Key Biscayne K-8 Center

150 West McIntyre Street

School District

Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Miami-Dade County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 03, 2024

Worst school ever! If I could rate with a 0 I would! They learn NOTHING. Teachers are bullies. They dont know how to manage situations at all. Stay away!
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2022

I have been at this school for many years, however unfortunately I am looking into other schools for my children for the next school year. During the last two years, under the new administration, this school has drastically declined. Students no longer participate in the pledge of allegiance, there are no morning announcements, there is no student of the month, the children are allowed to check out 1 book every two weeks, the administration does not see the need for the AR Program, many students with IEPs are not receiving services, it’s currently takes about 2 years for struggling students to be placed even if a private evaluation is provided to the school, the lowest students are not receiving any additional instruction to help them close the gap, it takes about 9 months to place your child into the gifted program even if a private evaluation is provided to the school, there is no communication from the administration, good luck getting an email answered because the administration does not want to put their lies in writing, it’s nearly impossible for parents and PTA to volunteer and support the teachers, and the list goes on. There are amazing teachers at the school but many parents are worried they will leave because they do not receive any support from administration and are threatened if they speak up. The new administration is destroying this great community school and the region, district, and school board member do nothing about it even though many parents have complained.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2021

It used to be a great school with great leadership. Then the district decided to transfer our middle school AP. She was working hard to improve middle school & helping daily in elementary school as well. She had great leadership and interpersonal skills. Her replacement has been there for almost three years and destroyed all that was achieved and some more. She’s unapproachable and verbally aggressive. Then the district transferred our principal as well. She was a hard worker and a true leader. First to arrive at school and the last to leave. No one was expecting what was to come next. Our school programs have been destroyed. Admins canceling bilingual classes, seem to be ignoring provisions stated in IEPs for students with learning disabilities, and gifted students have not received gifted services. Principal has closed our library, using it as storage. Surplussing teachers who have been there many years, our library clerk, and office support staff. Both have been here for over 20 years. Parents aren’t allowed on school grounds in an attempt to cover their inaptitude as principal & APs. We are shocked by the lack of professionalism, the lack of knowledge, and interest. Admins are sitting in the office all day. The principal is usually last to arrive and first to leave the school. She doesn’t care and has received bad parent reviews from Shenandoah Parents previously. Nothing has changed since. Dade Schools should read those reviews! She’s claiming that the school board person is her godmother and the Miami police chief her cousin. Stating that she was sent to fix the school and that parents were running the school before. In reality the previous principal was a very confident person. She didn’t manipulate, bully nor intimidate. She was in control. She had her ducks and the PTA people in a row! These three admins are a disaster, conspiring last year with people in PTA against their own employees. HR decisions are being based on personal preference. We’re blessed with amazing, knowledgeable, and caring teachers & staff members but we’re worried that they might not want to stay in such a toxic environment. Many parents are looking to switch to other schools for these reasons. The quality in our school declines by the minute!
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2021

My daughters went to this school for 3 years until we moved them to a private school. CATS program is good - teachers are committed and competent. I would give it a B.Regular program is awful. Teachers are bad and lazy. Rude and incompetent. Grade DPrincipal and counselor are politicians. They care about union and staying there until retirement. No commitment to kids, learning or education. Awful lazy, incompetent, obsolete people. Grade DSummary: if your kid is in CATS you are fine. If not and you can afford a private school - do it now. Principal and teachers are too lazy and incompetent to help you.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2020

Not good. While the ESE teachers in the elementary school were excellent, my child did not learn anything in middle school. He received no support from his ESE teacher and he wasted 2 years there
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2019

I have a great experience with the school. As in every school, there are good and bad teachers, nice and mean kids, committed and absent parents. But overall, the schools is great. It feels safe, parents are invited to get involved and academically, the kids evolve. The CATS program is really good and, even though it does bring funding for the school, private testing has nothing to with how good or bad the school is ranked and these tests go through the county and only certify whether the kid is or not GIFTED. The school is a bis school not tailored for every individual need. When I got to Miami, miy kids didn't speak a word of English. As much as the school could help, if they had needed it, i would have had to hire a tutor to help them transition. Bullying has to be worked at home and school. I've never expected the school to solve these problems, but of course, to support me and my kids. I particularly have received that support. Not every school is a good fit for every kid or family. For ours, it has been a very good 5 years with three very different kids.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2019

This school is poorly rated by greatschools as one can tell by the true community ratings. There is a focus on being average and not caring about the above average. The middle school lacks immensely because there are fewer students, which means fewer classes and opportunities for growth and development for kids that age. They do not offer competitive courses, only age appropriate level courses, which is not common nowadays. If your child excels, they will be forced to take regular classes or take the higher courses online. Then, they will award achievements for a regular student (let's say whoever earned the highest marks in a basic 8th grade science class get's an award), but an 8th grader who is taking a 10th grade course online (because the school doesn't offer anything for high achievers because most of the kids are average)...this child who is taking classes above and beyond gets NO RECOGNITION. While the AP is nice (and she basically runs the middle school), the overall administration is isolated, focused on the Latin culture, doesn't care about diversity, cares about optics, and is not preparing those students sufficiently. Horrible experience when I expected much, much more. The only saving grace was that my child was self assured and didn't need validation from this school because he sure wasn't getting it.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2018

