Best Schools in El Portal

1) JAM Preparatory Academy (K-12)

8700 NW 5th Ave, El Portal, FL 33150

JAM Preparatory Academy is a private K–12 school in El Portal, designed to serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a continuous academic experience under one roof. 

The school emphasizes individualized support and a college-preparatory approach as it completes its full program, with a curriculum spanning elementary, middle, and high school grade levels that focuses on core subject areas enhanced by supplemental academic support services. 

JAM Prep uses a STEM-forward curriculum, student reading and writing clubs, and mentorship programs that foster both academic and personal growth throughout the student journey.

Beyond classroom instruction, the school offers additional services, such as tutoring, homework assistance, after-school care, and transportation options for enrolled families, along with participation in statewide scholarship programs, including Step Up For Students, McKay Scholarships, and Gardiner Scholarships.

As a newly established school actively enrolling students for the upcoming academic year, JAM Preparatory Academy reflects a developing community where personalized attention and structured support are key components of the educational experience.

3) Miami Shores Elementary School (PK-5) (Top-Pick!) 

10351 NE 5th Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33138 

An elementary school served by Miami-Dade County, Miami Shores Elementary School, offers education from PK-5, just 3 minutes from El Portal.

The Miami Shores community of teachers and staff increases student academic excellence, fosters a positive learning environment, and encourages children to reach their goals.

Miami Shores Elementary School provides quality education through district connections and community resources, emphasizing supporting each student's individuality. 

The school believes that a positive culture ensures students' academic journeys are filled with lifelong memories, which will help maximize student achievement and prepare them to be cultivated, functioning, and active citizens in an ever-changing society.

Miami Shores Elementary School uses the Cambridge curriculum, encouraging students to gain confidence, responsibility, and reflectiveness, becoming innovative and engaged learners.

According to recent data, Miami Shores Elementary School has 620 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, and the latest state test scores indicate that at least 57% of its students are proficient in math and 62% in reading.

Click here for Miami Shores Elementary School's 2024-2025 Report Card by the Florida Department of Education.

5) Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School (PK-5) 

602 NE 96th St, Miami Shores, FL 33138  

A private Christian school for  PK-5, Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School is more than a school, but a family that guides students to a high level of academics and arts-integrated curriculum within a loving, nurturing, and caring environment, just 4 minutes from El Portal.

At Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School, all children are unique in the eyes of God. That said, the school aims to promote Spiritual knowledge, develop emotional knowledge, and cultivate life readiness in each child.

With this, Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School uses a holistic educational approach focusing on its students' linguistic, social, emotional, physical, creative, and spiritual development. 

The school believes this methodology will effectively encourage the child's potential, leading them to a future of greatness.

According to recent data, Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School has 114 students with a student-teacher ratio of 4 to 1.

7) Miami Country Day School (PK-12) (Top-Pick!)

601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161  

A private school for levels PK-12, Miami Country Day School is an independent, coeducational, nonprofit learning community that aims to meet the needs of every student through a whole-child philosophy, just a 5-minute drive from El Portal.

Miami Country Day School's committed and passionate teachers create classroom experiences that combine elements of a classical education with the innovative practices of project- and problem-based learning, resulting in an intentional balance that allows for a vigorous education yielding extraordinary results.

MCDS also boasts small class sizes that allow tailored instruction, technology to support instructional strategies to foster interactive, collaborative, and innovative teaching and learning, trans-disciplinary skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communicating, and questioning, and a focus on real-life application of the academics, motivating students to delve deeper into topics.

According to recent data, Miami Country Day School has 1,250 students with a student-teacher ratio of 5 to 1.

9) St. Mary's Cathedral School (PK-8) 

7485 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33150 

A private Catholic school for levels PK-8, St. Mary's Cathedral School, exists to promote Gospel Values, serve the people of God, foster a Catholic community centered in the Holy Spirit, and provide students with spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional growth, just 5 minutes from El Portal.

St. Mary's Cathedral School's goal is to empower each student in spirit, thought, and discipleship so that they can contribute to the global community. 

To achieve this, the school utilizes a variety of instructional strategies, high expectations, structure, and discipline to ensure all students learn and achieve academic excellence. 

The St. Mary's Cathedral School community is accountable for every student's success, as it educates them to become the people of God and promotes selfless service.

According to recent data, St. Mary's Cathedral School has 401 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.

11) Jewish Leadership Academy (K-12) 

975 NW 95th St, Miami, FL 33150

Jewish Leadership Academy is a private K–12 day school in Miami serving middle and upper school students with a combined secular and Judaic education rooted in Modern Orthodox values, just 6 minutes from El Portal.

The academy's program challenges students academically while fostering leadership, service, and a deep connection to Jewish heritage, with an academic schedule that typically includes eight class periods Monday through Thursday covering core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, Judaic studies, and Hebrew, along with art, STEM, optional enrichment, and daily physical conditioning. 

Fridays feature advisory periods, community service, leadership seminars, and independent study projects.

JLA integrates immersive experiential learning into its curriculum, including an annual multi-week study program in Israel for older students that blends classroom instruction with real-world exploration of Jewish culture and history.
The school also embeds a service-oriented curriculum that includes community service, design thinking, and nonprofit awareness, preparing students with practical leadership skills.

According to recent data, Jewish Leadership Academy has approximately 185 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.

1) JAM Preparatory Academy (K-12)

8700 NW 5th Ave, El Portal, FL 33150

JAM Preparatory Academy is a private K–12 school in El Portal, designed to serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a continuous academic experience under one roof. 

The school emphasizes individualized support and a college-preparatory approach as it completes its full program, with a curriculum spanning elementary, middle, and high school grade levels that focuses on core subject areas enhanced by supplemental academic support services. 

