Navigating Miami’s School Choices with Confidence

Ask Mr. D!  “Mr. D” is Josh D’Alemberte, a local educator with 30 years of experience. His tutoring company, Who Tutors, helps families secure spots at elite private schools in the Miami area.

What is the right age to apply to a private school?— Wondering in Morningside

Dear Wondering,

First, don’t assume that a private school is automatically the best fit for your child. There are excellent public schools, magnet programs, and innovative charter schools in Miami that cost no more than what you’re already paying in taxes—and might be a better match for your child’s needs and personality.

That said, if you’re aiming for a private school, the general rule is: apply when the school starts. Some schools begin as early as Pre-K 3 (like Gulliver or Carrollton), while others don’t start until 6th grade (like Ransom, Belen, or Palmer Trinity) or 9th grade (like La Salle and Columbus). Getting in at the entry point is key—it's much harder to be admitted in the “off” years when spots are limited.

Some kids thrive as “lifers” (Pre-K to 12th grade), while others benefit from switching environments at natural transition points like middle or high school. So the best age to apply depends on your family’s goals—and the structure of the schools you’re considering.

If you need help navigating applications, testing, or school selection, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

Which school is the best in Dade County?— Curious in Miami Beach

Dear Curious,

This is a loaded question—and the honest answer is: there is no “best” school. There are pros and cons to every school, and the key is finding the right fit for your child and your family.

Too often, parents rely on school grades or rankings from third parties. But those school grades are usually based on a narrow set of standardized test scores. They don’t account for the quality of the teachers, the atmosphere, the extracurriculars, or the day-to-day learning environment.

Rankings can be even worse. Who's doing the ranking? Have they toured the school, spoken to the faculty, sat in on classes, or are they just recycling perception and reputation?

The best thing you can do is talk to current parents and ask about the things that matter to you. Attend open houses. See how the school communicates, what it values, and whether its values align with your family’s.

Because at the end of the day, the best school is the one where your child will thrive. What works for one family might not work for another—even within the same school.

If we did not answer your question about applying to private schools, please call us at (786) 309-3966 or email your question to Mr. D at WhoTutors@gmail.com.