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#2949 of 3,777 schools in FL

Felix Varela Senior High School

High School · MIAMI-DADE

15255 SW 96TH ST, Miami, FL 33196

Enrollment

2,006

Student-Teacher

23.9:1

Score

5.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Miami

#215 of 280

public schools

Florida high schools

#395 of 748

In district

#387 of 497

MIAMI-DADE

About Felix Varela Senior High School

Felix Varela Senior High School serves 2,006 students in grades 9-12 in Miami's southwestern suburbs. This large public high school operates with 84 full-time teachers, creating a student-teacher ratio of 23.9:1, which is typical for comprehensive high schools in the Miami-Dade district. The school has room for academic growth, with 45% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading across grade levels.

Felix Varela currently ranks in the 26th percentile among Florida high schools, providing opportunities for continued improvement in student outcomes. Despite academic challenges, the school draws from a relatively affluent community where the median household income reaches $89,326 and the poverty rate remains low at 10.1%. Nearly two in five residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting an educated local population with median home values of $428,400.

The school's substantial enrollment of over 2,000 students allows for diverse course offerings and extracurricular opportunities typical of larger comprehensive high schools. Felix Varela Senior High School operates in Miami's large suburban landscape, serving families in the well-established southwestern neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County where residential communities blend with the broader metropolitan area's suburban character.

What Parents Should Know

Felix Varela Senior High School is a large school with 2,006 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at Felix Varela Senior High School is 23.9:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.4Fair25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.03 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.3Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28%
Reading/ELA Proficiency44%
Reading vs. State Avg-8.6 pts
Overall Proficiency36%
Expected (poverty-adj.)51%
vs. Expected-14.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile24th
College Readiness8.7Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation28%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.3Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,221

Felix Varela Senior High School — Students at Felix Varela Senior High School score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 33.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 45.5%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 6 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
39%
ELA
48%
2021*
Math
28%
ELA
44%
2024
ELA
45%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.4/10.

How Felix Varela Senior High School Compares

See how Felix Varela Senior High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
22th percentile in FL
Academic
4.3/10
4.3/10
Growth
3.4/10
Below average
Environment
3.3/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
84 teachers

Location

15255 SW 96TH ST, Miami, FL 33196

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Felix Varela Senior High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. DR. GILBERT L. PORTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PINECREST ACADEMY (SOUTH CAMPUS) (rated 7.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LEARNING LINKS SCHOOL HOUSE (rated 7.5/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Miami, see our Miami schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
HAMMOCKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Miami 0.3 mi 6.0
TOWN CENTER PRESCHOOL Miami 0.4 mi 5.5
KINGDOM ACADEMY Miami 0.4 mi 5.1
GREAT HEIGHTS ACADEMY INC. Miami 0.4 mi 6.1
OLIVER HOOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Miami 0.5 mi 7.1
MIAMI BAPTIST SCHOOL Miami 0.7 mi
CLAUDE PEPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Miami 0.8 mi 7.1
PINECREST ACADEMY (SOUTH CAMPUS) Miami 1.0 mi 7.7
FUTURE LEADERS ACADEMY OF KENDALL CORP Miami 0.9 mi 4.3
DANTE B. FASCELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Miami 1.1 mi 6.6
DR. GILBERT L. PORTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Miami 1.1 mi 8.1
CHRISTINA M. EVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Miami 1.0 mi 6.7
LAGO MAR PRESCHOOL I Miami 1.4 mi
HAPPY MEMORIES LEARNING CENTER CORP Miami 1.4 mi 3.8
KENDALE LAKES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Miami 1.5 mi 6.6
ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF MIAMI Miami 1.5 mi 7.2
LEARNING LINKS SCHOOL HOUSE Miami 1.6 mi 7.5
KENDALL SQUARE K-8 CENTER Miami 1.5 mi 6.1
KINGDOM ACADEMY II Miami 1.6 mi 4.9
BRIGHT FUTURES PRESCHOOL Miami 1.7 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33196 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$93,370

Median Home Value

$457,300

Median Rent

$2,114/mo

Population

53,846

College Educated

38.4%

Homeownership

66.8%

Avg Commute

37.5 min

Poverty Rate

9.7%

Median Age

40

Community Profile

The community surrounding Felix Varela Senior High School has a median household income of $93,370. It is an area where 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $457,300, with a median rent of $2,114/month. The local poverty rate of 9.7% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 38 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
LAKELAND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Lakeland, FL 5.2
MATER ACADEMY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Hialeah Gardens, FL 5.2
MAYNARD EVANS HIGH Orlando, FL 5.2
MIDDLETON HIGH SCHOOL Tampa, FL 5.2
MT. DORA HIGH SCHOOL Mount Dora, FL 5.2
PACE HIGH SCHOOL Pace, FL 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Felix Varela Senior High School

What grades does Felix Varela Senior High School serve?

Felix Varela Senior High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Felix Varela Senior High School?

Felix Varela Senior High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,006 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Felix Varela Senior High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Felix Varela Senior High School is 23.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Felix Varela Senior High School rank in FL?

Felix Varela Senior High School is ranked #2949 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Felix Varela Senior High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Felix Varela Senior High School has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Felix Varela Senior High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Felix Varela Senior High School has 33.5% math proficiency and 45.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Felix Varela Senior High School a charter school?

No, Felix Varela Senior High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Felix Varela Senior High School a Title I school?

No, Felix Varela Senior High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Felix Varela Senior High School?

46.9% of students at Felix Varela Senior High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
49 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
39 Some Transit
Bike Score
51 Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,478/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Miami). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,006
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
84
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Miami-Dade County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

MIAMI-DADE
District Enrollment
335,500
Schools in District
536
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,066
District Rank
#387 of 497

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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