Choosing where your children will attend school is one of the most consequential decisions parents make. The right environment can shape a student’s daily experience, academic development, confidence, and sense of community. And for families considering private education, the cost alone makes careful research essential.
For those living in or looking to relocate to Miami, the city offers some of the most diverse and outstanding schools in South Florida. From faith-based institutions to schools with curricula designed after the Montessori educational method, there’s no shortage of options.
Keep reading to discover our selection of Miami’s 12 highest-rated private schools, with current information about grade levels, tuition, enrollment, and distinctive programs to help parents begin their research.
— What to Know Beforehand
While Florida private schools are required to register with the Florida Department of Education and complete an annual survey, they’re not directly overseen by the department, so they have more freedom regarding what they teach. As such, each school is responsible for its curriculum, assessment, grading, and graduation requirements, but they still loosely follow the Common Core standards to ensure students perform well on standardized testing.
Enrollment in a Miami private school typically takes over a year and includes school tours, parent and student interviews, recommendations, and testing. While some schools offer rolling admission when space is available, most have strict deadlines and requirements, so getting a head start is crucial.
Lastly, due to higher school density, Miami has a wider selection of top-rated schools than nearby counties like Palm Beach or Broward. This list comprises schools throughout greater Miami, and with no zoning restrictions, parents are free to enroll their children in their school of
— Top Private Schools in Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove Montessori School
3280 Bird Avenue & 2850 SW 27th Avenue in Coconut Grove
Grades: Nursery, pre-K & K–5
Number of students: 42 (nursery and pre-K) & 268 (main campus)
Student-teacher ratios: 7:1 (nursery), 14:1 (main campus)
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $28,850
Phone number: +1 (305) 444-4484
Coconut Grove Montessori School (CGMS) is a coeducational institution based on Maria Montessori’s innovative method of education, fostering independence, developing real-world skills, and infusing hands-on learning.
The school’s Toddlers’ House enrolls children as young as 18 months up to three years, offering half-day and full-day programs, while Children’s House focuses on three- to six-year-olds. Its Elementary program, from grades one to five, provides a dynamic environment designed to motivate children to reach their full potential at their own pace.
CGMS also offers Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese as part of its World Languages Curriculum with a developmentally responsive approach to language instruction.
Ransom Everglades School
2045 South Bayshore Drive & 3575 Main Highway in Coconut Grove
Grades: 6–12
Number of students: 1,246
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $57,300
Phone numbers: +1 (305) 460-8800 & (305) 250-6850
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades consistently ranks among Miami’s best private middle and high schools, offering coeducational, college preparatory education for students in grades 6–12 across two lushly landscaped campuses in Coconut Grove. The school defines itself as “a private school with a public purpose,” which is achieved through academic excellence and a commitment to serving the local community.
The school’s dedicated Holzman Center of Applied Ethics and interdisciplinary approach to the academic, physical, and character development of its students are of note, with Ransom graduates known for entering the best universities in the country.
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
3747 Main Highway in Miami
Grades: Pre-K & K–12
Number of students: 873
Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $51,840
Phone number: +1 (305) 446-5673
Founded in 1961, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Montessori-3 through grade 12. It belongs to the Sacred Heart Network and is part of an international network of educational institutions known for academic excellence and a focus on leadership and service, such as the International Coalition of Girls' Schools and the International Baccalaureate World School.
Carrollton’s campuses are located along Main Highway in the picturesque Coconut Grove neighborhood, surrounded by some of Miami’s lushest tropical foliage.
— Top Private Schools in Coral Gables
Riviera Schools
6800 Nervia Street in Coral Gables & 9775 SW 87th Avenue in Miami
Grades: Pre-K–5 & 6–12
Number of students: 1,200
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $39,280
Phone numbers: +1 (305) 666-1856 & +1 (786) 300-0300
Founded in 1950, Riviera is a co-educational day school for students from pre-K through high school. Its five core values inform the school’s mission: honor, harmony, heart, hustle, and honesty. It’s renowned for its excellent academic offerings, creative and student-centered teaching approach, and leading role in community advocacy.
As a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the school’s strict curriculum hones its students’ academic skills through specialized STEM, tech, and business programs. Other highlights include Riviera’s rich afterschool and athletics programs, including a dedicated tennis center.
Coral Gables, where Riviera’s PK–5 campus is located, is also home to the University of Miami, one of the best private research universities in the country.
— Top Private Schools in North Miami
Miami Country Day School
601 NE 107th Street in Miami
Grades: Pre–K & 3–12
Number of students: 1,380
Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $56,400
Phone number: +1 (305) 779-7230
Miami Country Day School is a nonprofit interdenominational school serving pre-K through grade 12, with about 1,380 students representing over 26 countries. Founded in 1938 as a residential boarding school for boys, Miami Country Day now provides top-tier education for boys and girls on an expansive 20-acre campus.
The curriculum at Miami Country Day focuses on culture and artistic expression in addition to athletics and top-level academics and features an outcomes-based and student-centered teaching approach.
The Cushman School
592 NE 60th Street in Miami
- Grades: Pre-K and K—12
- Number of Students: 715
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
- Yearly Tuition at Highest Grade Level: $49,786
Established in 1924, The Cushman School is an exclusive and respected top private school in Miami’s residential Buena Vista neighborhood, just north of the Design District, with approximately 789 students and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, as low as its pre-K program.
