Summary:
This analysis examines four elementary schools in Miami, FL (zip code 33168), all part of the Miami-Dade County Public School District, serving a predominantly low-income population with an average free/reduced lunch rate of 65.75%.
Gratigny Elementary School is the standout performer, achieving a 3-star rating (65th percentile) for the 2025-2026 school year—a dramatic turnaround from its 1-star rating just two years prior. It is the only school in the area that consistently outperforms district and state averages in core elementary subjects. In contrast, the three K-8 academies—Benjamin Franklin K-8 Center, Hubert O. Sibley K-8 Academy, and Thomas Jefferson Biscayne Gardens K-8 Academy—all hold 1-star ratings. However, Hubert O. Sibley K-8 stands out for exceptional high school-level exam results, with 92% proficiency in Geometry and 94% in Biology 1, far exceeding district averages. Thomas Jefferson Biscayne Gardens K-8 is an anomaly, having the highest per-student spending ($18,294) and best student-teacher ratio (14:1) yet the lowest state ranking (10th percentile).
Key metrics reveal a mixed picture. Chronic absenteeism is well-managed across all schools, with Hubert O. Sibley K-8 posting the best rate at 15.0%, well below the state average of 31.4%. Spending varies widely, from Hubert O. Sibley K-8's $11,776 per student to Thomas Jefferson Biscayne Gardens K-8's $18,294. A notable finding is the "K-8 paradox": the three academies excel in advanced high school coursework but struggle with foundational elementary and middle school skills. For example, at Hubert O. Sibley K-8, 94% of students are proficient in Biology 1, but only 36% are proficient in 5th-grade Science. This suggests a two-tier system where a select group thrives while the majority falls behind, highlighting that resources alone do not guarantee results.
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