Summary:
Zip code 33176 in Miami, Florida, is home to two middle schools serving grades 6-8: Richmond Heights Middle School and Somerset Academy Bay Middle School, both part of the Miami-Dade school district.
These two schools represent a stark contrast in performance and resources. Somerset Academy Bay Middle School is a standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 98th percentile statewide. Its students achieve exceptional proficiency rates—89% in ELA and 97% in Math—far exceeding district and state averages. In contrast, Richmond Heights Middle School holds a 2-star rating and ranks in the 47th percentile, with lower overall scores. Interestingly, Richmond Heights spends significantly more per student ($16,629 vs. $9,257) yet achieves weaker results, highlighting that funding alone does not guarantee success. The school also faces a severe chronic absenteeism rate of 43.9%, compared to just 9.1% at Somerset Academy Bay, which is a major factor in its struggles.
Despite its challenges, Richmond Heights Middle School shows surprising strength in advanced math, with 8th-grade Algebra 1 proficiency at 91%, well above the state average. This suggests a strong program for top students even as the general student body lags. For parents, Somerset Academy Bay Middle School offers elite, consistent performance, while Richmond Heights provides targeted excellence in math but requires attention to attendance and overall support.
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