Local Schools Near Virginia Gardens, Virginia Gardens, 33166

Virginia Gardens is a small residential community in Miami-Dade County, Florida, with the ZIP code 33166. It is located near Miami Springs and close to Miami International Airport. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Virginia Gardens, 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.

Public Schools Near Virginia Gardens (33166)

Public schools in this area are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in the United States. Below are schools zoned for or near Virginia Gardens, based on proximity and zoning maps (as of the latest available data). You can confirm zoning with MDCPS directly at their website or by calling their office.

Elementary Schools

1. Springview Elementary School

   • Address: 1122 Bluebird Ave, Miami Springs, FL 33166 (approximately 1-2 miles from Virginia Gardens)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Springview Elementary serves students in the Miami Springs and Virginia Gardens areas. It has a focus on academic achievement and offers programs like gifted education. The school has a diverse student body and a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 400-450 students (varies yearly)
   • Parent Reviews: Generally positive for its community feel and teacher involvement, though some mention concerns about facilities needing updates.

2. Miami Springs Elementary School

   • Address: 51 Park St, Miami Springs, FL 33166 (approximately 1.5 miles from Virginia Gardens)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another option for elementary students near Virginia Gardens, this school emphasizes a nurturing environment and has after-school programs. It serves a diverse population with a focus on literacy and math skills.
   • Enrollment: Around 400 students
   • Parent Reviews: Mixed reviews, with praise for small class sizes but some concerns about resource availability.

   Middle Schools

   1. Miami Springs Middle School
   2. Address: 150 S Royal Poinciana Blvd, Miami Springs, FL 33166 (approximately 1-2 miles from Virginia Gardens)
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Virginia Gardens area. It offers various electives, sports, and extracurricular activities. The school has a focus on STEM programs and preparing students for high school.
   6. Enrollment: Approximately 800-900 students
   7. Parent Reviews: Some parents appreciate the dedicated staff, while others note challenges with student behavior and academic consistency.

   High Schools

   1. Miami Springs Senior High School
   2. Address: 751 Dove Ave, Miami Springs, FL 33166 (approximately 1.5-2 miles from Virginia Gardens)
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org); C rating from Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   5. Details: This high school serves students from Virginia Gardens and surrounding areas. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies (e.g., aviation, given proximity to the airport), and extracurriculars like sports and band. Graduation rates are around 85-90%.
   6. Enrollment: Approximately 1,500-1,600 students
   7. Parent Reviews: Mixed feedback, with strengths in certain programs like aviation but concerns about overcrowding and varying teacher quality.

   Private Schools Near Virginia Gardens (33166)

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in or near Virginia Gardens. Private schools often have different admission processes and tuition costs, so contacting them directly is recommended.

3. Blessed Trinity Catholic School

   • Address: 4020 Curtiss Pkwy, Miami Springs, FL 33166 (approximately 1 mile from Virginia Gardens)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community (Niche gives it positive parent feedback)
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academics, character development, and community service. It has smaller class sizes compared to public schools.
   • Tuition: Approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies by grade and parish membership; confirm with school)
   • Parent Reviews: Praised for its family-oriented environment and strong moral teachings, though some note limited extracurriculars.

4. All Angels Academy

   • Address: 1801 Ludlam Dr, Miami Springs, FL 33166 (approximately 2 miles from Virginia Gardens)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive community feedback
   • Details: An Episcopal private school emphasizing individualized learning and a well-rounded curriculum including arts and athletics.
   • Tuition: Around $10,000-$12,000 annually (confirm with school)
   • Parent Reviews: Known for a supportive environment and strong academics, though smaller enrollment means fewer resources than larger schools.

   Charter Schools Near Virginia Gardens

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific educational focuses. Availability depends on lottery systems or application processes.

5. Downtown Doral Charter Elementary School (nearby, though slightly outside 33166)

   • Address: 8390 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166 (approximately 3-4 miles from Virginia Gardens)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school with a focus on bilingual education (Spanish/English) and a rigorous academic program.
   • Enrollment: Lottery-based; check availability
   • Parent Reviews: Excellent reviews for academic performance and language programs, though admission can be competitive.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are on a 1-10 scale and focus on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida Department of Education ratings (A-F) are based on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments). Niche provides user reviews and additional metrics. Always cross-check multiple sources.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on your exact address in Virginia Gardens. Use the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools your child is zoned for.
   • Transportation: Public schools in Miami-Dade often provide bus services for zoned students, but private and charter schools may require private transportation.
   • Special Programs: Some schools near Virginia Gardens offer magnet programs (e.g., aviation at Miami Springs Senior High) or special needs services. Contact MDCPS or individual schools for details.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check MDCPS Website: Miami-Dade County Public Schools (www.dadeschools.net) has detailed information on zoning, registration, and performance data.
   • Parent Forums: Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com have parent reviews that can provide insights beyond ratings.
   • Florida DOE Reports: The Florida Department of Education (www.fldoe.org) publishes annual school grades and performance metrics.

   If you have a specific address in Virginia Gardens or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special education, gifted, or sports), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you'd like information on preschools, after-school programs, or higher education options nearby, I’m happy to assist!