Schools > Public > Ada Merritt K-8 Center

Ada Merritt K-8 Center in Miami, Florida

Ada Merritt K-8 Center Detail

(305) 326-0791
660 SW 3rd St
Miami, FL 33130
Levels: K-8
District: Miami-Dade County Public Schools


Ada Merritt K-8 Center Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
White, non-Hispanic:24.76% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:11.83% (2008)
Hispanic:54.73% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:0.95% (2008)
Multiracial:7.57% (2008)
Native American or Native Alaskan:0.16% (2008)
Student Teacher Ratio:12.19% (2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:25.24% (2008)

Ada Merritt K-8 Center Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating3
Average Parents Rating5
Average Safety Rating4

Ada Merritt K-8 Center Reviews

My child love it. She learnd so much every day, Ada Merrick have exellents Teachers and programs.
This review was posted by a parent.

My son is learning the English and Portuguese language, he is very advance, his teachers are great, the kids are advance in their education, the principals are great Ms Garcia and Garcia. All the teachers are great, the aftercare are wonderful, it is the best place for our kids, I am proud of that shool, the cafeteria workers are wonderful and the security, too.
This review was posted by a parent.

The staff is wonderful, the schools population is great! The parents are friendly aand very involved. The kids learn Spanish and Portuguese, as well as through the International Baccularate Program curriculum.
This review was posted by a parent.

This is an excelent school!!
This review was posted by a parent.

Because we really care about children and their eduation.
This review was posted by a parent.

Parents involvement is on going.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great bi-lingual program, caring teachers, big array of extra-curricular activities
This review was posted by a parent.

Amazing students & parents...also, the best staff to work with...;o)
This review was posted by a teacher.

The teachers are wonderful & caring and the parents are just as great! Everyone is truly invested in making sure that our children get a great education, in a safe and loving enviroment. The PTA is awesome!
This review was posted by a parent.

It is a school unlike any other! We are the only commuter school in the district that is a schoolwide IB Magnet. We also have an International Studies Program, in which students take a portion of their coursework in a foreign language (Spanish or Portuguese). Also we have a beautiful butterfly garden, wonderful children and very involved parents. The school staff is delightful. This school is a diamond in the rough and although many thought that it would not thrive it is now a shining star in our district. The school has maintained an 'A' since the very beginning. Hooray to Ada Merritt K-8!!!!!
This review was posted by a parent.

I love the quality of the teaching , it's been 5 years that my doughter is in this school , she always had excellent teacher , we are french and learning portuguese and english for her it's so easy at ada merritt .
This review was posted by a parent.

From mornings until the afternoons the kids are always so happy, even the parents are always saying their good mornings and hi how are you . I think we feel like an extended family about each other. Plus the quality of teaching is exceptional. The staff is always very helpful.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt K-8 Center is an amazing school with a true bilingual program. As a parent, it's a dream come true to be able to give my daughter a truly bilingual education in the United States. The school has also built a strong community around it: parents, students, teachers, and administrators are all working together to make this school even better. But most of all, it's the teachers who make the school what it is, and they are by far the most dedicated, innovative, tough yet caring, and just plain smart teachers I've ever seen.
This review was posted by a parent.

It is an excellent school, my child has learned to develope her creative skills with the projects they have worked on, she also has developed the habit of reading and comprehending better and its all by the ifluence of her teachers.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is an excellent school! I have no complaints. Great IB Program.
This review was posted by a parent.

Talking about an Oasis in the middle of the Desert! That's what Ada Merritt K-8 Center is. A safe, clean place that makes a difference thanks to Faculty and Staff on a daily basis. It is incredible and very productive what my son learns and gets to tell me about every evening. My son is already in 6 grade and has been in Ada Merritt since 3rd Grade. I have a school one block away from our home (we could even walk!); but I rather drive and take my son to the best, most efficient, care giving place I've found so far. I am very- very proud to let others know that my son attends Ada Merritt k-8 Center... if they could only expand it all the way through College...
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merrit Elementary School is THE best school in the US for its quality of magnet programm. Always teaching my kids to think and to excell in all they do. It comes with hard work as my kids are studying mostly everyday, but when I compare with other kids same age, it simply do not have competition. Very proud of this school
This review was posted by a parent.

Great education, very involved and caring parents. It's a very family oriented school were the kids feel safe, have fun and learn a lot.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt K-8 Center has made a difference in my daughter's life. Is a school with teachers that care for the students. Is an excellent in its academics and has an excellent bilingual program. It is an honor to have my daughter in this school.
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter has been at ADA Merritt for only a month but so far are very happy!
This review was posted by a parent.

