If everything was based around the middle school which would you choose? (Kendall: neighborhood)

[formerfire]

Hi,

I have 3 kids, 10, 8 and 7 so probably heading into Gr 5, 4 and 1 (part way thru year).

My biggest concern is my son who is 10, he will come to a new country, move from private to public school and then only have one year with that group of friends before moving to middle school.

So my question is, what are the best public middle schools around Coral Gables, Pinecrest etc (I am not bound by the area, more by finding a good school).

I seem to be able to find a lot of elementary to choose from, but not so much middle school.

If you could help me out with some specific names i could research further I would be soooooooooooooooooo appreciative.

[flyers29]

Palmetto, Southwood

[formerfire]

I just looked at those, i think they are the only high scorers on the greatschool site. It appears Palmetto might be better? Do you think?

Have you heard of Vineland? Good/bad/otherwise

[flyers29]

I'd imagine they're both about the same in educational quality. Southwood also has an arts magnet.

I've heard of Vineland, though I thought it was an elementary school.

[giz2000]

Originally Posted by formerfire

I just looked at those, i think they are the only high scorers on the greatschool site. It appears Palmetto might be better? Do you think?

Have you heard of Vineland? Good/bad/otherwise

Don't just go by the scores on the Greatschools site...a school is much more than its standardized test scores. I would suggest visiting the schools so you can get a better perspective.

As far as middle schools, there are others that rank up there...McMillan and Curry come to mind. You might also want to consider a K-8 program as well. Devonaire has a really good one.

[RubyJewelStone]

Personally I would consider private schools as well--take a look at the tuition and then with the added flexibility choosing a different and potentially cheaper neighborhood can mean that you get the best of both worlds. And since many private schools are K-12 and K-8 schools your son wouldn't have to readjust so suddenly after elementary.

And do visit to get a feel of the places.

[doggiebus]

The Palmetto/Pinecrest Schools are very good. I wouldn't hesitate to send a child to the schools there. Even the schools in the East Kendall area which feed into Killian High School are good.

[Edu983]

Originally Posted by formerfire

Hi,

I have 3 kids, 10, 8 and 7 so probably heading into Gr 5, 4 and 1 (part way thru year).

My biggest concern is my son who is 10, he will come to a new country, move from private to public school and then only have one year with that group of friends before moving to middle school.

So my question is, what are the best public middle schools around Coral Gables, Pinecrest etc (I am not bound by the area, more by finding a good school).

I seem to be able to find a lot of elementary to choose from, but not so much middle school.

If you could help me out with some specific names i could research further I would be soooooooooooooooooo appreciative.

The best public schools are located in Doral.

http://www.cityofdoral.com/cityofdoral/index.php?Itemid=46&id=15&option=com_content&task= view (broken link)

[Boatdrinks99]

Palmetto Middle School