Local Schools Near Walker Estates, Virginia Gardens, 33166

Walker Estates is a residential community located in Virginia Gardens, FL, within the ZIP code 33166. Virginia Gardens is a small village in Miami-Dade County, near Miami Springs and close to Miami International Airport. 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 Walker Estates, Virginia Gardens, FL (ZIP 33166)

Public schools in this area are managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. Schools are assigned based on zoning, but parents can also explore magnet programs, charter schools, or school choice options. Below are the schools closest to Virginia Gardens, along with their ratings and key details (based on data available as of 2023 from GreatSchools.org and other public sources).

Elementary Schools

1. Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary School

   • Address: 2050 NE 135th St, North Miami Beach, FL 33181 (approximately 10-12 miles from Virginia Gardens, but often serves nearby areas through zoning or choice programs)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school is known for strong academic performance and offers programs like gifted education. It has a diverse student body and a focus on STEM initiatives.
   • Distance: Not the closest geographically, but zoning may assign some students here. Closer options are listed below.

2. Miami Springs Elementary School

   • Address: 51 Park St, Miami Springs, FL 33166
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located in neighboring Miami Springs, this school is one of the closest elementary options for Virginia Gardens residents. It has a solid reputation for community involvement and offers after-school programs.
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Walker Estates.

   Middle Schools

   1. Miami Springs Middle School
   2. Address: 150 S Royal Poinciana Blvd, Miami Springs, FL 33166
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This middle school serves students from Virginia Gardens and Miami Springs. It offers various extracurricular activities, including sports and arts programs, though test scores are average compared to state benchmarks.
   6. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Walker Estates.

   High Schools

   1. Miami Springs Senior High School
   2. Address: 751 Dove Ave, Miami Springs, FL 33166
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: The primary high school for the area, it offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. Graduation rates are decent, but test scores are around the state average.
   6. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Walker Estates.

   Charter Schools Near Virginia Gardens, FL

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Enrollment is typically open to all, subject to availability and lottery systems.

3. Mater Academy Charter School

   • Address: 7700 NW 98th St, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016 (nearby, about 5-6 miles from Virginia Gardens)
   • Grade Levels: K-12 (multiple campuses)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org for elementary/middle sections)
   • Details: Mater Academy is a well-regarded charter network with a focus on college preparation and bilingual education. It’s a popular choice for families in the Miami-Dade area.
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Walker Estates.

   Private Schools Near Virginia Gardens, FL

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized programs, though they require tuition.

4. Blessed Trinity Catholic School

   • Address: 4020 Curtiss Pkwy, Miami Springs, FL 33166
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community (based on parent reviews on Niche)
   • Details: A Catholic school offering a faith-based education with a focus on academics and character development. It’s one of the closest private options for Virginia Gardens families.
   • Distance: Approximately 1 mile from Walker Estates.
   • Tuition: Estimated at $8,000-$10,000 per year (contact school for exact figures).

5. All Angels Academy

   • Address: 1801 Ludlam Dr, Miami Springs, FL 33166
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not widely rated, but known for a nurturing environment (based on local reviews)
   • Details: An Episcopal school emphasizing individualized learning and community values.
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Walker Estates.
   • Tuition: Estimated at $10,000-$12,000 per year (contact school for details).

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. A rating of 5-6 is considered average, while 7+ indicates above-average performance. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars also matter.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address in Walker Estates. You can confirm zoning through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (mdcpsportal.dadeschools.net) by entering your address in the School Locator tool.
   • School Choice: M-DCPS offers magnet programs, charter schools, and controlled open enrollment, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available.
   • Proximity: Virginia Gardens is a small community, so some schools may be located in adjacent areas like Miami Springs or Hialeah. Driving distances are generally short due to the compact nature of the region.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Check individual school websites for open houses, curriculum details, and enrollment processes.
   2. Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Explore www.dadeschools.net for zoning maps, magnet programs, and district-wide performance data.
   3. GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: These sites provide parent reviews, detailed ratings, and demographic data.
   4. Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards at www.fldoe.org for state-assigned grades (A-F scale) based on standardized testing and other metrics.

   If you have a specific address within Walker Estates, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or sports), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you like me to dig deeper into any specific school or category?