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Choosing a Home with Top-Rated Public Schools: Understanding the School System and What to Consider When Buying a Home

May 2, 2023

children in classroom

Choosing a Home with Top-Rated Public Schools: Understanding the School System and What to Consider When Buying a Home

When it comes to buying a home, finding a location with top-rated public schools is a key consideration for many homebuyers with school-age children. However, understanding how the public school system works and what factors to consider when choosing a home can be overwhelming. In this blog, I will provide an overview of how the public school system works and discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a home based on the quality of nearby schools. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of how to navigate the public school system and make an educated decision when choosing a home that meets your family’s needs.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools District (MDCPS) is the fourth-largest school district in the United States and has a reputation for offering excellent education opportunities for students. 

When selecting a home, it is important to consider the school district’s reputation, performance rankings, and availability of extracurricular activities:

Different types of public schools

South Florida is home to a diverse range of schools, including private, public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools. When parents are considering educational options for their children, they may wonder about the differences between these types of schools. In this blog, we will also discuss the distinctions between assigned public schools and magnet or charter schools in South Florida. We will not be covering private schools.

Assigned Public Schools:

Assigned public schools are schools that students are assigned to based on their residential address. The school district determines the school a student will attend. Public schools are free to attend and receive funding from the government. The curriculum of public schools is based on state and district standards.

One of the main advantages of assigned public schools is that they provide a sense of community. Students attend school with other children from their neighborhood, which can help to develop strong friendships and create a sense of belonging. Additionally, public schools offer a range of programs and services, including sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities.

However, assigned public schools have some disadvantages as well. Since students are assigned to schools based on their address, they may not have the opportunity to attend a school with a specialized program that aligns with their interests. Additionally, assigned public schools may have limited resources and funding, which can affect the quality of education.

Magnet Schools:

Magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized programs or curricula. They are designed to attract students from across the school district who are interested in a particular area of study. Students must apply to attend magnet schools and are selected via lottery as well as academic performance or artistic talent.

The main advantage of magnet schools is that they offer unique educational opportunities that are not available in assigned public schools. For example, a student who is interested in science may attend a magnet school that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Magnet schools typically have more resources and funding than assigned public schools, which can lead to higher-quality education.

However, magnet schools also have some disadvantages. Since they are highly competitive, not all students who apply will be accepted. Additionally, transportation to magnet schools may be more difficult since they are not necessarily located near a student’s home.

Charter Schools:

Charter schools are independent public schools that are run by private organizations. They receive public funding but have more flexibility in terms of curriculum and educational approach. Charter schools are often focused on a particular theme or educational philosophy.

The main advantage of charter schools is that they offer a unique educational approach that may not be available in assigned public schools. Additionally, since they are independent, they have more autonomy in terms of curriculum, which can lead to more innovative teaching methods.

However, charter schools also have some disadvantages. They may not have the same level of resources as assigned public schools or magnet schools, which can impact the quality of education. Additionally, since they are independent, there is less oversight, which can lead to issues with accountability.

Action Plan

The first step in selecting a location with top-rated public schools is to consider the area you want to live in. To assess the quality of nearby schools, type the address into GreatSchools.org and check the ratings for elementary and middle schools in your desired neighborhood. If both ratings are above 6 (the higher the rating, the better) then you are likely are moving into a neighborhood with good schools.

If the assigned schools’ rating is below 5, your next step would to check for magnet schools in the area. 

Magnet Programs:

Head to  https://yourchoicemiami.org/ to check if there are magnet programs available at near by schools.

Parents should keep in mind that applying to magnet schools is a long-term process, and the application process can take up to a year before their child attends. To increase their chances of securing a spot in a well-known magnet school, it’s recommended to apply when their child is around three years old or a year before they enter VPK. By applying early, parents can ensure that all seats at the preferred magnet schools are available and need to be filled. Most students progress from grade to grade until graduation, so seats become increasingly limited each year.

