Home Buying and Miami Schools

This is my first blog, which I am writing on Miami schools.  As a real estate agent in Miami, I sell homes to many people who are relocating, either from other parts of this country or from abroad, as well as Miami residents whose families are expanding and want a larger home to grow with them.  If you are a parent, being comfortable with area schools is an important factor that will help determine where you purchase a home.

Public elementary schools in Miami are generally very good, at least in the neighborhoods I have been fortunate enough to serve.  It is harder to find “A” rated public schools for middle and high school.   An “A” grade is obviously a plus, but some schools that are not “A” rated may have strong programs for groups of students with particular strengths, interests and needs.   Here is a report of current grades for all public Miami Dade county schools 2009SchoolPerformanceGrades.

How do you know which public school is available to you?  Just because a school is close by, does not necessarily mean it will be available as your child’s school.  If you are interested in a particular home and want to verify which public elementary, middle or high school your child will attend, the county has a handy tool to eliminate any confusion.  Simply enter the home address in the form located on this webpage and the public schools within the home’s boundaries will be displayed.  In addition, you will also find useful neighborhood information including facts on voting precincts, area demographics, trash pick-up days, and the closest child care center.

Because the overall school system in Miami has its weaknesses, you really need to be an advocate for your child.  Is you child precocious?  Get him or her tested for a gifted learning program, either through the school system or through private testing.  There is a great full-time magnet gifted learning program at Ludlam elementary school, as well as other great magnet curriculum’s throughout the county, including International Baccalaureate programs, which are available at schools like Sunset Elementary School and Coral Reef High School.

In addition to finding strong public school programs, there are many great private schools in Miami, like Ransom Everglades and Gulliver, as well as numerous schools with religious affiliations, with Temple Beth Am, Epiphany, and Westminster Christian, to name a few.  Here is a useful link to find area public and private schools http://www.schooldigger.com/go/FL/search.aspx. 

My daughter is 15 and has attended both public and private school in Miami.  She started out at St. John’s, a great pre-school program on Pinetree Drive, Miami Beach, and is now a sophomore at Palmetto High School in Pinecrest.  I am happy to share any advice or insights into Miami schools and wish every Miami parent the best of luck with their child’s education.  Do you have any info to share about Miami schools?  I would love to hear from you and add your comments as a resource on this blog. 

If you or anyone you know is in the market to sell or buy a new home, please call me at 786-473-4288, or email gvtuttle@hotmail.com.  I work for a local boutique brokerage, Concierge Real Estate Services, Inc., and look forward to becoming your personal Miami Real Estate concierge.

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