The most important thing about this school for me is the spanish program, its great. The second one is that you have elementary and middle school together, which is good for the kid because they are growing with there same classmates, its like a big family.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt has IB, Bilingual programs. My son knew more Spanish than I do at 5 years old! They are culturally diverse, eco-friendly, excellent teachers and administration, good communication with parents, and amazing parent involvement in PTA and school projects.
This review was posted by a parent.

I love Ada Merritt school because it is bi-lingual, good teachers and great parent involvement.
This review was posted by a parent.

Best bilingual program and with a lot of challenges for kids.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is wonderful school with great parental support. In addition, the teachers workvery hard to create independendent, world-minded students with a great appreciation for different cultures.
This review was posted by a parent.

The teachers are A+. Very organized school. Eduacation is THE BEST!
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt rocks because everyone plays a vital role. You have parents, teachers, administration, PTA, security and you even have your janitorial staff. We have parents who care and are involved. Teachers that go beyond the call of duty. An administrative staff that plans and acts on their plans. I can t say enough about the PTA they are awsome. And what would all this be without a safe and clean environment? Well, I could brag all day about Ada Merritt but in a nut shell that s why it rocks...
This review was posted by a parent.

As a new parent, I can already see how excellent the school is. I have been particulary impressed by my son's development in the Spanish language and in his worldview. Generally, I feel the academics overall are superior. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a great school for their child in Miami.
This review was posted by a parent.

I love the dedication and attention they show to all their student and parents. I love the way they teach my children and how they care for them
This review was posted by a parent.

Parent involvment is great, all the students get along. You never hear of children bullying other children. The parents and teachers communicate with each other, and I love how everyone is looking out for the benefit of the children. I love this school. Plus, you feel great when the staff and the administration know your face.
This review was posted by a parent.

It is a phenomenal school which we are blessed to be a part of. It is a very small and personal school where everyone knows everyone. Parents and staff come together on a daily basis, regardless of cultural differences, for the benefit of the children. All members of the school have one, and only one goal in mind, the Education of Our Children. Our children are not only being taught content material, they are also being taught characteristics of responsible young adults who will one day have to make important decisions. I don t think any other school could ever compare and I am extremely proud to be a Parent at Ada Merritt K-8.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt has the greatest teachers who show concern for their students and help make them better students
This review was posted by a parent.

I love this school for it's wonderful teachers and staff. The education is superior to no other and the parents make this school a home away from home.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt has defintely set the succession rate for their students and the educational bar much higher than the standard public high schools. My daughter has been to other public schools but Ada Merritt has, by far, been the best.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great place !!! safe school , parents very involved , level of the education is superior ,etc... Very good school !!!
This review was posted by a parent.

I am excited about the quality of education my children are receiving. My oldest daughter attended a private school and I know that the education at Ada Merritt matches if not surpasses that in the private school environment. I feel as though Ada is truly preparing my children for the competitive world ahead of them in many ways, especially by exposing them to the dual language program. We speak English at home, but at school the children are immersed in their second language ( Spanish ). I am so proud of their ability to speak, read and write a second language. All-in-all well rounded quality education from start to finish!
This review was posted by a parent.

I love Ada Merritt because its curriculum it's very complete: dual language combined with the IB program is not easy to find in schools. In addition the parent involvement is extremely good compared with other schools and it really makes a difference.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school has the best dual language ever know to me and my kids...its a double A school and the teachers ecourage them to learn and play with them by making jokes and being education..
This review was posted by a parent.

Fantastic, caring, dedicated teachers who are a credit to our community and to our nation!
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt provides my children a safe, caring and academically advanced environment to learn. Thanks to Ada Merrit my children now speak a third language. The low number of children per teacher ratio makes individualized attention possible. The cultural diversity and activities in the school have given my children an understanding of their place in the world. They have learned to respect, accept and love what makes all people unique and important. Ada Merritt is The Best School because it provides children the ultimate learning experience.
This review was posted by a parent.

The combination of administration, teachers, and pta staff is beyond exceptional. My son has been an Ada Merritt boy since pre-k as a part of the portuguese program - coming from a background of English only, this has been a challenge but the warm acceptance and help from teachers and parents has made our time here a wonderful learning experience. The cleanliness of the shool and security of our kids is exceptional. The exposure to 'life learning' and other cultures has enriched not only his life but ours as well. Wouldn't change Ada Merrit for anything - keep up the wonderful work!
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is a great school with great teachers and very involved parents who really want to make a difference in their children's education.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is a unique and wonderful school! It offers a dual language education for students in English/Portuguese or English/Spanish. They have an extensive curriculum, a great administration and highly qualified and caring teachers. Both my daughters love attending Ada Merritt!
This review was posted by a parent.

