The community of Villas of Park Drive is located in Bal Harbour, FL, with the ZIP code 33154. Bal Harbour is a small, affluent village in Miami-Dade County, known for its luxury residences and proximity to the beach. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, 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 most current information directly with the schools or the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) district.
Public Schools Near Villas of Park Drive, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Public schools in this area are managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), one of the largest school districts in the U.S. The schools listed below are assigned based on proximity and zoning for the 33154 ZIP code, though boundaries can shift, so it’s best to confirm with the district.
- Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
- Address: 1155 93rd St, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
- Distance: Approximately 0.5–1 mile from Villas of Park Drive
- Grades Served: PreK-8
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: This is a highly rated public school serving the Bal Harbour and Bay Harbor Islands area. It consistently performs well on state assessments, with strong scores in math and reading. The school offers a variety of programs, including gifted education and extracurricular activities. It’s often praised for its small community feel and dedicated staff.
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Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A (based on Florida Department of Education data)
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Nautilus Middle School
- Address: 4301 N Michigan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- Distance: Approximately 3–4 miles from Villas of Park Drive
- Grades Served: 6-8
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: For students who may not attend the K-8 program at Ruth K. Broad, Nautilus Middle School serves as an option for middle schoolers in the area. It offers various academic and extracurricular programs, including arts and sports. Test scores are above average for the district, though not as high as some nearby schools.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
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Miami Beach Senior High School
- Address: 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Distance: Approximately 5–6 miles from Villas of Park Drive
- Grades Served: 9-12
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: This is the zoned high school for Bal Harbour residents. It’s a large public high school with a diverse student body and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and career academies. While test scores and graduation rates are solid, some reviews note challenges with overcrowding.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
Private Schools Near Villas of Park Drive, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Bal Harbour’s proximity to Miami Beach and surrounding areas provides access to several reputable private schools, many of which cater to families seeking smaller class sizes or specific educational philosophies.
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Lehrman Community Day School
- Address: 727 Lehrman Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141
- Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Villas of Park Drive
- Grades Served: PreK-5
- Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community (Niche: A-)
- Overview: This is a private Jewish day school offering a dual curriculum of general and Judaic studies. It emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community involvement. Parents often praise the nurturing environment and individualized attention. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.
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St. Patrick Catholic School
- Address: 3700 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- Distance: Approximately 3–4 miles from Villas of Park Drive
- Grades Served: K-8
- Rating: Not widely rated, but well-reviewed by parents (Niche: B+)
- Overview: A Catholic school providing a faith-based education with a focus on academics and moral values. It offers a structured environment and smaller class sizes compared to public schools. Tuition and admission details can be obtained directly from the school.
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Miami Country Day School
- Address: 601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161
- Distance: Approximately 5–6 miles from Villas of Park Drive
- Grades Served: PreK-12
- Rating: Highly rated (Niche: A+)
- Overview: This is a prestigious independent school known for its rigorous academics, arts programs, and athletics. It attracts students from across Miami-Dade County and has a strong reputation for college placement. Tuition is significant, often exceeding $30,000 per year, but financial aid is available.
Charter and Magnet Schools
Families in Bal Harbour may also consider charter or magnet schools, which are public but often have specialized programs or admissions processes.
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Mater Academy Miami Beach
- Address: 8625 Byron Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
- Distance: Approximately 2–3 miles from Villas of Park Drive
- Grades Served: K-8
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Overview: A charter school offering a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on academic achievement and character education. It has strong test scores and a good reputation among local families. Admission is typically by lottery.
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
Additional Notes on School Selection
- Zoning and Enrollment: Public school assignments are based on residential zoning, which can be confirmed through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (www.dadeschools.net) by entering your address into their school locator tool. Villas of Park Drive falls within the Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center zone for elementary and middle school, with Miami Beach Senior High as the zoned high school.
- School Choice Programs: M-DCPS offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area. Application deadlines and processes vary.
- Ratings Variability: School ratings from sources like GreatSchools.org or Niche are useful but subjective. They often reflect test scores heavily, which may not capture other important factors like school culture or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
- Transportation: Bal Harbour is a compact area, but some schools (especially high schools or private options) may require driving or public transportation. M-DCPS provides bus services for eligible students based on distance from the school.
How to Research Further
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Visit www.dadeschools.net for zoning maps, school report cards, and enrollment information.
- GreatSchools.org: Offers detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and some private schools.
- Niche.com: Provides user reviews and rankings for public, private, and charter schools.
- School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private institutions. Contact schools directly to schedule.
- Florida Department of Education: Check school grades and performance reports at www.fldoe.org.
If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, language immersion, or a particular grade level), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools or after-school programs near Villas of Park Drive, I’m happy to assist!