Felix Varela Senior High School

15255 Sw 96th St
Miami, FL 33196
(School attendance zone shown in map)
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 2,068 students in grades 9-12, Felix Varela Senior High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,068 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 25:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 96%
  • : 97% (Top 10% in FL)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 32% (Btm 50%)
  • : 43% (Btm 50%)
  • : 47% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Felix Varela Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Felix Varela Senior High School's student population of 2,068 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 83 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,068 students
This chart displays total students of Felix Varela Senior High School by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Gender %
This chart displays gender of Felix Varela Senior High School
Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers
This chart displays the total teachers of Felix Varela Senior High School by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Students by Grade
This chart displays the students of Felix Varela Senior High School by grade.

School Rankings

Felix Varela Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,704 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Felix Varela Senior High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (FL)
#2745 out of 3704 schools
(Bottom 50%)
This chart displays the overall school rank of Felix Varela Senior High School, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
32%
52%
This chart displays the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of public schools in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
43%
52%
This chart displays the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
47%
52%
This chart displays the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Science of Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Science of public schools in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Student : Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
This chart displays the student teacher ratio of Felix Varela Senior High School and the public school average student teacher ratio of Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
This chart displays the percentage of Asian students in Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of Asian public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Hispanic
92%
37%
This chart displays the percentage of Hispanic students in Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of Hispanic public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Black
2%
21%
This chart displays the percentage of Black students in Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of Black public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
White
4%
35%
This chart displays the percentage of White students in Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of White public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
This chart displays the percentage of students of two or more races in Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of public school students of two or more races in Florida by year, with the latest 2019-20 school year data.
All Ethnic Groups
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Felix Varela Senior High School.
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in Florida.
0.15
This chart displays the diversity score of Felix Varela Senior High School and the public school average diversity score of Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
97%
87%
This chart displays graduation rate of Felix Varela Senior High School and public school graduation rate of Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
49%
This chart displays the percentage of students who is eligible for free lunch in Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for free lunch in Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
This chart displays the percentage of students who is eligible for reduced lunch in Felix Varela Senior High School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for reduced lunch in Florida by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Felix Varela Senior High School's ranking?
Felix Varela Senior High School is ranked #2745 out of 3,704 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Felix Varela Senior High School often compared to?
Felix Varela Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Miami Sunset Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Felix Varela Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Felix Varela Senior High School is 97%, which is higher than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Felix Varela Senior High School?
2,068 students attend Felix Varela Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Felix Varela Senior High School students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Felix Varela Senior High School?
Felix Varela Senior High School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Felix Varela Senior High School offer ?
Felix Varela Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Felix Varela Senior High School part of?
Felix Varela Senior High School is part of Miami-Dade School District.
In what neighborhood is Felix Varela Senior High School located?
Felix Varela Senior High School is located in the West End neighborhood of Miami, FL. There are 49 other public schools located in West End.

School Calendar

View the Felix Varela Senior High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Last Day of School
June 05, 2025 (Thursday)

School Reviews

3   2/10/2020
Very good school.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - .......
5   7/4/2011
As a parent of a daughter who graduated 2006 and another in the 11th grade, I have nothing but praise for Varela. Ms. Connie Navarro the Principal is very approachable as are the VP's. My girls have participated in cheerleading [ coach Kubit ] and the Enchanters dance club [ Ms. Osorio ] and they have wonderful memories to tell their kids of Varela Senior High. Even though I work a fulltime job I have always found the time and effort to participate as an involved parent. It's up to you and your child to make it work. I highly reccomend Felix Varela High School.
- Posted by Parent - nella
2   1/25/2011
Admin offices are in need of assistance they are terrible
- Posted by Administrator - sfcto
2   11/17/2009
The academic programs are terrible. The grading scales is curved in such away that one F can bring you down from an A to a C. The teachers are all terrible with the execption of Mr. Lorenzo.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - sanch
5   11/24/2008
The level of dedication by the teachers has improved significantly in this school. In the past four years I've been attending, I noticed the ease of access to clubs, sports, and areas to unleash my creativitity. The communications academy is top knotch; the learning these students do, not only helps them in their career, but also in life. I've blossomed in my writing and knowledge about the global community we live in(and I got into an Ivy League School), and I thank Varela for this. I definately recommend this school!
- Posted by Student/Alumni - cposc
2   1/11/2008
The communication between teachers, counselors, assistant principles and parents is poor. The quality of teachers and academic programs has declined in the last couple years. My child has felt since she began at Felix Varela that the teachers just do not care. She has had very few good teachers who motivate the students during her 3 1/2 years there. The drop off of students in the morning is dangerous. Very bad traffic flow causing students to be late for class. Students get out of cars in the middle of the street not at crosswalks.
- Posted by Parent - cabre

Review Felix Varela Senior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
Explore how public schools are integrating cloud computing into their educational frameworks. Understand the advantages such as enhanced collaboration, cost savings, and accessibility, as well as the challenges schools face in adopting this technology.
Understanding Rubrics
September 27, 2024
Understanding Rubrics
This article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,068 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 25:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 96%
  • : 97% (Top 10%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 32% (Btm 50%)
  • : 43% (Btm 50%)
  • : 47% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links