Key Biscayne High School Initiative

Why a High School for the children of Key Biscayne?

Demographics: A projected 3,428 children in the 1 - 19 age group, approximately 872 of them in high school age, do not have the choice of attending secondary education within their community. See Census 2000, youth population projections and high school age estimations.

Public education options: Coral Gables HS, assigned to Key Biscayne, is located 11 miles away. There is no connection with our community. Requires 2 hours of daily commute - or an equivalent to 60 full school days. Operating at overcapacity. A good solution back years ago, but school has significantly deteriorated over the last decade. Only 47% of senior grade students take the SAT and 38% take the ACT - suggesting less than 50% of students continue on to college.

Private education options:  Few. Away from the community. Costly ($20,000 + per year on average). Requires some children to leave the Village after elementary to enter a private middle school to secure a spot at the high school. Double taxation to parents with school-age children.

Community-School-Family context: School will promote community cohesiveness, positive youth development and civic education in the context of children's community.