The 30 Best High Schools in Miami: Top Academic Institutions
Miami’s educational landscape features numerous high schools that serve students throughout the metropolitan area, ranging from traditional public institutions to specialized charter and magnet programs. The city’s diverse academic offerings include schools focused on arts, environmental science, international studies, and advanced academic preparation.
Selecting the right high school involves evaluating factors such as academic performance, specialized programs, campus culture, and college preparation opportunities that align with individual student goals.
Miami-Dade County’s high schools demonstrate strong performance metrics, with many institutions offering unique curricula and extracurricular activities that prepare students for higher education and career success.
Here are the 30 best high schools in Miami:
1. Coral Reef Senior High School
Coral Reef Senior High School ranks among Florida’s top educational institutions. The school holds the 39th position out of 792 Florida high schools and earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Located at 10101 SW 152nd St in Miami, this public magnet school serves 3,296 students in grades 8-12. The student-teacher ratio stands at 26 to 1.
The school maintains an exceptional 99.5% four-year graduation rate, the highest in Miami-Dade County. This significantly exceeds both the county average of 88% and Florida’s state average of 87%.
Academic performance remains strong across standardized assessments. State test scores show 71% of students demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and 85% in reading.
Coral Reef offers diverse academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate, and Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school operates as part of the 564-school Miami-Dade County Public Schools system.
2. Doral Academy Charter High School
Doral Academy Charter High School ranks #260 nationally and sits within the top 10% of all public schools in Florida. The school serves 2,067 students in grades 9-12 in the Doral area.
The institution consistently ranks among the best high schools in Miami-Dade County. It excels in key performance areas including test scores, graduation rates, and college preparation metrics.
Doral Academy offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. The school operates as part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, functioning as one of 182 high schools in the district.
The charter school has earned recognition as a three-time National Blue Ribbon School. It provides tuition-free education while maintaining high academic standards and performance levels throughout its programs.
3. Terra Environmental Research Institute
Terra Environmental Research Institute stands as a nationally recognized public magnet school in Miami-Dade County. The school serves 1,614 students in grades 9-12 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 26 to 1.
The institute ranks within the top 1% of all public schools in Florida. It specializes in three distinct academies: Engineering and Robotics, Biomedical Research, and Environmental and Field Studies.
Academic performance remains strong with 95% of students proficient in math and 96% proficient in reading according to state test scores. The school has maintained an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education since its inception in 2009.
Terra Environmental Research Institute achieved Gold Certification from the United States Green Building Council for LEED certification. This distinction made it the first school in Miami-Dade County to receive this environmental recognition.
The student body reflects Miami’s diversity with 91% minority enrollment and 32% of students classified as economically disadvantaged.
4. True North Classical Academy
True North Classical Academy stands as Miami’s first classical school, founded in 2015-16. The tuition-free charter school serves 1,360 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The school ranks in the top 1% of all public schools in Florida. True North consistently places among the top 25 schools statewide through its classical liberal arts approach.
Located at 9393 Sunset Drive, the academy focuses on creating scholars who excel in mind, body, and soul. Students receive rigorous academic instruction combined with moral development.
True North offers Advanced Placement courses as part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The school operates multiple campuses and early learning centers throughout South Florida.
The academy’s vision centers on unleashing students’ thirst for knowledge. This classical education model emphasizes the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty in learning.
5. Mast Academy
Mast Academy stands as Miami-Dade County’s only maritime and science technology magnet high school. Located on Virginia Key, the school serves 1,548 students in grades 6-12.
The school ranks within the top 1% of all public schools in Florida. U.S. News & World Report previously ranked MAST as the 42nd best high school nationally.
Established in September 1991, MAST Academy operates through a unique partnership with Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus. This collaboration makes it the only public high school in Florida with such a university partnership.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and Cambridge International curriculum. Students benefit from specialized marine and environmental science programs that align with the school’s maritime focus.
MAST Academy maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.6 to 1. The school is staffed by 85 full and part-time faculty members, with approximately 52% holding master’s degrees.
6. Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH)
Design and Architecture Senior High School stands as a premier magnet school in Miami’s Design District. The school serves 492 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1.
