Moving to South Florida opens up an exciting new chapter for families. But let’s be honest, choosing the right school in South Florida can feel a bit overwhelming.
Whether your child is in Pre-K, elementary, middle, or high school, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties offer a wide range of educational opportunities.
These include schools in the popular neighborhoods of Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Davie, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach.
You’ll be Choosing Between Three Main Types of Schools: Public, Charter, and Private
Each one has its benefits, academic tracks and extra curricular offerings. Private schools will inevitably require a hefty investment. That’s why it’s important to understand how they differ and what makes them unique before making a decision.
If you’re coming from another state, you’ll probably recognize some similarities. However, some Florida school districts are quite different from those in the rest of the US. Did you know that the Miami-School district is the third largest in the nation and just recently surpassed Chicago’s?
Be prepared to run into new academic standards, different academic programs and levels of community involvement, and support services.
Miami School Advisors is here to help families navigate the complex landscape of schools in Florida.
The table below breaks down the pros and cons of each school type and gives you practical tips so you can start understanding some key differences confidently. Let’s dive in. And don’t worry, there’s no quiz at the end.
Public, Charter, or Private? Compare Your Options Easily
Category
What You Need to Know
Public Schools
Tuition-free, government-funded schools assigned by residential zones. They offer diverse communities and strong academic programs, but are limited by where you live.
Charter Schools
Publicly funded but independently run. Known for smaller classes, innovative programs, and lottery-based admissions.
Private Schools
Tuition-based with smaller class sizes and tailored curriculums. Often include faith-based or alternative methods and strong community values.
Public Schools in South Florida
Public schools are funded by state and local taxes. They offer free education and are managed by local school districts.
In South Florida, Miami-Dade County Public Schools serve Miami-Dade families across a large network of campuses covering close to 400 schools and more than 380,000 students.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and the School District of Palm Beach County also serve thousands of students across hundreds of campuses.
These schools follow the Florida Assessments of Student Thinking (FAST) which replaced the older FSA (Florida Standards Assessments) beginning in the 2022–2023 school year. What is the FAST?
- It’s a progress monitoring assessment, meaning students take it three times a year (rather than one big end-of-year test).
- It covers subjects like English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
- High school students also take End-of-Course (EOC) exams in subjects like Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, Civics, and U.S. History.
How Public Schools in Florida Get Rated
Florida public schools are rated by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) through the school grading system, which assigns each school a letter grade (A–F). These grades are meant to give families and communities a snapshot of how well a school is performing.
Here’s how it works:
Main Factors Used in School Grades
- Student Achievement
- Performance on statewide standardized tests (FAST – Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, and end-of-course exams).
- Subjects include English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and Social Studies.
- Performance on statewide standardized tests (FAST – Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, and end-of-course exams).
- Learning Gains
- Growth in student achievement from one year to the next.
- Special emphasis on the lowest-performing 25% of students in each school.
- Growth in student achievement from one year to the next.
- Graduation Rate (High Schools Only)
- Percentage of students graduating within four years of entering high school.
- Percentage of students graduating within four years of entering high school.
- College and Career Acceleration (High Schools Only)
- Percentage of students earning college credit or industry certifications through programs like AP, IB, AICE, or dual enrollment.
- Percentage of students earning college credit or industry certifications through programs like AP, IB, AICE, or dual enrollment.
- Middle School Acceleration
- Percentage of middle school students passing high school–level end-of-course exams or earning industry certifications.
- Percentage of middle school students passing high school–level end-of-course exams or earning industry certifications.
How Points and Grades Are Assigned
- Schools earn points based on the percentage of students meeting expectations in each category.
- The total points are converted into a letter grade:
- A = Excellent performance
- B = Above average
- C = Satisfactory
- D = Below satisfactory
- F = Failing
- A = Excellent performance
Why It Matters
- Grades affect public perception of schools.
- They can impact enrollment, teacher recruitment, and even property values in nearby neighborhoods.
- Schools with consistently low grades may face state interventions or improvement plans.
