Local Schools Near Waterman Homes, Miami Gardens, 33055

The community of Waterman Homes in Miami Gardens, FL, falls within the 33055 ZIP code. Miami Gardens is a suburban city in Miami-Dade County, and families in this area have access to a variety of public, charter, and private schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the 33055 ZIP code, including their ratings based on 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 not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student. I’ll also include approximate distances from the general area of Waterman Homes (near NW 183rd St and NW 47th Ave, as a central point in 33055).

Public Schools (Miami-Dade County Public Schools)

Public schools in this area are managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), one of the largest school districts in the U.S. Below are some of the schools zoned for or near the 33055 area:

1. Carol City Elementary School

   • Address: 4375 NW 173rd Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles from central 33055
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational skills. It has programs for English Language Learners (ELL) and special education. Test scores are below the state average in math and reading.

2. Lake Stevens Elementary School

   • Address: 5105 NW 183rd St, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Distance: Approx. 0.5 miles from central 33055
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located very close to the heart of 33055, this school offers a community-focused environment. It performs near the state average in some areas but struggles with consistent academic growth in others.

3. Carol City Middle School

   • Address: 3737 NW 188th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approx. 1 mile from central 33055
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the area with various extracurriculars and support programs. However, test scores and student progress metrics are below state averages.

4. Miami Carol City Senior High School

   • Address: 3301 Miami Gardens Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 (just outside 33055)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approx. 2 miles from central 33055
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A large public high school with a diverse student body. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs but faces challenges with graduation rates and test performance compared to state averages.

   Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Here are some options near 33055:

5. Mater Academy Charter Middle School

   • Address: 19200 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33169 (near 33055 border)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approx. 3 miles from central 33055
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Part of the Mater Academy network, this school emphasizes academic rigor and college preparation. It generally outperforms nearby traditional public schools in test scores.

6. Mater Academy Charter High School

   • Address: 19200 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33169
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approx. 3 miles from central 33055
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Offers a variety of AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. It has a better reputation for college readiness than some local high schools.

   Private Schools

   Private schools in the area often provide smaller class sizes and specialized programs, though they require tuition.

7. Gospel Tabernacle Christian Academy

   • Address: 3311 NW 189th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 (near 33055)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles from central 33055
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews on Niche are mixed (around 3/5)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. It focuses on moral and academic development but has limited public data on performance.

8. William A. Kirlew Junior Academy

   • Address: 18900 NW 32nd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Distance: Approx. 2 miles from central 33055
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited reviews suggest average satisfaction
   • Details: A Seventh-day Adventist school with a focus on holistic education. Class sizes are typically small, but resources may be limited compared to larger institutions.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are often based on standardized test scores, which may not capture the full picture of a school’s environment, teacher quality, or extracurricular offerings. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within 33055. You can confirm zoning through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website (www.dadeschools.net) by using their School Locator tool.
   • 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 details.
   • Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on performance metrics. For the most current grades, visit www.fldoe.org. As of recent data, many schools in the 33055 area range from C to D, with charter options sometimes scoring higher.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have websites with information on programs, events, and enrollment.
   2. Contact MDCPS: Call the district at (305) 995-1000 for zoning and enrollment questions.
   3. GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: These sites offer parent reviews and updated ratings.
   4. School Tours: Many schools allow prospective families to schedule tours or attend open houses.

   If you have a specific address within Waterman Homes or 33055, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools with specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted, or sports), let me know, and I can tailor the information further!