Local Schools Near Vista Verde, Miami Gardens, 33055

The community of Vista Verde in Miami Gardens, FL, with the ZIP code 33055, is located in Miami-Dade County. 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, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings and school performance can vary over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, the Florida Department of Education, or directly with the schools. Distances are approximate and based on typical mapping tools.

Public Schools Near Vista Verde, Miami Gardens, FL 33055

These schools are managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), one of the largest school districts in the U.S. I’ve focused on schools within a 1-3 mile radius of the Vista Verde community, which is generally located near NW 183rd Street and NW 47th Avenue.

Elementary Schools

1. Carol City Elementary School

   • Address: 4375 NW 173rd Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
   • Distance: Approximately 1.2 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational skills. It has programs for pre-kindergarten and offers after-school care options. Test scores in math and reading are below the state average.

2. Barbara Hawkins Elementary School

   • Address: 19010 NW 37th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for a supportive environment, this school offers various student support services. Academic performance is slightly below average, with efforts in place to improve reading and math proficiency.

3. Brentwood Elementary School

   • Address: 3101 NW 191st St, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a predominantly minority student body and focuses on early education. Test scores are below state averages, but there are community engagement programs to support students.

   Middle Schools

   1. Carol City Middle School
   2. Address: 3737 NW 188th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
   3. Distance: Approximately 1 mile from Vista Verde
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school has a large student population and offers various extracurricular activities. Academic performance is below average, with challenges in math and reading proficiency. It has faced historical issues with student progress but offers magnet programs in some areas.

4. Lake Stevens Middle School

   • Address: 18484 NW 48th Pl, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
   • Distance: Approximately 1.8 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school provides a range of academic and extracurricular options. Test scores are below state averages, but there are efforts to improve through targeted interventions and after-school programs.

   High Schools

   1. Miami Carol City Senior High School
   2. Address: 3301 Miami Gardens Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   3. Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from Vista Verde
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: A large public high school with a diverse student body, it offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. Graduation rates and test scores are below state averages, but the school has a strong athletics program and community involvement.

   Charter Schools Near Vista Verde, Miami Gardens, FL 33055

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. They can be an alternative for families seeking different educational approaches.

5. Beacon College Prep Middle School

   • Address: 5135 NW 184th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
   • Distance: Approximately 1.3 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; check Florida DOE reports
   • Details: A smaller charter school focusing on college preparatory curriculum. It emphasizes personalized learning but may have limited extracurricular options compared to larger public schools.

6. Excelsior Charter Academy

   • Address: 18200 NW 22nd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school offers a structured environment with a focus on core academics. Performance is similar to nearby public schools, with room for improvement in test scores.

   Private Schools Near Vista Verde, Miami Gardens, FL 33055

   Private schools often require tuition and may have religious affiliations or specific educational philosophies.

7. Gospel Tabernacle Christian Academy

   • Address: 3311 NW 189th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Distance: Approximately 1.8 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews suggest a focus on faith-based education
   • Details: A small Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum alongside standard academics. Class sizes are typically smaller, providing more individualized attention.

8. William A. Kirlew Junior Academy

   • Address: 18900 NW 32nd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Vista Verde
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews highlight a nurturing environment
   • Details: Affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this school emphasizes moral values alongside academics. It has a smaller student body and a community-focused approach.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity data. However, these ratings may not fully reflect a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Boundaries: Public school assignments in Miami-Dade County are based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools serve Vista Verde by using the MDCPS School Locator tool (available on the district website, www.dadeschools.net).
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Miami-Dade County offers magnet schools and programs (e.g., STEM, arts) that students can apply to, even if outside their zoned area. Check the MDCPS website for application deadlines and eligibility.
   • Performance Trends: Many schools in the Miami Gardens area face challenges with test scores and student progress due to socioeconomic factors. However, some schools are improving through grants, community partnerships, and new leadership.

   How to Research Further

   1. GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33055) for updated ratings, reviews, and detailed performance data.
   2. Florida Department of Education: Visit www.fldoe.org for school report cards and state-assigned grades (A-F scale).
   3. Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Use www.dadeschools.net for zoning information, magnet programs, and district updates.
   4. School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses to assess the environment and meet staff.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, bilingual education, or a focus on sports/arts), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Additionally, if you’d like details on schools slightly farther away or specific programs, I’m happy to assist!