The application period for magnet schools opens in October and ends in January, a year before their child will attend. During this period, parents can apply to up to five schools. Students must complete and submit a Magnet application; please note that the number of eligible applications may exceed the number of available seats. In such cases, a computerized random selection (lottery) process is used for student admission. To qualify for participation in the lottery, eligible students must submit an application by the January 15 deadline. Any application received after that date will not be accepted. Additionally, if parents fail to complete individual school requirements by the January 15 deadline, their application will be voided.

“Parents/legal guardians have 2 weeks to accept their child(ren)’s seat. First round notifications announce on March 15. If you received your notification by email or postal mail on March 15, you will have until March 31st to accept your seat. If you move off a wait list and become accepted to a program after March 31st, you will have 5 business days to accept your seat.”

By planning long-term for their child’s education and starting the application process early, parents can secure a spot in the top-rated public schools, including magnet schools, and provide their child with the best educational opportunities.

Charter Schools

If you miss out on a magnet program, the best alternative is to consider charter schools, which are also among the top-rated public schools in Miami. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate independently under a performance contract or “charter” agreement between a governing board and the local public school board. They have more freedom to be innovative while being held accountable for improved student achievement. Head to https://charterschoolsdadeschools.net to locate Charter School near you.

To enroll your child in a charter school you must contact the charter school directly to receive information about their individual application process. 

Which is more important: Elementary/ Middle or High School?

When choosing a home, parents should remember that focusing on top-rated public schools at the elementary and middle school levels can be more beneficial than prioritizing high schools. While high schools are typically considered the most important, it is challenging to predict a child’s future academic and extracurricular interests. By focusing on elementary and middle schools, parents can guarantee that their child receives a strong education foundation and access to a wide range of extracurricular programs that correspond to their interests. This can help prepare them for high school and beyond, while also allowing them to explore their passions and develop new ones. Ultimately, prioritizing top-rated public schools at the elementary and middle school levels can provide a solid educational foundation and help children achieve their full potential.

It is not recommended to make a final decision about which high school your child will attend early on, as their academic performance and interests may change over time. While you may have some preferences for factors like academic reputation, extracurricular programs, and location of the school, it’s important to keep in mind that these factors are not constant. Furthermore, your child’s academic performance and interests can evolve as they mature, making it difficult to predict which school will be the best fit for them. For instance, your child may discover new interests or excel in particular subjects or activities, which may prompt them to prefer a different high school.

Hence, it’s best to postpone your decision until your child is closer to entering high school, providing a more precise evaluation of their academic and extracurricular interests, as well as the current state of the top-rated public schools. This approach will ensure that your child has the best chance of finding a high school that can support their academic and personal growth.

 

Neighborhoods with the top rated schools:

 

AVENTURA 

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Aventura Waterways K-8 Center   8/10    Aventura City Of Excellence School   10/10     **
MIDDLE Aventura Waterways K-8 Center 8/10      *
HIGH SCHOOL Dr Michael M. Krop Senior HS   4/10  MAST @ FIU   10/10     *

 

Bal Harbour | Bay Harbor | Surfside

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center    10/10    Mater Academy Miami Beach    8/10         *
MIDDLE Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center 10/10      **
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Beach Senior HS      5/10

Brickell | Brickell Key

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Southside Elementary School     6/10    Mater Academy East Charter ES     10/10    **
MIDDLE Shenandoah Middle School  5/10 Ada Merritt K-8 Center     10/10      *
HIGH SCHOOL Booker T. Washington Senior HS     2/10 New World School of Arts HS       9/10     *

Downtown

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Frederick R. Douglass ES    2/10   I Preparatory Academy      10/10       *
MIDDLE Jose De Diego MS  1/10 Miami Children’s Museum Charter School     10/10      *
HIGH SCHOOL Booker T. Washington Senior HS    3/10 New World School of Arts HS*       9/10      *

Midtown

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Eneida M. Hartner ES  4/10  Miami Children’s Museum Charter School  10/10     *
MIDDLE Jose De Diego MS 1/10 Design and Architecture Senior HS   10/10     *
HIGH SCHOOL Booker T. Washington Senior HS   3/10 Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial  HS     8/10     *