DASH requires students to apply through an audition process. The school combines rigorous academics with specialized art and design education for its diverse student population.
Academic performance remains strong at DASH. State test scores show 87% of students achieve proficiency in math and 93% in reading.
The school earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report. DASH ranked as the 15th best public high school in the nation in 2009 and 16th best in 2012.
Students can access Advanced Placement courses and participate in the Gifted & Talented program. The school operates as part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools district.
7. Miami Palmetto Senior High School
Miami Palmetto Senior High School operates as a public magnet school serving 2,672 students in grades 9-12. The school sits on 23 acres in Pinecrest, Florida, within southwest Miami-Dade County.
The school ranks #1,800 nationally and places within the top 50% of all public schools in Florida. Students consistently outperform both district and state averages on standardized tests and graduation rates.
Miami Palmetto offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. The school provides 23 different sports programs for student athletes.
The Class of 2022 gained admission to 44 of the top 50 colleges according to US News rankings. Students also accessed honors programs at major Florida universities including UF, FSU, and UCF.
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of approximately 22 to 1 with around 140 full-time teachers on staff.
8. International Studies Charter High School
International Studies Charter High School serves 360 students in grades 9-12 in Miami’s Coral Way neighborhood. The school is part of the Miami-Dade school district and operates as a public charter institution.
The school consistently ranks among Florida’s top high schools. It earned recognition as one of two Miami-Dade charter schools to rank in the nation’s top 100 high schools.
Students can access Advanced Placement courses and participate in a Gifted & Talented program. The school emphasizes global citizenship and integrity in its educational approach.
International Studies Charter High School offers dual diploma programs in French, Spanish, and Italian. These programs provide students with internationally recognized credentials upon graduation.
The school combines American and French teaching methods to create a unique learning environment. This approach prepares students to think and behave as global citizens.
9. Miami Arts Studio 6-12 at Zelda Glazer
Miami Arts Studio 6-12 at Zelda Glazer ranks among the top 5% of public schools in Florida. The school serves 1,841 students in grades 6-12 with a 24-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
The school operates as an all-magnet institution with no geographic boundaries. Students can choose from eight specialized studios including Band, Broadcasting, Dance, Entertainment Law, Orchestra, and Technical Production.
Academic performance remains strong with 82% of students proficient in math and 83% in reading. The school maintains an A-rating from the state and receives a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Miami Arts Studio combines traditional academics with arts education and critical thinking. The school originally opened as Zelda Glazer Middle School in 2007 with 17 teachers and 248 sixth-grade students before expanding to its current configuration.
10. School for Advanced Studies (SAS)
School for Advanced Studies represents a unique partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami Dade College. Students complete their final two years of high school while simultaneously earning an Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College.
The program operates across five Miami Dade College campuses: Kendall, North, Wolfson, West, and Homestead. This dual-enrollment model allows students to graduate with both a high school diploma and a college degree.
SAS has earned national recognition for academic excellence. Recent rankings have placed the school among the top five public high schools in the United States, with some campuses ranking as high as third nationally.
The school serves students in grades 11-12 exclusively. With its accelerated collegiate curriculum, SAS attracts high-achieving students seeking to advance their education efficiently while remaining within the Miami-Dade public school system.
11. G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School
G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School operates as a magnet school of choice in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. The school serves approximately 2,800 students in grades 8-12 on a 43-acre campus in suburban Southwest Miami.
The school offers three specialized magnet programs: Cambridge Global Studies, iPrep Cambridge, and Information Technology. These programs provide students with advanced academic opportunities and career preparation.
With a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1, Braddock ranks 38th among 106 high schools in the Miami-Dade School District for this metric. The school maintains a diverse student population with 98% minority enrollment.
According to state test scores, 26% of students demonstrate proficiency in mathematics while 49% show proficiency in reading. The school serves a multi-ethnic, middle-class population with 52.9% of students receiving free or reduced lunch assistance.
12. Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School
Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School serves grades 8-12 in Doral, Florida. The school opened in August 2006 and operates as part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district.