The Miami Dade County Public School District has been rated “A” for five consecutive school years (2021–22 through 2023–24), with another “A” added in 2024–25, continuing a strong run.
On the other hand, Palm Beach County earned an “A” in 2024-2025 and 2023-2024, rebounding from a prior B, with improvements driven by instructional focus and advanced opportunities. This year, Broward County held steady with an “A” in 2024-2025, and a good roster of schools that earned primarily “A” and “B’s”.
What Defines a Public School
Public schools in Florida are assigned by school zone. That means if you live within a certain district boundary, your child is guaranteed a seat at your local public school.
Miami, Broward and Palm Beach counties oversee many schools. They follow consistent standards across the board and are committed to accessibility.
These schools also rely on state testing, which gives families measurable insight into academic performance. Depending on the area you are considering, it can be extremely daunting to determine what is the best school in one particular neighborhood.
At Miami School Advisors, we guide you through the data, state testing rankings and information available at the district level, to help you determine which public school might be the best fit for your children. You can book a complimentary call here to get to know us and understand our services.
Curriculum and Standards
Families moving from states like New York or Massachusetts may be familiar with honors tracks or AP courses beginning early. Florida offers a similar level of rigor.
Many South Florida public high schools include Advanced Placement (AP) classes and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Districts also offer dual enrollment opportunities so students can earn college credits in high school. There’s also a growing emphasis on STEM pathways that prepare students for science and technology careers.
Some of the most exciting and competitive academic programs in Florida schools offer what is called Magnet Programs. A magnet program is a specialized program within a public school (or sometimes an entire school) that focuses on a particular theme, subject area, or teaching approach.
Here’s what makes them unique:
- Specialized focus – Programs might emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), performing arts, international studies, medical or legal studies, or other areas of interest.
- Diverse enrollment – They’re designed to attract students from across a school district, not just from the immediate neighborhood.
- Choice-based – Families apply to them, and admission is often based on interest, talent, or sometimes academic performance (depending on the program).
Each district will manage a set of unique deadlines and criteria for magnet schools. At Miami School Advisors our service includes ensuring families are aware of key dates for deadlines, events and registration requirements.
Class Size and Resources
Typical class sizes in Florida range from 18 to 22 students. If you’re used to smaller class sizes, this might be a compromise. However, Florida’s public schools offer strong support systems.
You’ll find programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), special education services, and tutoring.
Schools are also equipped with modern technology labs, arts centers, and athletic facilities. These well-rounded environments help support students socially, academically, and emotionally.
Miami Dade County schools for example, are some of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse schools in the country.
Enrollment Process
Enrollment usually happens between January and March. You’ll need to submit:
- Proof of residency (lease, utility bill)
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Previous school transcripts
- Additional forms and documents to be provided by school
An incomplete registration may delay the process or limit your options, so make sure you are well informed about the specific requirements to register at your school. Think of it like reserving a spot at a popular summer camp. The sooner you act, the better your choices.
At Miami School Advisors, we make sure that parents understand the registration process and are as best prepared. We guide them every step of the way so they know what to expect and bring at a school registration.
Whether you want to work with us on a longer term basis and explore a package or want to book a One-Hour Call today, we are here to help. If you have any questions about our services, you can also book a complimentary call here.
Charter Schools in South Florida
Charter schools offer the structure of public education with more flexibility. They receive public funding but operate under a charter, or contract, that allows for innovative teaching models.
Florida is home to over 650 charter schools and a large number of them have received high marks and national recognition.
More than 100 charter schools are located in Miami. These schools give families additional options outside of traditional district-run campuses.
Many Charter schools in Miami have been incredibly successful and do a great job at preparing students. However, you have to do extensive research to really understand a charter school’s vision, mission and reputation, as many have only been opened for only a few years and they have a young legacy.
At Miami School Advisors, we have a deep understanding of the Charter School offering and its pluses and minuses. We share some tips below.
Understanding Charter Schools
Charter schools are tuition-free and open to everyone. They are not bound by some of the same regulations as public district schools, which allows them to take a more creative approach to learning.
