University Courts 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 verifying the latest information directly with the schools or district.
Location Context
University Courts is situated near the intersection of SW 107th Avenue and SW 8th Street (Tamiami Trail), close to FIU’s main campus. The search for nearby schools will focus on a radius of approximately 3-5 miles, covering Sweetwater and adjacent areas like Westchester and University Park.
Public Schools Near University Courts, Sweetwater, FL (33174)
Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. Here are some of the closest schools, categorized by level (elementary, middle, high), with their approximate distance from University Courts and ratings from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10, as of the latest available data):
Elementary Schools
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Sweetwater Elementary School
- Address: 10655 SW 4th St, Sweetwater, FL 33174
- Distance: Approx. 1 mile
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: This school serves the local Sweetwater community with a focus on foundational education. It has a diverse student body and offers programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) due to the area’s significant Hispanic population.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B (based on Florida DOE data)
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Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary School
- Address: 11901 SW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33184
- Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Located slightly west of University Courts, this school is known for strong academic performance compared to district averages.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
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E.W.F. Stirrup Elementary School
- Address: 330 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
- Distance: Approx. 2 miles
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Serves a diverse population with a focus on bilingual education and community engagement.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
Middle Schools
- Ruben Dario Middle School
- Address: 350 NW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
- Distance: Approx. 2 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, with a focus on preparing students for high school.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
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Paul W. Bell Middle School
- Address: 11800 NW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33182
- Distance: Approx. 3 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Known for a strong magnet program and emphasis on STEM education.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
High Schools
- Miami Coral Park Senior High School
- Address: 8865 SW 16th St, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approx. 3 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A large public high school with various magnet programs, including engineering and health sciences. It serves a diverse student population.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Graduation Rate: Approx. 90% (based on recent MDCPS data)
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Southwest Miami Senior High School
- Address: 8855 SW 50th Terrace, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approx. 4 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Graduation Rate: Approx. 92%
Private Schools Near University Courts, Sweetwater, FL (33174)
Private schools in the area often cater to families seeking alternative education options, including religious or specialized curricula. Here are a few notable ones:
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St. Brendan Elementary School
- Address: 8755 SW 32nd St, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally well-regarded in the community (Niche rating: A-)
- Details: A Catholic school with a strong academic reputation and focus on faith-based education. Tuition information is available directly from the school.
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Christopher Columbus High School
- Address: 3000 SW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33165
- Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: Highly rated (Niche: A+)
- Details: An all-boys Catholic high school known for academic excellence, athletics, and college placement. Tuition is significant, often around $10,000-$15,000 per year.
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Conchita Espinosa Academy
- Address: 12975 SW 6th St, Miami, FL 33184
- Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles
- Grade Levels: PK-8
- Rating: Well-regarded (Niche: A)
- Details: A private, bilingual school with a focus on arts and academics. Known for small class sizes and individualized attention.
Charter Schools Near University Courts, Sweetwater, FL (33174)
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple in the vicinity:
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Pinecrest Academy (South Campus)
- Address: 14301 SW 42nd St, Miami, FL 33175
- Distance: Approx. 4 miles
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A tuition-free charter school with a strong academic focus and high parent satisfaction.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
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Doral Academy Charter Middle School
- Address: 2600 NW 112th Ave, Doral, FL 33172
- Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Part of the Doral Academy network, known for rigorous academics and college prep.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and Florida DOE may differ due to varying metrics. GreatSchools focuses on test scores and equity, while Florida DOE grades (A-F) incorporate student achievement, learning gains, and graduation rates.
- Zoning: Public school assignments depend on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools serve University Courts by using the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on the district website: dadeschools.net).
- Application-Based Schools: Some charter and magnet schools require applications or lotteries for admission, so early planning is advised.
- Proximity to FIU: Given the location near Florida International University, some families may also consider educational resources or dual-enrollment opportunities offered through FIU for high school students.
How to Research Further
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools Website: Visit dadeschools.net for zoning maps, school performance reports, and enrollment information.
- GreatSchools.org: Provides parent reviews and detailed ratings.
- Niche.com: Offers rankings and community feedback on both public and private schools.
- Florida Department of Education: Check edudata.fldoe.org for the latest school grades and performance metrics.
- School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses for a firsthand look at facilities and programs.
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