The school offers Cambridge International curriculum and Advanced Placement courses. Students can also participate in the Gifted & Talented program.
Reagan/Doral enrolls 1,313 students with a student-teacher ratio of 26 to 1. The school has a 96% minority enrollment rate, with 30% of students classified as economically disadvantaged.
Academic performance shows 35% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading based on state test scores. The school maintains an above-average rating among Florida public schools.
Principal Ramón Garrigo leads the institution located at 8600 NW 107 Avenue. The school’s mascot is the Bison, with colors of gold, green, and navy blue.
13. New World School of the Arts
New World School of the Arts stands as a premier public magnet school in downtown Miami. The institution serves 465 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
U.S. News consistently ranks the school with GOLD standing among the nation’s top high schools. The school places in the top 20% of all Florida public schools for overall academic performance.
Students demonstrate strong proficiency rates with 67% meeting math standards and 93% achieving reading proficiency. These scores exceed Florida state averages significantly.
The school operates as a dual-enrollment institution offering specialized programs in visual arts, dance, theatre, and music. Students can pursue both high school diplomas and college-level arts training simultaneously.
New World School of the Arts maintains accreditation through AdvancED for both academic and arts curricula. The institution coordinates with Miami-Dade County’s Office of School Choice and magnet programs.
14. Mater Academy Charter High School
Mater Academy Charter High School serves 1,650 students in grades 9-12 in Hialeah Gardens. The school operates as part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district.
The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Florida. It offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program for qualified students.
U.S. News & World Report recognized Mater Academy Charter High School as one of “America’s Best High Schools” with Gold level standing from 2010-2014. The Daily Beast also included it in their Top 25 list for schools “Doing the Most with the Least.”
The student body is 99% minority enrollment, with 81% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. The school focuses on college preparatory curriculum within a structured learning environment.
Mater Academy emphasizes rigorous academics designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and global competitiveness.
15. South Miami Senior High School
South Miami Senior High School stands as an award-winning Cambridge International School and Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence. The school serves 1,507 students in grades 9-12 within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district.
The institution offers Advanced Placement courses alongside a Cambridge International curriculum. Students can participate in 26 different sports programs and various extracurricular activities.
Notable programs include television production operated entirely by students from grades 9-12. The robotics team, established in 2007, ranks among the top programs in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
The school maintains a comprehensive fine arts program providing quality education in creative disciplines. South Miami Senior High School is located in the 33155 zip code area of Miami, Florida.
16. North Miami Senior High School
North Miami Senior High School serves students in grades 9-12 at 13110 NE 8th Avenue. The school originally opened in 1951 as Edward L. Constance Junior-Senior High School with 1,500 students.
The school operates as a public high school in the North Miami area. Students and families can access various resources through the school’s family portal system.
North Miami Senior High School faces academic challenges compared to other schools in the region. The school continues to serve its community despite performance gaps.
The campus provides standard high school programming for students in the North Miami district. School administration works to support student achievement through available programs and resources.
Families considering North Miami Senior High School should research current academic data and visit the campus to make informed decisions about enrollment.
17. Booker T. Washington Senior High School
Booker T. Washington Senior High School is a public magnet school located at 1200 NW 6th Avenue in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood. The school serves 1,036 students in grades 9-12 across Downtown, Brickell, Edgewater, East Little Havana, and Overtown areas.
The school operates as part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of approximately 13 to 1, which is better than the county average of 16 to 1.
As a magnet school, Booker T. Washington offers specialized programs including AP courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school also provides a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students.
The student body is diverse, with 99% minority enrollment and 60% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. The school ranks in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools according to state assessments.
18. Miami Beach Senior High School
Miami Beach Senior High School serves students in grades 9-12 at 2231 Prairie Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. The school has operated with “Hi Tide Pride since 1926” and maintains a diverse student population.
The school’s academic performance falls below Miami-Dade district and Florida state averages on standardized tests. However, it ranks 260th out of 1,068 Florida schools for students receiving lunch assistance.
Miami Beach Senior High has a free and reduced lunch rate of 35.4%, which is lower than the state average of 45.6%. This indicates the surrounding area has less poverty than typical Florida communities.
