The Maya Vander Group

🌴 Moving to Miami with Kids? Here’s the Scoop on the Best Schools by Neighborhood

Thinking about relocating to Miami and wondering what the school situation looks like?
If you’ve got kids and school quality is high on your list (as it should be!), you're in luck — Miami has some amazing schools tucked into its best neighborhoods. From laidback beach life to suburban peace and quiet, you’ll find both public and private options that make the transition easier for everyone in the fam.

Let’s break it down neighborhood by neighborhood so you can get a feel for what fits your family’s vibe. ✨

🌳 Pinecrest – Suburban Peace + Top Public Schools

Pinecrest is one of those magical places where you’ve got palm-lined streets, big backyards, and some of the highest-rated public schools in all of Miami. It’s a favorite for families who want great education without necessarily going private.

Public School Standouts:

Palmetto Elementary
Palmetto Middle
Miami Palmetto Senior High – A trifecta of solid public education.

Private Options:

Gulliver Prep (Pinecrest Campus) – Elite, well-rounded, great extracurriculars.
Temple Beth Am Day School – Jewish private school, warm and community-focused.

🏛️ Coral Gables / South Miami – Old World Charm + Academic Excellence

If you’re drawn to Mediterranean-style homes, walkable streets, and bougainvillea everywhere, Coral Gables (and its close neighbor South Miami) might steal your heart. And yes — the schools here are just as charming as the streets.

Public Schools:

Coral Gables Preparatory Academy
George Washington Carver Middle (Magnet + IB program!)
Coral Gables Senior High

Private Picks:

Gulliver Prep (Main Campus) – Continues here from Pinecrest, especially strong for middle and high school.
St. Theresa Catholic School – Highly rated, traditional values.
St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School – A warm, nurturing private school with small class sizes. Great focus on early education and whole-child development.
Riviera Day School
French-American School of Miami – Bilingual, international flair

🌞 Palmetto Bay / Cutler Bay – Enter: Palmer Trinity School

Not far from Pinecrest (just 10–15 minutes south), you’ll find Palmer Trinity School, a beloved private option for grades 6–12.

Why Families Love It:

Gorgeous open campus surrounded by nature
Focus on academics, arts, character, and global citizenship 🌍
Solid athletics + leadership programs
Truly feels like a nurturing mini college for teens

🏡 Miami Shores – Village Vibes with Community Feel

If you’re into front-porch living and knowing your neighbors, this little village north of downtown is cozy, historic, and family-friendly.

Public Schools:

Miami Shores Elementary
Horace Mann Middle School

Private Picks:

Miami Country Day School – Prestigious, diverse, amazing facilities.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School – Smaller, faith-based education.

✅ Cushman School

📍 Location: Primarily in the Morningside / Upper East Side area, just north of Downtown Miami
🎓 Grades: PK3–12
🌟 Vibe: Progressive, creative, well-rounded education with a focus on character, confidence, and leadership

Public Schools:

North Beach Elementary
South Pointe Elementary
Nautilus Middle School
Miami Beach Senior High – Offers AP and International Programs.

Private Choices:

Montessori Academy at St. John's – Calming, hands-on learning.
RASG Hebrew Academy – Jewish day school, K–12.
Fisher Island Day School – Tiny, exclusive, and yes… you need a boat/ferry

This list is meant to be a helpful starting point — a way to get a feel for what’s out there as you explore schools in the Miami area. Every family is different, and what works beautifully for one child may not be the perfect fit for another.

✨ So please do your own research!
Visit campuses, talk to other parents, ask for tours, check out reviews — and most importantly, trust your gut about what feels right for your child.