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Ada Merritt K-8 Center

Public, Magnet Grades PK, KG-8

26^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 2,240 Florida Elementary Schools

Better than 99% of Florida elementary schools

Summary

Ada Merritt K-8 Center in Miami, FL, is a public school serving 780 students from Pre-K through 8th grade, and it stands as a consistent academic powerhouse in the heart of the city, ranking in the top 1% of all elementary schools in Florida for the past decade.

This school’s performance is truly exceptional, especially when compared to its neighbors. For example, 3rd-grade English Language Arts proficiency at Ada Merritt is 89%, which is nearly five times higher than the 18% rate at Riverside Elementary School, just half a mile away. Even the closest high-performing charter, Mater Academy East Charter School, trails significantly, with Ada Merritt’s 5th-grade science proficiency (83%) outpacing Mater East’s (52%) by 31 points. The school also boasts an incredibly low chronic absenteeism rate of just 5.3%, compared to rates of 30-42% at nearby schools like Downtown Miami Charter School and Frederick R. Douglass Elementary. This suggests a highly engaged student body and strong family-school connection.

Interestingly, Ada Merritt’s success is not driven by higher spending. Its per-student funding of $12,403 is actually lower than that of Mater Academy Kiwanis ($16,591) and Frederick R. Douglass Elementary ($20,085), both of which rank significantly lower. This indicates that the school’s elite performance is a result of effective resource allocation, strong teaching, and a supportive community. While the Miami-Dade district average for 8th-grade science is just 49%, Ada Merritt achieves 87%, making it an academic oasis in a challenging district. Its consistent top-1% state ranking over a decade proves this is a sustainable model of excellence, not a one-year fluke.

780

Students ?

16.5

Student/teacher ratio ?

$12,403

Per pupil spending ?

18.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

660 SW 3rd St
Miami, FL 33130

(305) 326-0791

District: Miami-Dade

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

74.6%

White:

22.7%

Asian:

1.3%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare Ada Merritt K-8 Center to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 99th percentile in 2016 → 99th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Florida average (92% vs 62% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 1% of Florida elementary schools

✓Among the top-ranked schools in Miami-Dade

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school92%

District avg66%

Florida avg62%

Elementary school

26^th of 2,240

Florida public elementary schools ?

Top 1%▬ steady since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Florida Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

Middle school

22^nd of 1,216

Florida public middle schools ?

Top 2%▼ down 1 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Florida Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

8^th of 279Elementary Schools in the Miami-Dade

20^th of 70Miami-Dade among Florida districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Elementary school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	95.2	26 of 2240	98.8%	★★★★★
2025	94.4	51 of 2258	97.7%	★★★★★
2024	94.2	68 of 2256	97.0%	★★★★★
2023	94.0	66 of 2240	97.1%	★★★★★
2022	95.6	38 of 2219	98.3%	★★★★★
2021	96.1	31 of 2247	98.6%	★★★★★
2019	94.0	51 of 2182	97.7%	★★★★★
2018	96.2	23 of 2118	98.9%	★★★★★
2017	94.0	54 of 2112	97.4%	★★★★★
2016	97.1	22 of 2087	98.9%	★★★★★
2014	96.0	23 of 2064	98.9%	★★★★★
2013	93.8	71 of 2029	96.5%	★★★★★
2012	95.0	44 of 1984	97.8%	★★★★★
2011	91.7	72 of 1985	96.4%	★★★★★
2010	93.8	34 of 1919	98.2%	★★★★★
2009	94.8	22 of 1847	98.8%	★★★★★
2008	94.0	32 of 1789	98.2%	★★★★★
2007	90.8	85 of 1786	95.2%	★★★★★

Middle school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	94.0	22 of 1216	98.2%	★★★★★
2025	92.7	44 of 1205	96.3%	★★★★★
2024	92.8	53 of 1196	95.6%	★★★★★
2023	94.2	43 of 1177	96.3%	★★★★★
2022	93.4	48 of 1148	95.8%	★★★★★
2021	96.1	20 of 1136	98.2%	★★★★★
2019	97.0	12 of 1099	98.9%	★★★★★
2018	97.6	11 of 1035	98.9%	★★★★★
2017	94.8	37 of 1031	96.4%	★★★★★
2016	97.1	13 of 997	98.7%	★★★★★
2014	91.5	51 of 999	94.9%	★★★★★
2013	95.6	18 of 956	98.1%	★★★★★
2012	95.8	16 of 897	98.2%	★★★★★
2011	93.3	22 of 891	97.5%	★★★★★
2010	95.8	6 of 839	99.3%	★★★★★
2009	94.7	13 of 780	98.3%	★★★★★

By subject vs Florida (2025-2026) ?