The school provides various resources including parent and student portals for family engagement. Students can access these digital platforms to track academic progress and communicate with staff.
19. Westland Hialeah Senior High School
Westland Hialeah Senior High School serves 1,106 students in grades 9-12 in Hialeah, Florida. The school operates as part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
The campus is located at 4000 West 18th Avenue. It functions as a magnet school offering Advanced Placement courses and a Gifted & Talented program.
The student body is highly diverse, with 99% minority enrollment. Additionally, 75% of students qualify as economically disadvantaged.
Academic performance shows 47% of students achieve proficiency in math and 35% in reading based on state test scores. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1.
Westland Hialeah Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of Florida public schools. The administration focuses on creating independent learners and responsible citizens for a global community.
20. Miami Coral Park Senior High School
Miami Coral Park Senior High School is a public magnet school serving 2,191 students in grades 9-12. The school is located in Miami, Florida and operates as part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. Students can also participate in Project Lead The Way curriculum, which focuses on STEM education pathways.
Academic performance shows 37% of students are proficient in mathematics and 49% are proficient in reading according to state assessments. The student-teacher ratio stands at 23 to 1.
Miami Coral Park Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of Florida public schools based on state testing results. The school serves as one of 182 high schools within the Miami-Dade County system.
21. Barbara Goleman Senior High School
Barbara Goleman Senior High School serves 3,071 students in grades 8-12 in Miami Lakes. The school operates as a magnet institution within Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
The school ranks in the top 30% of all public schools in Florida. It maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating above-average performance compared to state standards.
Academic achievement shows 58% of students are proficient in math and 69% in reading based on state test scores. The student-teacher ratio stands at 28 to 1.
Barbara Goleman offers Advanced Placement courses and a Gifted & Talented program. These programs provide accelerated learning opportunities for high-achieving students.
The school is located at 14100 NW 89th Avenue and is led by Principal Manuel Sanchez. It belongs to Miami-Dade County Public Schools Region I as school number 7751.
22. Kendall Hispanic Charter School
Kendall Hispanic Charter School serves students in the Kendall area of Miami-Dade County. The school focuses on providing bilingual education while maintaining academic excellence.
The charter school emphasizes both English and Spanish language instruction. This dual-language approach prepares students for success in Miami’s multicultural environment.
Students at Kendall Hispanic Charter School benefit from small class sizes. The school maintains a strong emphasis on college preparatory coursework.
The campus offers various extracurricular activities to complement academic programs. These include sports teams, academic clubs, and cultural organizations.
Faculty members work to create an inclusive learning environment. The school serves families who value bilingual education and cultural diversity.
Kendall Hispanic Charter School participates in state testing and accountability measures. The institution continues to adapt its programs to meet changing educational standards.
23. Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College operates as both a high school and technical college within the Miami-Dade School District. The institution was established in 1976 and has evolved to serve changing community needs.
The school serves 1,071 students in grades 9-12. It functions as a magnet school offering Advanced Placement courses and Cambridge International curriculum programs.
Miami Lakes Educational Center ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Florida. The school is ranked #6,210 in national rankings based on state test performance and college preparation metrics.
Students can access a Gifted and Talented program alongside technical education opportunities. The dual-learning environment provides both traditional high school academics and career-focused technical training.
The school is located at 5780 NW 158 Street in Miami Lakes and is one of 182 high schools in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system.
24. Central Miami Senior High School
Central Miami Senior High School operates as a magnet school serving grades 9-12 in Miami. The school enrolls approximately 1,660 students with 116 full-time teachers.
The student-to-teacher ratio stands at 14:1, which is better than the Miami-Dade County average of 16:1. This smaller ratio allows for more individualized attention in the classroom.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. These academic options provide students with opportunities to pursue challenging coursework.
Central Miami Senior High School is located at 1781 NW 95th Street in Miami. It functions as part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, which includes 182 high schools total.
The school ranks within the bottom 50% of Florida public schools based on overall performance metrics. Test score data shows an average SAT score of 754 and ACT score of 15.3 among participating students.
25. Madison Middle School and Senior High School
Madison Middle School serves students in Miami, Florida as part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. The school is located at 3400 NW 87th Street in Miami.