Edgewater

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Phyllis Wheatley ES     4/10    Miami Children’s Museum Charter School     10/10     *
MIDDLE Jose De Diego MS   1/10 I Preparatory Academy     10/10     *
HIGH SCHOOL Booker T. Washington Senior HS     3/10 Design & Architecture Senior HS     10/10     *

Coconut Grove

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY George W. Carver ES
Coconut Grove ES
     9/10   
10/10
    *  *
MIDDLE Henry S. West Laboratory School 
George Washington Carver MS
10/10
10/10

Mater Grove Academy 

     7/10   * * *
HIGH SCHOOL Coral Gables Senior HS      5/10

Coral Gables

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Coral Gables Preparatory Academy      9/10   Henry S. West Laboratory School       10/10 
MIDDLE Coral Gables Preparatory Academy     9/10                     Somerset Gables Academy        9/10
HIGH SCHOOL Coral Gables Senior HS      5/10 International Studies Preparatory Academy HS       9/10

Fisher Island

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY South Pointe Elementary School       6/10    
MIDDLE Nautilus MS    5/10 Miami Children’s Museum Charter School     10/10
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Beach Senior HS      5/10

South Beach

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY South Pointe Elementary School      6/10    
MIDDLE Nautilus Middle School    5/10 Miami Children’s Museum Charter School     10/10  
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Beach Senior High School      5/10

Miami Beach

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY South Pointe Elementary School
North Beach Elementary School
   6/10  
 9/10
Mater Academy at Mount Sinai ES
Miami Children’s Museum Charter School ES
  9/10
  10/10  
MIDDLE Nautilus Middle School   5/10
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Beach Senior High School    5/10

Key Biscayne

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Key Biscayne K-8 Center    8/10    
MIDDLE Key Biscayne K-8 Center   8/10 MAST Academy  Grades 9-12     8/10  
HIGH SCHOOL Coral Gables Senior High School     5/10

Sunny Isles Beach

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8    8/10   MAST @ FIU  Grades 9-12     10/10  
MIDDLE Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8  8/10 Aventura City Of Excellence School  Grades: K-8     10/10
HIGH SCHOOL Alonzo And Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus    5/10

Upper East Side

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Phyllis R. Miller Elementary School    7/10    
MIDDLE Horace Mann Middle School 2/10
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Edison Senior High School   2/10

Morningside

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Morningside K-8 Academy    6/10    Phyllis Ruth Miller ES  7/10
MIDDLE Morningside K-8 Academy 6/10
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Edison Senior High School    2/10

Miami Shores

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Miami Shores Elementary School     6/10   Phyllis Ruth Miller ES    7/10  
MIDDLE Horace Mann Middle School   2/10
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Edison Senior High School     2/10

El Portal

Type of SchooL Name of School Rating Magnet | Charter Rating Stars
ELEMENTARY Miami Shores Elementary School      6/10   Phyllis Ruth Miller ES   7/10   
MIDDLE Horace Mann Middle School  2/10
HIGH SCHOOL Miami Edison Senior High School    2/10


ES* – Elementary School

MS* – Middle School
HS* – High School

In Summary:

Based on my research, I have concluded that the best area for public schools in the Miami Metro area is Coral Gables, which has a six-star rating. It may seem biased since I live in Coral Gables, but this is the result of thorough research. The second-best area is Coconut Grove, with a five-star rating, followed by Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Brickell, and Brickell Key, all with three stars each. Please see the list below for more details.

Coral Gables ******

Coconut Grove *****

Aventura | Sunny Isles Beach | Brickell | Brickell Key ****

Bal Harbour | Bay Harbor | Surfside | Miami Beach | Key Biscayne | Morningside | Edgewater | Downtown ***

Miami Shores | Upper East Side | El Portal | South Beach | Fisher Island | Midtown **

Conclusion:

In conclusion, South Florida provides a diverse range of educational options for parents and students, including top-rated public schools. Assigned public schools foster a sense of community, but their resources may be limited. Magnet schools offer specialized programs and resources, but admission may be highly competitive. Charter schools provide a unique educational approach, but may not have the same level of resources as public or magnet schools. Therefore, parents should carefully consider their child’s needs and interests when selecting a school and research the available options, including the highly-rated public schools, to make an informed decision that best suits their family.

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