JAM Prep uses a STEM-forward curriculum, student reading and writing clubs, and mentorship programs that foster both academic and personal growth throughout the student journey.

Beyond classroom instruction, the school offers additional services, such as tutoring, homework assistance, after-school care, and transportation options for enrolled families, along with participation in statewide scholarship programs, including Step Up For Students, McKay Scholarships, and Gardiner Scholarships.

As a newly established school actively enrolling students for the upcoming academic year, JAM Preparatory Academy reflects a developing community where personalized attention and structured support are key components of the educational experience.

3) Primer Microschools - Miami Shores (K-8) (Top-Pick!) 

9823 NE 4th Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33138

A K–8 private school, Primer Microschools – Miami Shores, offers a personalized, project-based approach to learning designed for the modern student, just 2 minutes from El Portal.

At Primer, education is anything but one-size-fits-all.

With small group settings and an emphasis on creativity, independence, and curiosity, students move at their own pace, whether it's writing a short story, designing a video game, or building a robot during afternoon passion projects.

The school also supports families through a mix of state and in-house scholarship options, making it a viable choice for those seeking flexibility without compromising quality.

With its growing campus community and open house events for curious parents and students, Primer Microschools – Miami Shores stands out as a forward-thinking option in the local education landscape.

According to recent data, Primer Microschools – Miami Shores has 90 students with a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1.

5) Miami Country Day School (PK-12) (Top-Pick!)

601 NE 107th St, Miami, FL 33161  

A private school for levels PK-12, Miami Country Day School is an independent, coeducational, nonprofit learning community that aims to meet the needs of every student through a whole-child philosophy, just a 5-minute drive from El Portal.

Miami Country Day School's committed and passionate teachers create classroom experiences that combine elements of a classical education with the innovative practices of project- and problem-based learning, resulting in an intentional balance that allows for a vigorous education yielding extraordinary results.

MCDS also boasts small class sizes that allow tailored instruction, technology to support instructional strategies to foster interactive, collaborative, and innovative teaching and learning, trans-disciplinary skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communicating, and questioning, and a focus on real-life application of the academics, motivating students to delve deeper into topics.

According to recent data, Miami Country Day School has 1,250 students with a student-teacher ratio of 5 to 1.

7) Jewish Leadership Academy (K-12) 

975 NW 95th St, Miami, FL 33150

Jewish Leadership Academy is a private K–12 day school in Miami serving middle and upper school students with a combined secular and Judaic education rooted in Modern Orthodox values, just 6 minutes from El Portal.

The academy's program challenges students academically while fostering leadership, service, and a deep connection to Jewish heritage, with an academic schedule that typically includes eight class periods Monday through Thursday covering core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, Judaic studies, and Hebrew, along with art, STEM, optional enrichment, and daily physical conditioning. 

Fridays feature advisory periods, community service, leadership seminars, and independent study projects.

JLA integrates immersive experiential learning into its curriculum, including an annual multi-week study program in Israel for older students that blends classroom instruction with real-world exploration of Jewish culture and history.
The school also embeds a service-oriented curriculum that includes community service, design thinking, and nonprofit awareness, preparing students with practical leadership skills.

According to recent data, Jewish Leadership Academy has approximately 185 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.

1) Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy For Community Education (9-12)

8950 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33150

Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education is a public high school serving students in grades 9 through 12 as part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. 

The school operates as an alternative educational setting, designed to support students who benefit from a smaller, more focused academic environment.

Using Florida's state-approved high school curriculum, Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education covers core subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, emphasizing academic engagement, individualized support, and creating pathways toward graduation in a more personalized setting.

With a smaller campus population, the school is able to offer closer student-teacher interaction and targeted guidance, supporting both academic progress and personal development throughout the high school years.

According to recent data, Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education has 80 students with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, and the latest state test scores indicate that at least 15% of students are proficient in math and 15% in reading.

Click here for Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education's 2024-2025 Report Card by the Florida Department of Education.

3) American Worldwide Academy (9-12) (Top-Pick!)

8101 Biscayne Blvd Suite R-206, Miami, FL 33138

A private Christian school for levels 9-12, American Worldwide Academy provides high-quality secondary education through its unique, distinctive, and prestigious section-by-section learning standard, a 3-minute drive from El Portal.

AWA aims to give hope and opportunity to all. 

The school cultivates, promotes, and nurtures each student's individuality, as AWA understands that students range in aptitude, interest, socio-cultural background, socio-economic background, and learning style.

That said, AWA assumes the responsibility of encouraging students to strive for academic excellence relative to their own potential.

According to recent data, American Worldwide Academy has 278 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.

5) Jewish Leadership Academy (K-12) (Top-Pick!)

975 NW 95th St, Miami, FL 33150

Jewish Leadership Academy is a private K–12 day school in Miami serving middle and upper school students with a combined secular and Judaic education rooted in Modern Orthodox values, just 6 minutes from El Portal.

The academy's program challenges students academically while fostering leadership, service, and a deep connection to Jewish heritage, with an academic schedule that typically includes eight class periods Monday through Thursday covering core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, Judaic studies, and Hebrew, along with art, STEM, optional enrichment, and daily physical conditioning. 

Fridays feature advisory periods, community service, leadership seminars, and independent study projects.

JLA integrates immersive experiential learning into its curriculum, including an annual multi-week study program in Israel for older students that blends classroom instruction with real-world exploration of Jewish culture and history.
The school also embeds a service-oriented curriculum that includes community service, design thinking, and nonprofit awareness, preparing students with practical leadership skills.

According to recent data, Jewish Leadership Academy has approximately 185 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.