The institution operates as one of 263 middle schools within the district. Madison Middle School offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students.
The school serves the local community in the 33147 zip code area. Students can contact the main office at 305-836-2610 for information about enrollment and programs.
Madison Middle School functions as a public educational institution within Miami-Dade County’s extensive school network. The school maintains standard operating procedures typical of district middle schools.
The campus provides educational services to students in the northwest Miami area. Madison Middle School continues to serve its designated student population through various academic offerings.
26. Palm Beach Lakes Community High School
Palm Beach Lakes Community High School serves the West Palm Beach area with a comprehensive educational program. The school operates as a magnet institution offering Advanced Placement courses and specialized curricula.
Students can access Project Lead The Way curriculum alongside Cambridge International programs. These options provide diverse academic pathways for different learning interests and career goals.
The school enrolls approximately 2,783 students across grades 9-12. It functions as a coeducational public institution within the Palm Beach County School District.
Palm Beach Lakes Community High School is located in the Palm Beach Lakes community of West Palm Beach, Florida. The school is commonly referred to as Lakes or PBL by students and staff.
The institution ranks within the bottom 50% of Florida public schools based on state assessment data. Despite ranking challenges, the school continues to offer multiple educational programs and opportunities for student development.
27. Charter School of Excellence Academy
Charter School of Excellence Academy serves students in the Miami area with a focus on academic achievement and character development. The school operates as a public charter institution within the Miami-Dade County school system.
The academy emphasizes college preparatory coursework and maintains structured learning environments. Students have access to core academic subjects along with enrichment programs designed to support their educational goals.
Faculty members work to create supportive classroom settings that encourage student engagement. The school tracks student progress through regular assessments and provides additional support when needed.
Charter School of Excellence Academy participates in state testing requirements and follows Florida educational standards. The institution serves families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools while maintaining public school accessibility and accountability measures.
28. Southwest Miami Senior High School
Southwest Miami Senior High School serves 2,523 students in grades 9-12. The school is located in Olympia Heights, Florida, within Miami-Dade County.
The school operates as a public magnet institution offering Advanced Placement courses. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1.
According to state test scores, 45% of students demonstrate proficiency in mathematics. Reading proficiency reaches 51% among the student body.
Southwest Miami Senior High holds an ‘A’ school rating from the state. The institution ranks as the second-best among more than 30 public schools that are neither all magnet nor charter schools in the district.
The school features a Banking and Finance Magnet Program. This program received recognition as one of the top 100 schools for teaching personal finance, ranking 5th in the large schools category.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the district containing Southwest Miami Senior High, ranks 22nd out of 67 districts statewide.
29. Homestead Senior High School
Homestead Senior High School serves as a public magnet school in Homestead, Florida. The school enrolls 2,247 students in grades 9-12 and operates as part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. Students benefit from specialized academic opportunities within the magnet school framework.
The student body consists of 96% minority enrollment. Additionally, 74% of students qualify as economically disadvantaged, reflecting the school’s diverse demographic composition.
Homestead Senior High School consistently ranks in the bottom half of Florida high schools. The institution holds a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating areas for academic improvement.
The school operates within Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which ranks 22nd out of 67 districts statewide. Students can access district-wide resources and support systems through this large educational network.
30. Life Academy of Excellence Charter High School
Life Academy of Excellence Charter High School serves students in the Miami area as part of the local charter school network. The school operates under Florida’s charter school system, which allows for innovative educational approaches.
The academy focuses on providing students with academic preparation and character development. Students have access to various educational programs designed to prepare them for college and career readiness.
As a charter school, Life Academy of Excellence operates with increased autonomy compared to traditional public schools. This flexibility allows the institution to implement specialized curricula and teaching methods.
The school participates in Florida’s standardized testing system. Students work toward earning their high school diploma while developing skills for post-secondary education or workforce entry.
Life Academy of Excellence maintains its commitment to serving Miami-area families seeking alternative educational options within the public school system.