Some focus on science and tech, while others highlight the arts, language immersion, or career training. If your child has a specific interest or learning style, a charter school might align more closely with their needs.
Curriculum Innovations
Flexibility and Innovation are often characteristics of charter schools. As charter schools, they have more freedom in curriculum design, scheduling, staffing, and teaching methods compared to traditional public schools.
In Palm Beach, you might find a charter middle school teaching kids to code and build robots. In Miami-Dade County, you may see programs focused on technology, sports sciences, or classical education.
These programs allow students to explore real-world applications of what they learn in class.
Admissions by Lottery
Charter schools don’t have assigned zones. Instead, they admit students through a lottery system. If more students apply than there are seats, a random selection process determines enrollment.
It varies when charter schools open admission applications. At Miami School Advisors, we help you stay on track and aware of deadlines, as Charter School lotteries and application windows typically change every year. We lead you in identifying which charter schools stand and have unique admission requirements.
Since charter schools use lotteries with their own requirements and deadlines, Miami School Advisors helps families get ready, plan ahead and familiarize themselves with the Charter School offering in each of the school districts. We help you maximize all possible opportunities at charter schools that stand out academically, and our goal is to improve your chances of admission at a great school.
Comparing Stability and Reputation
Some charter schools consistently outperform traditional public schools. Others may lack consistency and still be developing their curriculum and leadership teams.
To get a better idea of a charter school’s performance, Miami School Advisors reviews Florida’s school grading reports, performance trends, and local parent insights.
We help you identify charter schools that are stable, effective, and supportive for your child, and explain what the data means for your family.
Start your school search now. Book a consultation with Miami School Advisors.
Private Schools in South Florida
Private schools offer unique environments with a wide range of teaching philosophies. These schools are funded through tuition, donations and endowments, not government dollars.
If your family values personalized education, smaller classes, and a specific set of values or academic style, private school might be the right fit.
Types of Private Schools
South Florida offers many different types of private schools. You’ll find faith-based institutions like Catholic, Jewish, or Protestant schools. You’ll also see Montessori programs, Waldorf academies, and elite college-prep campuses.
Tuition varies widely. Some schools charge around $6,000 per year, while others may cost over $30,000. This broad range makes it daunting and at times impossible to find options that match your family’s educational goals and budget.
At Miami School Advisors we help you be more efficient in understanding the unique differences at each of the private school options.
Academic Rigor and Class Size
One of the biggest advantages of private schools is their small class sizes. Many cap enrollment or have small teacher to student ration, say 10 to 15 students per room. This allows for individualized attention and tailored instruction.
Private schools often offer advanced electives such as robotics, foreign language immersion, and performing arts. These programs can create a rich and dynamic academic experience.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The sticker price can be intimidating, but many private schools offer need-based aid, merit scholarships, and payment plans.
When you choose private schools, Miami School Advisors makes the process simple. We tailor the school search to your needs, your lifestyle and your budget.
When working with us, the process is simple. We can be objective discussing value, school offering and the benefits of making the investment into a private school.
Most importantly, we guide you through what can be a very intimidating process, as the application process is often involved and requires several steps in the process.
Set up a complementary call to learn more about our services.
Campus Culture and Values
Private schools are known for emphasizing personal growth, character development, and community involvement. Many have uniforms, honor codes, and structured extracurricular activities.
These programs foster a tight-knit school culture. If you’re coming from an area with fewer private school options, South Florida’s private sector might offer a refreshing change and a strong sense of community.
Ready to Choose? Call Miami School Advisors Today
Choosing the right school is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. South Florida offers outstanding educational options across public, charter, and private systems.
The best approach is to start early. Connect with us and we will guide you to attend open houses, connect with other parents, and understand what each school can offer to your children.
Miami School Advisors specializes in helping families like yours compare school options, understand enrollment deadlines, and find the perfect fit across Miami-Dade County, Broward, and Palm Beach.
Contact us today and take the stress out of your school search.
You’re not just choosing a school, you’re setting the foundation for your child and your family’s future. Click here to learn more about our Founder & Lead Consultant.