It is an IB school. Kids learn how to care about others and how to make the world a better place. The teachers are well trained and are always meeting each students needs. The policies of the school are strict providing a secure environment for the students.I love Ada Merritt.. My daughter is in the Portuguese program...The way she acts, thinks and see the world is incredible.. I would not change Ada Merritt for any other school!
This review was posted by a parent.

It is clean, organized and it has a wonderful academic level. It has also many wonderful teachers.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is the only school with a Portuguese program, and the students and teachers are great.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is rated one of the best public schools in Dade county. I loved the school because it has a great IBO program, parents, teachers, children & administration work together and because you find so many different cultures and backgrounds of families across the world. At Ada Merritt you find kids from Bangladesh, China, Mexico, Spain, etc.
This review was posted by a parent.

Awesome school, great teachers and staff, very clean and neat environment for the kids
This review was posted by a parent.

It is a great school. I love the diversity of all the students and the teachers. I feel that my child is receiving a private school education for free. In my opinion Ada Merritt is in the same rank as the top private schools in our area. My son loves the school and is excited to attend on a daily basis.
This review was posted by a parent.

It has the best teachers and my son is learning Portuguse language
This review was posted by a parent.

I love that Ada Merritt is so diverse. My kids are learning a lot about different cultures and how everyone is interconnected.
This review was posted by a parent.

Small school with great teachers, caring support staff, an amazing PTA, and the parents take care of all kids like they are their own. Who would have thought that in the shadows of downtown Miami in a neighborhood that is marginal at best, you'd find an environment like!
This review was posted by a parent.

I love it! It's a great school with great people! It has an excellent academic level.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt not only cares about regular academic education but brings to the kids a lot of social awarness. We also love the Bilingual program, more schools should follow
This review was posted by a parent.

My grandaughter has been attending Ada Merritt since kindergarden and each year her knowledge has grown through the help of the good and caring teachers. You can see the that the common goal at the school is for all children to succeed and grow by learning in English and Spanish or Portuguese.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is a wonderful school. It is the 1st school in the US where Portugues is part of the program. We love it!
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughters have been going to Ada Merritt for 5 years now, and I can saw that I am extremely pleased. Not only do they have an incredible dual language program, which now has my daughters speaking 3 languages English/Spanish/Portuguese. They also have an integrated International Baccalaureate Program and International Studies program. There is a very active PTA and Parent base, and Ada Merrit has also many 'Green Initiatives' to decrease carbon footprint and encourage environmental consciousness within our children. The teachers and staff are also incredible, I recomend Ada Merrit to everyone I can. I love it, and my kids love it.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is an amazing 'public' school. Our children are challenged everyday. They are also learning a 2nd language, which is great since we live in Florida. The parents are so involved in the school. Great PTA etc.... My children have been in the school for 5 yrs so far.... and I have nothing to complain about....Don't forget Wonderful teachers as well.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great and personalized care; teaching our kids to love their community and environment and live a balanced and happy life. Parents must be very involved in the everyday of the school, teachers truly care. The school is driven by teaching kids 'hands on''...Principal is very involved and always around. I love it!
This review was posted by a parent.

The combination of Int'l Baccalaureate plus bilingual program provides a rich academic environment. Teachers, students and parents are passionate about making our school maximize its potential.
This review was posted by a parent.

This year Ada Merritt K-8 is more committed than ever to conservation! We have formed our own Environmental Club and a Green Team which sponsors school wide initiatives emphasizing the importance of recycling. Students can earn official Ada Merritt Green Team t-shirts and each classroom has Green Team representatives who ensure that their classrooms are not wasting water or electricity. We continue to collect electronics which fund our paper recycling program with Shred-It and have joined the Drink Pouch Brigade by recycling drink pouches. Ada Merritt K-8 Center is a unique educational facility and a model for schools to come, a learning environment where we encourage children to do their best in every way. One of the more important lessons to be taught is to appreciate our environment and to learn how to change our lives to help save and preserve it!
This review was posted by a parent.