Academic Excellence in Miami High Schools
Miami high schools demonstrate strong academic performance with math proficiency at 46% and reading proficiency at 56%, both exceeding state averages. The district’s top schools offer comprehensive Advanced Placement programs, specialized STEM initiatives, and robust college preparation resources.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs
Miami’s leading high schools provide extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings across multiple disciplines. Students can access AP classes in core subjects including calculus, chemistry, physics, and English literature.
Many schools offer 20+ AP courses spanning humanities, sciences, and world languages. Top-performing institutions like Coral Reef Senior High School maintain high AP exam pass rates with over 70% of students scoring 3 or higher.
International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are available at select Miami schools. These programs emphasize critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives through rigorous coursework.
IB diploma candidates complete extended essays, creativity projects, and community service requirements. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students for competitive university admissions both domestically and internationally.
STEM and Humanities Opportunities
Miami high schools feature specialized STEM academies within traditional campus settings. These programs focus on engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and environmental science through hands-on learning experiences.
Students participate in robotics competitions, science fairs, and research partnerships with local universities. Many schools maintain modern laboratories and maker spaces equipped with 3D printers and advanced technology.
Humanities programs emphasize creative writing, debate, and foreign language immersion. Students can pursue dual-language tracks in Spanish, French, or other world languages.
Theater arts, journalism, and creative writing programs provide opportunities for artistic expression. Mock trial teams and debate clubs develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.
College Preparation Resources
The School for Advanced Studies (SAS) operates as a dual-enrollment program partnering with Miami Dade College. Students earn college credits while completing high school requirements, reducing future tuition costs.
College counseling services help students navigate applications, scholarships, and financial aid processes. Many schools maintain dedicated college preparation centers with full-time counselors.
SAT and ACT preparation courses are offered through both regular curriculum and after-school programs. Students receive individualized support for standardized test preparation and college essay writing.
Career and technical education pathways prepare students for immediate workforce entry or continued education. These programs include certifications in healthcare, business, and skilled trades.
Campus Life and Student Experience
Miami’s top high schools offer diverse campus environments where students engage in specialized programs, competitive athletics, and meaningful community service opportunities. These schools emphasize holistic development through structured extracurricular programs and leadership initiatives.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Miami high schools provide extensive club offerings that cater to academic, creative, and professional interests. Students can participate in robotics teams, debate societies, and academic honor societies like National Honor Society and Beta Club.
Popular Club Categories:
- Academic Clubs: Science Olympiad, Math Team, Model UN
- Creative Arts: Drama Club, Photography Club, Literary Magazine
- Professional Development: Future Business Leaders of America, Health Occupations Students of America
- Cultural Organizations: Spanish Honor Society, International Club
Many schools offer specialized programs tied to their focus areas. Terra Environmental Research Institute students participate in environmental science clubs and research projects. New World School of the Arts provides theater productions and art exhibitions as part of their performing arts curriculum.
Technology-focused clubs have gained prominence across Miami schools. Students join coding clubs, cybersecurity teams, and digital media groups that prepare them for modern career paths.
Athletics and Performing Arts
Miami high schools compete in the Florida High School Athletic Association across multiple sports divisions. Basketball, football, and soccer programs attract significant student participation and community support.
Major Athletic Programs:
- Fall Sports: Football, Volleyball, Cross Country
- Winter Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling
- Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, Tennis
Performing arts programs hold equal importance in many schools. New World School of the Arts partners with Miami Dade College and University of Florida to provide professional-level training in dance, music, and theater.
Students participate in marching bands, jazz ensembles, and choir groups that compete at state and national levels. Drama departments produce multiple shows annually, from classic plays to contemporary musicals.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Miami high schools emphasize community service through structured volunteer programs and student government opportunities. Students complete service hours for graduation requirements while developing leadership skills.
Leadership Opportunities:
- Student Government Association positions
- Class officer roles
- Club president and officer positions
- Peer tutoring and mentorship programs
Schools partner with local organizations for service projects. Students volunteer at hospitals, environmental conservation sites, and community centers throughout Miami-Dade County.
Many schools offer leadership development courses and workshops. These programs teach students project management, public speaking, and team collaboration skills that transfer to college and career settings.