For those of us fortunate enough to live in Miami, but not in an “A” school district – there ARE other options.
These specialty public schools known as Magnet Schools are usually middle or high schools that have specific entry requirements. 
Some Magnet Schools are by audition only and others are based on a combination of grades, language proficiency or interest in a particular field such as marine science, international business or architecture.
I will begin by showcasing my high school Alma Mater, New World School of the Arts High School in Miami, FL.
Established in 1986, New World School of the Arts High School is a dual enrollment (meaning students receive college credit for advanced courses during high school), by audition only, High School. With an average class size 
of about 25 students, it is a far cry from the average High School’s student teacher ratio. Disciplines include dance, theater, musical theater, vocal music, instrumental music & visual arts. The average graduating class is about 100 students and a high academic and arts GPA is required to remain in the school. This school is a consistent “A” school year after year – one of the few all “A” High Schools in the county.
Their website is under renovation, but is still a good resource. Click on any picture to link directly to the homepage.
Click Here to view audition requirements. Students from all over the county can apply. Academic GPAs do not need to be high to be 
accepted as the acceptance is based solely on talent. Having said that, once students are accepted, their academic GPA has to meet school requirements (C or higher average in Academics/Conduct and B or higher in Arts). If grades dip to Ds in academics or Cs in Arts, the student is placed on probation for one semester. If grades still don’t improve the student is replaced by someone on the waiting list the following year.
Students come here from all over Miami-Dade county, rich and poor – famous and unknown. When I attended there was a guitarist who already had some albums out in Spain, a violinist who was all over the news when she played The Star Spangled Banner while being held at Guantanamo Bay (she came from Cuba), a dancer who could do 32 fouettes in a row and now tours the world, a young man who went on to MIT…. and the list goes on.
If you want to nurture the talent in your child and give them a top-notch education, this is a great option.
You can link directly to my blog to see all previous and any upcoming posts on schools in Miami, FL.
This post is the first in a series of posts featuring Magnet Schools. Stay tuned…
Paula Barrera, Realtor
The Congdon Connection – EWM Realtors
786-663-4382