Latest news with #IB-PYP

Miami Herald

A parent's guide to Miami neighborhoods with A-plus schools

In Miami, great schools often signal more than just academic quality — they can reflect strong community ties, safe neighborhoods and enriching extracurricular opportunities. If you're moving with kids, zoning for top-rated public schools can be a smart way to narrow your home search. From nationally recognized elementary schools to award-winning magnet programs, these Miami neighborhoods stand out for education. School Districts in Miami Florida school districts are divided by county. All residents of the Miami metro area are zoned in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. As the third-largest school district in the country, M-DCPS serves over 330,000 students every year. Overall, the Florida Department of Education gave M-DCPS a grade of 'A' for the last three years. Because M-DCPS is such a large district, its schools are divided into three regions: North, Central and South. Each region has its own superintendent and geographical area to support. Families moving to the Miami area should consider which of these regions best meets their needs for housing, community and schools. When you're looking for homes for sale in Miami, use the M-DCPS school locator tool to see which neighborhood schools you're assigned. School Choice, Charters, and Magnet Schools Miami-Dade County Public Schools offer families a variety of educational options beyond their assigned neighborhood schools. Through its school choice program, students can apply to attend schools with specialized academic programs across the district. While all students are zoned for a neighborhood school, many of these schools include unique enrichment opportunities, such as language immersion, STEM tracks or arts integration. M-DCPS also operates a number of magnet and charter schools that serve students countywide. Charter schools and magnet schools provide more specialized programs to students, drawing from the entire area (rather than just the neighborhood). Magnet schools are public schools with specialized themes or curricula, such as performing arts, international studies, or technology. Admission is often competitive and based on an application schools are independently run public schools that may center around alternative teaching models or focus areas. These schools are tuition-free and open to all students, but admission may be limited based on capacity. Parents can find information about the school choice program from the M-DCPS website. North Region The North Region covers the neighborhoods of North Miami, Miami Lakes, parts of Hialeah, and Miami Beach. With great options for schools at every level, these three stand out for consistent 'A' rankings and a plethora of activities. North Beach Elementary School North Beach Elementary is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP) school, which encourages students to become globally minded, inquiry-driven learners from a young age. The school's vision is to 'educate the whole child' and foster 'responsible citizens of the world.' Alongside consistently high academic scores, the school also received the 2025 Upstander School designation, highlighting its anti-bullying and empowering atmosphere. Hialeah Gardens Middle School As a non-magnet school, Hialeah Gardens Middle still offers an impressive array of activities and clubs for its students, from Agriscience to Law Academy. The school's vision includes fostering 'a learning environment where diversity is valued.' Barbara Goleman Senior High School Awarded the Top School of Excellence for 2025 from the American Magnet Schools Association, this magnet school for academically gifted students is a standout. Students focus on STEM fields, including Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing. The school also supports more than 50 sports and clubs. Central Region Miami's Central Region covers neighborhoods near downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Springs, West Miami, Doral, Sweetwater, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. These schools highlight Miami's strength in delivering high-quality education to a diverse student population. Coconut Grove Elementary School With both French and Spanish programs offered as part of the regular curriculum, Coconut Grove Elementary promotes academic success alongside good character. The school has received multiple 'School of Excellence' honors and holds a long-standing reputation as the first public school in Miami-Dade County. Coral Gables Preparatory Academy This K-8 school is committed to a safe learning environment where every student can succeed. The National PTA School of Excellence designation highlights the high level of community involvement. South Region – Top Miami Schools The South Region of M-DCPS includes consistently top-performing schools. In rankings of the best school district zones in Miami, the neighborhoods of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay are almost always included. While some schools in southern Miami-Dade near Homestead may have lower scores, families looking for the strongest academic zones should focus on the Pinecrest area. Pinecrest Elementary School Pinecrest Elementary receives stellar ratings across the board. From test scores to parent involvement, this K-5 school has earned an 'A' grade school for 26 consecutive years. Its list of accolades extends beyond academics. It is designated as both a 'kindness school' and a green school, highlighting that the community at Pinecrest Elementary is fully committed to excellence. Palmetto Middle School This school uses the Cambridge Academy model, which integrates traditional academics with project-based learning and inquiry. Palmetto Middle supports students' social and emotional development alongside academic success. Miami Palmetto Senior High School This top-ranking magnet school offers high school students a range of college and career tracks, including technical education and visual or performing arts, while also developing strong foundational skills. The school's goal to help students 'achieve the extraordinary' is clear through energetic community participation and consistently high academic scores. Choosing the best school for your children is a major decision, but fortunately, Miami has plenty that make the grade year after year.