The school focuses on the whole child. curriculum is rigorous in the core academic areas as well as intentional in its programming of the co-curriculum. School size is comparatively low and the environment is friendly and disciplined. You won't find a better learning environment in a MDCPS.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am happy with the school. A bit overwhealmed with the homework over load, but very happy with the PTA and teachers.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt its the best school, I'm so happy..
This review was posted by a parent.

I've learned to be independent at this school thanks to the PYP profiles. My teachers are excellent because they care about my education. They challenge us daily and make learning fun in creative ways. I've become a much better writer and I read at higher level than my cousins from other schools. I give credit to my teachers for this. I wish the school had better grass for us to play on, but I heard they are working on that!
This review was posted by a student.

AMK-8 Center is a wonderful school thanks to it's highly rated IB program. Not only do children learn more than one language, they are challenged in beyond the normal expectations of most schools. The PTA has a high level of participation and bring a lot of enrichment to the school. They have started a recycling program at the school that has allowed the students to take action in their daily lives! The gifted program at our school has great teachers that allow the cater to each individual student's needs; This is a plus! They are challenged based on their strengths which is what gifted is suppose to do. I feel blessed to have made the lottery at this school since the prior school my oldest child attended was a loss of a year. AMK8 has truly made a difference for us all.
This review was posted by a parent.

I arrived at this school in 4rth grade (currently in 7th) and i think its great and i would reccomend to anyone. This school has taught me alot, it is bilingual which is great. They have spanish, portuguese(spelling wrong?) and along with English. The con about this school is that the extra curricular activities are poor and many are centered for little kids and not the upper levels. In conclusion, this school is great for anyone headed in a bright future. :)
This review was posted by a student.

I feel my daughter has been blessed to attend this school. She started at Ada Merritt in Pre-K and now is totally bilingual. I thank the teachers because she come from a background where the language is English only and has been able to learn another language pretty on her own and with the help of the Ada Merritt staff. There is a lot of homework, but at the end of the day, it helps the students. I just wish the school was in another location but continue on Ada Merritt.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am constantly being told it is the best in Miami. My problem is, if Ada Merritt is the best in the County it is a sad state for education. The initial concepts for the school were fantastic. The IB program was being implemented with zest and the administration cared very deeply for the children and the program's success. There were some insensitive and ineffective teachers but overall must teachers were average. The PTA completely controlled every aspect of the school and the initial principal was caring but not very organized. A new principal was hired who is well organized but has been ineffective in implementing the IB program and extremely dogmatic and dictatorial in her approach to managing a school. A gifted program which never should have been allowed has co-opted the school and it is a joke. Creativity is stifled.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school i great for future preperations, and I am a seventh grader learning at an eighth and ninth grade level and I likke its programs
This review was posted by a student.

I love this school, its very strong in acdemics but in art music and especially pe is weak and you have to enforce on it.Like most parents it is true that there a lot of homeworkd and middle school has to let the children choose their electives.
This review was posted by a parent.

I dont like how the 6th graders dont get to choose their electives. My daughter says that she doesnt want to take art and she wants free after school activities like Drama club Yearbook Commited and more.Also I dont like how at the Student awards not every kids gets something if they dont get then they shouldnt for bect comedy best student and ect. Please make a diffrence.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt has the best dual language elementary program in Miami. It is an excellent choice for children who are above average, quick learners and have a dual language home. There is no support for kids who learn differently. The homework is excessive. Up to two hours per night. After care is adequate but could use better organization and more activities. Phys Ed is across the street in the park, usually two classes at a time. It is not an ideal situation. Music and art programs are minimal. A school of this caliber should be more inclusive and have better programs in place for kids with differences.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is an excellent school. I like the dedication of the teachers and the parental involvement. I don't like the excessive homework that leaves little time for extracurricular activities.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt is a rare gem in the muck of Miami-Dade Public Schools. I thank my lucky stars everyday to have my daughter there. The PYP curriculum and Dual Language program, has really brought the best out of her. We especially appreciate the emphasis on larger concepts like community, environment and compassion. Although, like many other top notch schools, the level of parent competitiveness is very prevalent. The PTA meetings and board meetings, look more like The War Room, of the Republican Convention, than than Merritt Hall.. I agree, with the other review regarding the strong emphasis on fund raising, but at the end of the day. We are willing to look past all of that, because the level of care, love and education our children receive at Ada Merritt , is unparalleled.
This review was posted by a parent.