Geometry100%+44 vs state

Civics97%+20 vs state

Algebra 194%+31 vs state

Math93%+30 vs state

English Language Arts91%+31 vs state

Science85%+29 vs state

4.6

10 ratings · 8 written reviews

5★9

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★1

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What people are saying

by a parent
Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Very good school for academics. It is amazing how fast the children learn. Be prepared for a lot of homework. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, September 5, 2021

Ada Merritt is the best school in The United States. It's known as the school where the smart kids go. The teachers are very good. It is truly amazing how they teach the children to be bilingual so fast. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, May 31, 2021

I really like the academics at this school. I think the kids learn a lot that will be useful later in life. The Spanish program is second to none. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, January 11, 2021

Overall the academic portion of Ada Merrit is excellent. (A+) There could be improvements with their lunch food. I rate the school 5 stars because, I graded school for their academic program and their teachers. The Spanish program is second to none.
It’s in a bad neighborhood but the principal makes safety a priority. Close Quote

by a parent
Saturday, November 3, 2018

Great school! Everyone is very involved and caring from the staff to teachers and principal. It also requires a lot of parent involvement especially with homework as children learn two languages at the same time. I am very happy with the school. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, July 11, 2011

EXCELLENT SCHOOL.I am so happy with all the support the teachers, and the Best Principal in Dade County, give the students.The environment is conducive only to excel at learning.The PTA is extremely active.I am very happy with the school.Any student going to this school is very lucky. Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Thursday, June 23, 2011

Ada Merritt is a gold mine. My son is doing very well there and is learning so much. He will be going into second grade this year. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, October 22, 2010

Beautiful looking school but unconcerned staff. Office staff and administration are so rude and unprofessional. Teachers have their preferences. My kid was being bullied and nobody cared. All they care about is fundraising. They expect a lot from you but do not address our concerns. Very disappointing! Close Quote