Very poor. We moved here for the school, but is not a good place. Better save for a private school or to apply a magnet, because this school is overcrowded, no resources in the classrooms, very low performer teacher, no interest from the administration to improve any aspect of the experience aducation. Deeply disappointed.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2018

This school has so much potential in Key Biscayne. However, classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are stressed and are not able to provide good quality education to children. Additionally, there are many students that do not live in Key Biscayne that attend the school, which should not be allowed as it continues to create an overcrowded situation that negatively affects the entire education system. When my child attended Kindergarten the student/teacher ratio was 28:1; the legal limit is 18:1, and sadly the school does not seem to care. I had to pull my child out after only 3 months because he was extremely unhappy at this school. The school only cares about test scores.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2018

Is a Berry bad school They have no respect for students
Submitted by other on February 15, 2017

We are an overseas family recently relocated to Miami for a period of time. We chose KBCS because of its Grading on this website and for the community. Coming from a different schooling system, the Registrar was nothing but helpful in assisting us with meeting Miami-Dade regulations and was supportive all the way through. The teachers, I believe , are trying the best and as with any school, parents need to support them with what they need not bully them. I couldn't handle a class the size they are given with English at different levels. My girls only speak English and are doing well. First 3 months were spent 'catching up' to the level required, but when we go return, this school will make them better students and people.I do wish they had a recess, as its very hard for staff to manage children during PE when they have energy to burn. Also wish more sporting groups, but there is a great Community Centre for this, 1 block away if you are considering Key Biscayne as your new home.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2016

With my experience, my opinion is that School is dirty;cafeteria more dirty;;the teachers some great and some horrible; big problem " bullies " no body care about They got a 10, is because they work ONLY FOR SAT AND FSA.Not second language(but almost all the class has half on esol for spanish) ( so if you have a kid not Spanish talking is a huge problem). Not art,not sports,not real music,,, I love key biscayne for to be, but sorry the school for my kids was wrong .
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2015

1.Overcrowded2. Most teacher not interested in helping students succeed3. Discipline through grades4. No empathy5. No sports
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

Key Biscayne is a great place to live if you have children, but the school is overcrowded, teachers from elementary ESOL program( children that are learning to speak english) are very rude, yell a lot and the principal will do nothing about it. I would never recommend this school! Can't wait for the school to finish to get my children out of there.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

My experience with the school was with the ALL DAY Gifted Program (All day CATS), the program uses the non bilingual score to allow access to the program. It is the best kept secret. Classes are small, teachers are really trained to teach the gifted. (children who learn fast without repetition.). Teachers encouraged the children to work in teams and spend more time in creative activities, experiments, etc.. The quality of the teachers in this specific program is outstanding. This program is geared towards children who can learn independently, quickly and well. When evaluated, the children in the program perform at three or four grades above their level. Hard to find something equivalent unless one goes to a private school, and even then..... However, if your child is not 130 or above, he/she will not be able to keep up or remain in the program, the amount of independent reading could be overwhelming for some. A child can be at the top of the class in a regular classroom with two hours of gifted and be totally frustrated in this highly competitive environment. The group forms an incredible bond. Parents and incredibly caring and cooperative. Principle and PTA are amazing.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2014

Good school but cannot be compared with schools in Broward or Pinecrest. Private evaluations for CATS are always reviewed by school counselors and are not the only criteria for a child to be placed in CATS! Some teachers at this school are great and some are not so good regardless of CATS. In my opinion the best teachers of this school are not teaching gifted. The principal is amazing.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2013

Dirty, teachers who don't want to be there, lack of hands on teaching, overcrowded with children who do not even live in region, overcrowded CATs classes filled with unqualified children who's parents have paid private testing to get them in. This school maintains a top rating due to parents paying for private tutors rather then the teachers. Saying that there are a few brilliant teachers at the school who work hard with little support.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2013

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL VERY MUCH AND I GREATLY RECOMMEND IT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PUBLIC SCHOOL TO SEND YOUR CHILD, THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST ONE.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2013

I am a new mom to this school but my family is already loving it. The school principal and teachers show to be deeply involved in the school happenings, there's great communication to keep parents updated with school information, I love the community involvement in the school, the interest of parents in the school's performance, progress and improvements.
Submitted by other on May 11, 2013

I think it is essential that prospective residents & parents realize there is an effort by a local parent, Manny Cambo, to convert this school to a Charter School. This is why you see so many negative reviews below. You can read about his position in the Herald if you Google "Manny Cambo". I find it extremely unethical to see a local resident jeopardizing home values to promote a personal agenda.