The academic programs are excellent. My kindergartner is reading at a 1st grade level. His math skills are also strong. The second language program, in our case Spanish, is quite demanding. It really is total immersion in the language. The school has music, art and sports during the school day and as part of the after-school program. Parent involvement is excellent--very active PTA. My only complaint would be the amount and level of homework given. It requires a lot of parent involvement.
This review was posted by a parent.

Ada Merritt Elementary School lacks parking, especially during school activities. Fundraising is they only concern of the PTA and administration. School lacks extra curricular activities particularly in the area of sports. Academically, the school is a success, not sure if its the staff or the quality of children.
This review was posted by a parent.

Excellent curriculum and teachers! Although, some are first-year teachers, they have been excellent in my experience. Teachers are extremely hard-working and this school requires alot from them. Campus is new and clean. School houses a butterfly garden, computer lab, and will be converted to a K-8. PE is done indoors or across the street in a public park for the older kids. Lots of parental involvement which is not always good, since it seems like they are trying to run the school, particularly with respect to PTA. Media center is unavailable in the a.m. for kids to read or do homework. School is a commuter school, so kids from all over Dade, Broward and Monroe attend giving the school a real international flavor. High staff/teacher turnover. Extra-curricular activities are limited or have long waiting lists. Lots of homework and projects, but well worth it! Overall, my child is very happy there.
This review was posted by a parent.

Grt school, great academics, daughter loves the teachers
This review was posted by a parent.

This is a great school, that offers 3 excellent programs, International Baccalaureate, Dual Language Spanish and Portuguese and International Studies. Parents are incredibly involved, with a strong PTA that truly cares about ensuring that their children receive the best possible education. I'm glad to hear that AMES is now a K-8, a great alternative to middle schools and a very much needed new option for families interested in an first class international education. I highly recommend this school. Homework load can be a little heavy at times, not leaving too much time for other extra curricular activities. I also wish it would provide transportation, then it would be perfect!
This review was posted by a parent.

I think it is a fantastic school...my 2 kids (first grade and pre-k) both enjoy the dual-language program (portuguese) and the International Baccalaureate cirriculum is wonderful...both in terms of content and socialization. The facility is recently (3 years old) renovated and is led by an extremely capable administration staff. All of the teachers I've met have been dedicated educators and truly love their children. Extracurricular activities are limited to after-care (music, flamenco dance, karate) and are the greatest drawback at the school. Now that the school has been approved as a K-8 facility, the limitation of extracurricular activities will be felt more accutely when the kids get to middle school years. Parent involvement is very high - with the pros and cons that go along with it. Overall, a fantastic school...probably the best public school you will find in the Miami-Dade School District.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great core curriculum and great homework activities including parents input.
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter has been at this school since 1st grade. She is now in 3rd and is going very well. The school uses the IB curriculum and is at times intense. The homework is challenging and purposeful. My eight year old just her first research paper (five pages) along with an oral presentation (5-8 minutes)today. Ada Merritt has taught me that the young mind is truly like a sponge. Parent involvement is also very high.
This review was posted by a parent.

This is a very good school, the teachers are supportive and the staff are outstanding, however there is room for imprvoement. I would like to see newer equipment and larger faciilities for the student.s
This review was posted by a administrator.

What a beautiful new school. Although, if you don't have a parent that speaks spanish or portg. at home, good luck. Quite demanding with homework, but you do get adjusted. I had my child there for K and for a couple of weeks of 1st. I pulled her out because I felt her english/writting/reading was suffering, while introducing a new language. I also felt that a few of the teachers were just too new. Great parent involvement with PTA. Absolutely against students crossing the street for P.E.at the park. Lots of stray dogs and glass. Pick-up is a little chaotic. Great mix of kids in the classrooms/school. Again, if you speak the second language at home, that is an advantage, if not, good luck.
This review was posted by a parent.

The kindergarden is very demanding they have lots of homework but in the long run it is better for the child.
This review was posted by a parent.

The wonderful curriculum along with the excellent teachers provides a wonderful environment for my son to learn. Just in summer camp, he learned the whole alphabet Spanish. The energy of the principal is felt throughout all the programs they offer.
This review was posted by a parent.

I think Ada Merritt Elementary School is great! My son started Kindergarden last year at Ada Merritt. At first I thought the curriculum was too overwhelming for him, but after about a month I noticed he was understanding what he learned in school because he started doing the homework with very little help from me. I believe the academic structure that Ada Merritt is teaching is the correct path our children need to be on to help them understand the tools needed in preparing for the F-CAT. Kudos for Ms. Vigna, Spanish Teacher!
This review was posted by a parent.