Schools Near Ada Merritt K-8 Center

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				FAST English Language Arts (2026)						FAST Math (2026)						Statewide Science Science (2026)		EOC Algebra 1 (2026)	EOC Geometry (2026)	EOC Biology 1 (2026)	EOC Civics (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Ada Merritt K-8 Center	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-8	660 SW 3rd St	Miami	33130	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	Yes	No	No	(305) 326-0791	780	47	16.5	18.7%	177 (22.7%)	4 (0.5%)	582 (74.6%)	10 (1.3%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (0.8%)	95.2	26^th of 2240 public elementary schools	98.8%		94.4	51^st of 2258 public elementary schools	97.7%	25	89.0	86.0	95.0	94.0	94.0	91.0	99.0	88.0	96.0	95.0		83.0	83.0	87.0	94.0	100.0		97.0	$12,403	$848	$11,555
Mater Academy East Charter School	Public, Charter	K-8	450 SW 4th St	Miami	33130	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	No	No	Yes	(305) 324-4667	573	26	22.0	84.3%	16 (2.8%)	5 (0.9%)	551 (96.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	70.6	619^th of 2240 public elementary schools	72.4%		79.7	411^th of 2258 public elementary schools	81.8%	208	69.0	68.0	77.0				85.0	83.0	57.0				52.0						$11,152	$383	$10,770
Lincoln-Marti Charter School (Little Havana Campus)	Public, Charter	K-8	970-984 W Flagler St	Miami	33130	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	No	No	Yes	(305) 325-1001	674	37	18.2	40.7%	135 (20.0%)	7 (1.0%)	532 (78.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	58.4	920^th of 2240 public elementary schools	58.9%		57.3	939^th of 2258 public elementary schools	58.4%	19	45.0	61.0	52.0	60.0	58.0	61.0	83.0	91.0	77.0	89.0	94.0	93.0	47.0	42.0	96.0			96.0	$12,000	$122	$11,878
Mater Academy Kiwanis	Public, Charter	K-5	998 SW 1st St	Miami	33130	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(305) 317-1901	236	19	12.4	97.5%	6 (2.5%)	4 (1.7%)	225 (95.3%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	68.7	663^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	70.4%		71.2	603^rd of 2258 public elementary schools	73.3%	60	74.0	56.0	68.0				76.0	73.0	71.0				58.0						$16,591	$2,224	$14,367
Riverside Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1190 SW 2nd St	Miami	33130	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 547-1520	842	49	17.1	52.7%	10 (1.2%)	15 (1.8%)	816 (96.9%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18.2	1972^nd of 2240 public elementary schools	12.0%		8.8	2171^st of 2258 public elementary schools	3.9%	199	18.0	33.0	41.0				46.0	58.0	46.0				50.0						$12,001	$1,188	$10,812
Downtown Miami Charter School	Public, Charter	K-5	305 NW 3rd Ave	Miami	33128	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	No	No	Yes	(305) 579-2112	442	23	19.2	6.6%	27 (6.1%)	193 (43.7%)	214 (48.4%)	7 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	23.2	1841^st of 2240 public elementary schools	17.8%		29	1673^rd of 2258 public elementary schools	25.9%	168	59.0	48.0	41.0				46.0	43.0	56.0				31.0						$11,007	$380	$10,628
Alpha Charter Of Excellence	Public, Charter	K-5	1217 SW Fourth St	Miami	33135	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	No	No	Yes	(305) 624-3717	262	19	13.7	55.0%	1 (0.4%)	2 (0.8%)	259 (98.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	15.2	2033^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	9.2%		16.7	1993^rd of 2258 public elementary schools	11.7%	40	24.0	28.0	56.0				31.0	48.0	50.0				42.0						$12,484	$543	$11,941
Mater Preparatory Academy	Public, Charter	K-8	601 NW 12th Ave	Miami	33136	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	Yes	No	No	Yes	(786) 648-4580	367	19	19.3	92.6%	5 (1.4%)	4 (1.1%)	358 (97.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	28.8	1696^th of 2240 public elementary schools	24.3%		36.2	1471^st of 2258 public elementary schools	34.9%	225	38.0	35.0	53.0				55.0	60.0	67.0				40.0						$10,820	$609	$10,210
Southside Preparatory Academy	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-8	45 SW 13th St	Miami	33130	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	Yes	No	No	(305) 371-3311	873	52	16.7	33.4%	149 (17.1%)	28 (3.2%)	667 (76.4%)	19 (2.2%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (0.9%)	75	506^th of 2240 public elementary schools	77.4%		72.7	567^th of 2258 public elementary schools	74.9%	61	69.0	74.0	85.0	69.0	59.0	54.0	76.0	79.0	80.0	62.0	39.0	76.0	70.0	31.0	76.0	55.0	95.0	67.0	$12,259	$875	$11,384
Frederick R. Douglass Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	314 NW 12th St	Miami	33136	Miami-Dade County	Miami-Dade	No	No	No	Yes	(305) 371-4687	187	12	15.5	70.6%	3 (1.6%)	98 (52.4%)	86 (46.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	46.5	1240^th of 2240 public elementary schools	44.6%		49.5	1123^rd of 2258 public elementary schools	50.3%	117	32.0	65.0	66.0				59.0	50.0	74.0				56.0						$20,085	$2,756	$17,329

Frequently Asked Questions about Ada Merritt K-8 Center

What district is Ada Merritt K-8 Center in?

Miami-Dade

Is Ada Merritt K-8 Center a good school?

Yes! Ada Merritt K-8 Center is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 26^th of 2240 Florida elementary schools.

What is the racial makeup of Ada Merritt K-8 Center?

Students at Ada Merritt K-8 Center are 75% Hispanic, 23% White, 1% Asian.

How many students attend Ada Merritt K-8 Center?

In the 2024-25 school year, 780 students attended Ada Merritt K-8 Center.

Rate Ada Merritt K-8 Center!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.