AREA OF FOCUS
EDUCATION
We believe every child deserves a high-quality education, which serves as the basis for expanding economic mobility, creating a dynamic workforce, and fueling Miami’s innovation economy.
WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
Persistent gaps in K-12 education hinder economic opportunity and workforce development.
TODAY
In spite of real progress, the most recent outcomes paint a concerning picture: in Miami, a majority of kids are not proficient in the reading or math skills required to succeed in higher education or high-earning careers.
The root of the problem starts early—kids start falling behind in reading and math as early as Kindergarten, and that has a ripple effect on their future. It’s especially tough for students from economically disadvantaged families.
Ensuring each Miamian has a real shot at economic opportunity requires making sure every child gets a strong education early on. This means building a strong foundation in literacy and math fluency.
MIAMI 2035
We believe Miami can become the nation’s best K–12 education ecosystem. Doing so will require honest and nuanced assessments of the strengths and opportunities of Miami’s public, charter, and private educational institutions.
The Partnership works closely with tenacious partners who are equally committed to providing each child a high-quality education and achieving outstanding learning outcomes. We focus our efforts in two broad areas:
– Growing the number of high-quality schools and maximizing enrollment in these schools, and
– Developing strong leadership across schools and educational systems.
A closer look
The state of public education in Miami-Dade County
Miami’s public schools—both traditional and charter—are among the best in the country when compared to other large cities. On the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Miami’s 4th grade students scored higher in math than students in any other large urban district nationwide. For five years in a row, the school district has earned an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education, and the high school graduation rate has climbed steadily—from just 54% in 2004 to an impressive 95% in 2024. These achievements reflect years of progress and hard work across the public school system.
Still, many students are not reaching the level of learning expected for their grade—especially in reading and math. In 2024, only 35% of 4th grade students scored at a proficient level or higher on the national reading test (NAEP), the lowest performance for the district since 2009 and part of a downward trend that started in 2017. On Florida’s state reading test (FAST), 56% of 3rd graders scored at or above grade level, but just 34% were considered proficient. According to the Florida Department of Education, students who are proficient are likely to do well in the next grade. Those who are only “at grade level” or “below grade level” may need extra help to keep up.
35%
of Miami’s 4th grade students scored proficient or advanced on the 2024 NAEP reading assessment.
34%
of 3rd graders scored proficient or advanced on the 2024 FAST English Language Arts assessment.
45%
of 4th grade students are “well below” or “below” grade level on the 2024 FAST English Language Arts assessment.
There are similar patterns when it comes to math. In 2024, only 22% of 8th grade students in Miami scored at a proficient or advanced level on the national math test (NAEP). On Florida’s state math test (FAST), 58% of students were at or above grade level, but just 37% were considered proficient or advanced. Reaching math proficiency by 8th grade is a big deal—it’s linked to finishing more school, earning more over a lifetime (about 8% more), and even lower rates of arrests and incarceration.
Looking Forward
Across Miami and our country, there are exceptional models producing strong learning outcomes—let’s do more of this.
The Partnership for Miami is working to make sure more students have access to high-quality education. That means helping kids succeed in reading and math, growing enrollment in schools that are already excelling, and increasing the number of high-quality schools where students truly thrive.
Growing Enrollment in High-Performing District Schools
In partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Partnership for Miami is supporting six high-performing elementary schools to grow their student enrollment.
Right now, nearly 10,000 seats are available in some of Miami’s best performing public schools—schools where at least 70% of students are meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations in reading and math. The student mix at these schools is as varied as Miami, with sizeable populations of English Language Learners and students from economically disadvantaged families.
So, why does enrollment matter?
When schools don’t have enough students, they also don’t get the funding they need to offer the full range of programs that help kids thrive. Low enrollment can lead to tough budget choices—like cutting back on:
– Extracurriculars and enrichment opportunities like sports and clubs.
– Key staff like reading coaches, nurses, or counselors
– After-school care and extended learning time
Here’s the impact: Miami-Dade schools receive around $11,000 per student. Enrolling just 10 additional students can bring in $110,000 per school—money that can be used to hire more staff, expand programs, and create stronger learning environments for all kids.
We’re starting with six schools. We seek to grow the number of kids who have access to a high-quality education and help schools stay strong and fully resourced.