade)
5. Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores, student progress, and equity data)
6. Overview: This is the primary public school serving Bay Harbor Islands. It is highly regarded for its academic performance, small class sizes, and community involvement. The school offers a strong curriculum with an emphasis on STEM and arts programs. It consistently ranks among the top elementary and middle schools in Miami-Dade County.
7. Enrollment: Approximately 1,300 students

8. Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school programs and extracurricular activities.

9. Nautilus Middle School (for students not attending Ruth K. Broad for middle school)

   • Address: 4301 N Michigan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
   • Distance from The Waters: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Type: Public (6th through 8th Grade)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Located in nearby Miami Beach, Nautilus Middle School serves some students from Bay Harbor Islands if they are not zoned for Ruth K. Broad’s middle school program. It offers various magnet programs, including STEM and performing arts.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its diverse student body and extracurricular offerings.

10. Miami Beach Senior High School

    • Address: 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
    • Distance from The Waters: Approximately 5-6 miles
    • Type: Public (9th through 12th Grade)
    • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Overview: This is the zoned high school for Bay Harbor Islands residents. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and career academies. The school has a diverse student population and a strong focus on arts and athletics.
    • Enrollment: Approximately 2,400 students
    • Additional Info: Known for its historic campus and beachside location.

    Private Schools Near The Waters, Bay Harbor Islands, FL (33154)

    Bay Harbor Islands and the surrounding areas, including Miami Beach and Surfside, are home to several prestigious private schools, many of which cater to families seeking specialized or religious education.

11. Lehrman Community Day School

    • Address: 727 Lehrman Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Distance from The Waters: Approximately 1.5-2 miles
    • Type: Private (Preschool through 5th Grade, Jewish Day School)
    • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community for its academic rigor and values-based education.
    • Overview: This Jewish day school emphasizes a dual curriculum of general studies and Jewish education. It is known for its nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
    • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$20,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for exact figures)
    • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and summer camps.

12. St. Patrick Catholic School

    • Address: 3700 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
    • Distance from The Waters: Approximately 3-4 miles
    • Type: Private (Kindergarten through 8th Grade, Catholic)
    • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but well-reviewed by parents for its faith-based education and community focus.
    • Overview: A Catholic school offering a traditional curriculum with an emphasis on religious values, community service, and academic excellence.
    • Tuition: Approximately $10,000–$15,000 per year (contact school for current rates)
    • Additional Info: Small class sizes and a family-oriented atmosphere.

13. Miami Country Day School

    • Address: 601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161
    • Distance from The Waters: Approximately 4-5 miles
    • Type: Private (Preschool through 12th Grade)
    • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but widely recognized as one of the top private schools in South Florida.
    • Overview: An elite college-preparatory school with a focus on academics, arts, and athletics. It offers a rigorous curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
    • Tuition: Approximately $30,000–$40,000 per year (varies by grade)
    • Additional Info: Known for its beautiful campus and strong college placement record.

    Charter and Magnet Schools

    Families in Bay Harbor Islands may also consider nearby charter or magnet schools, which often have specialized programs and may require applications or lotteries for admission.

14. Mater Academy Miami Beach

    • Address: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Distance from The Waters: Approximately 2-3 miles
    • Type: Charter (Kindergarten through 8th Grade)
    • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Overview: A tuition-free public charter school offering a strong academic program with an emphasis on character development and community involvement.
    • Enrollment: Approximately 600 students
    • Additional Info: Part of the Mater Academy network, known for high academic standards.

    Additional Notes

    • School Zoning: Public school assignments are based on residential zoning, which can change. To confirm the zoned schools for a specific address in The Waters, use the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ School Locator tool (available on their website: dadeschools.net).
    • Transportation: Many schools in the area provide bus services for public school students within a certain radius. Private schools may offer transportation for an additional fee.
    • Ratings Disclaimer: School ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on factors like test scores, student progress, and equity. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, extracurricular offerings, or individual fit for a student. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators or current parents is recommended.
    • Preschools: There are several preschools and early childhood centers in and around Bay Harbor Islands, such as The Learning Experience and local Montessori programs. These are not rated in the same way as K-12 schools but can be researched through parent reviews and state licensing records.

    How to Research Further

    • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings, reviews, and detailed school profiles.
    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools (dadeschools.net): For zoning information, school calendars, and district policies.
    • Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org): For state-level data on school performance and accountability.
    • School Tours: Many schools, especially private ones, offer open houses or virtual tours, particularly during enrollment seasons.

    If you have a specific address within The Waters or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or specific extracurriculars), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on school enrollment processes or waitlists, I can assist with that as well!