Cushman has earned national recognition for its challenging academic environment, offering 31 Advanced Placement courses alongside a focus on global studies, advanced STEM, and visual and performing arts. The school is also known for its Character First philosophy, dedicated public-speaking program, diverse student body, and charming campus.
— Top Private Schools in South Miami
Gulliver Preparatory School
12595 Red Road & 6575 North Kendall Drive in Miami
Grades: Pre-K & K–12
Number of students: 2,232
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $56,100
Phone numbers: +1 (305) 666-6333 & +1 (305) 666-7937
Gulliver Preparatory School is a top Miami private school renowned for its state-of-the-art academic and athletic offerings, multidisciplinary arts education, and progressive approach, drawing students from all over mainland Miami and Miami Beach.
The school will celebrate its 100-year milestone this year with upgraded campus facilities. In 2024, the school added a 21,500-square-foot Academic Building on the Upper School Campus, followed by a brand-new STEAM center, and is expected to open a 58,000 square-foot Arts + Innovation Center in 2028
Westminster Christian School
6855 SW 152nd Street in Palmetto Bay
Grades: Pre-K & K–12
Number of students: 1,278
Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $35,000
Phone number: +1 (305) 233-2030
Westminster Christian School is a coeducational school founded in 1961 on the grounds of Shenandoah Presbyterian Church. As such, it centers its curriculum on academic rigor and faith-based teachings, establishing itself as one of the leading Christian schools in Florida.
Westminster operates on strict grading standards and a range of AP programs, both of which contribute to its students being accepted into top-rated colleges. Community, academic empowerment, and personal and spiritual development are some of its core values.
The school also offers strong athletics and arts programs plus a leadership program, The Dub, where students get further involved in the faith and participate in extensive community-service opportunities.
The Roig Academy
8000 SW 112th Street in Miami
Grades: Pre-K & K–8
Number of students: 54
Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $40,625
Phone number: +1 (305) 235-1313
The Roig Academy is a small, selective school providing a rolling admissions policy. Accredited by Cognia Merit, which recognizes its integration of literacy and personalized instructional model, the school also implements the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Students at the Roig can take advantage of a globally minded, fully bilingual education in English and Spanish for students aged two to eight.
The Roig also specializes in educating children with learning-based disabilities, including dyslexia, ADHD, language delays, memory impairment, and other targeted learning differences.
Last but not least, students get to meet Leo Roig, the school therapy dog. Leo is there to ensure a sense of security and comfort and reduce students’ anxiety about the learning process.
Palmer Trinity School
8001 SW 184th Street in Miami
Grades: 6–12
Number of students: 805
Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $50,000
Phone number: +1 (305) 251-2230
Founded in 1973, Palmer Trinity School has become one of the top private schools in Miami-Dade, joining notable education associations such as The Institute for Global Learning and The Florida Council of Independent Schools. Students at this Episcopal school are guided by its “Virtus, Humanitas, et Spiritus” motto and go on to attend some of the best universities in the country—100% of seniors are accepted to prestigious universities, with 80% being out of state.
In addition, the school encourages students to aim beyond individual success through serving their local community. The emphasis on community is further emphasized thanks to Palmer Trinity’s diverse attendance, with over 50% of the student body being bilingual.
The school’s campus spans 58 lush acres in Palmetto Bay, just brushing the Coastal Ridge Preserve, and provides students a spacious and tranquil space to develop their academic, creative, and athletic skills to achieve their full potential.
— Top Private Schools in Miami Beach
Scheck Hillel Community School
19000 NE 25th Avenue in North Miami Beach
Grades: Pre-K & K–12
Number of students: 1,182
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $37,800
Phone number: +1 (305) 931-2831
Since its foundation in 1970, Scheck Hillel Community School has been educating and inspiring students from pre-K through senior year to become exemplary global citizens while honoring their Jewish identity and values. It offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum focused on STEM and design, capstone projects, dual enrollment, the arts, athletics, and community service learning.
The school’s 14-acre campus features an impressive 115,000-square-foot athletic complex with plans for additional expansion. It’s also recognized as one of the world's leading Jewish community day schools and has been named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
The Hebrew Academy RASG
2400 Pine Tree Drive in Miami Beach
Grades: Pre-K & K–12
Number of students: 646
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Yearly tuition at highest grade level: $32,805
Phone number: +1 (305) 532-6421
Another highly respected coeducational Jewish community school is RASG Hebrew Academy. Founded in 1947, this Orthodox Jewish school has 670 students enrolled in its pre-K and K–12 programs, with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.
It provides a comprehensive education with the highest academic standards, combining dedicated Hebrew studies with Judaic teachings and an advanced college preparatory curriculum, leading to a 100% college acceptance rate.
— Conclusion
The selection of top private schools in Miami caters to a wide variety of students and families, and as the city grows, so do its educational opportunities. For younger children, we have a dedicated guide on Miami’s best private preschools.
In addition, Success Academy Charter School, a prominent New York charter school, is opening three to five Miami schools in the 2027/28 school year. Success Academy is expected to enroll between 8,000 and 10,000 Miami-Dade students before expanding further into Florida.
With over 20 years of experience serving our local community, the highly skilled team at Blackbook Properties is fully equipped to support your real-estate journey, including your goals to relocate near some of these top schools. We’ll help you find the perfect fit according to your family’s needs and lifestyle. Contact us by phone, text, or email to get started.