Coral Reef Senior High School

My daughter is in 12th grade here. I like this school but I don't love it. They really stress the kids out and push them to take a grueling schedule because it improves the school's rating. I would recommend parents not give in to the pressure to have their kids take too many AP classes unless their child is really that motivated. If your child is in a career magnet, colleges will be plenty impressed at the difficulty of the electives your child is taking without having to take 4 AP classes every year. Also, remember that part of the reason for this school's good graduation stats is because they kick out anyone who doesn't have a 2.3 (UNweighted). Therefore, have them take the classes in which they will do WELL. Otherwise, we have been happy, and the teachers are really good and responsive. The classes are, for the most part, less crowded than other schools around here, and because the school was built for the number of students who are attending, it doesn't feel overwhelming. The kids are well-behaved behaved, and the uniform policy is enforced. They are generally very strict about rules. It has a diverse student body.
—Submitted by a parent

The ratings for this school do not do it justice. CRSHS is beyond expectations. My child is in the Legal Academy and she loves it. She wakes up at 4:30 am and goes in a school bus for nearly two hours to get to school and she wouldn't change it for anything. Be mindful that she has a high school less than half a mile from home, where she could literately walk there in 5 minutes. The environment, teachers and energy through out the school is beyond what you can get in any other school. As far as the performing arts, I don't think it has to do with "politics" or "insiders" , the whole purpose of auditions IS to maintain high standards and qualifications of the students admitted. It doesn't mean those not accepted are not talented... this is a very competitive world whether in law, medicine, business or performing arts. It's just the way it is. The school, staff and academics at CRSHS are just AMAZING!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

the ratings for this school are not a reality. The only reason the ratings are so high is because it is a full magnet school.. However, you need to see that there are other High School, that might be better, but because they do not have as many magnets, they are not looked at in the same way. A lot of the reviews are from students just having fun at the school. Grades, academics and student history does not weigh as much when it comes to getting into the school. Some of the magnets, audition based, have become a lot of politics. If the parent knows the administration it is easier to get into the magnet. Students do not have the same opportunity to get into the school. This year so many applied for performing arts and only 30 made it into the magnet due to the fact that it is audition based. This affects a lot of kids self esteem. Some of the kids were equally talented but because the other kids do not have push or someone inside of the school, they do not make it. Then the kids that do make it in, tease and brag about the fact that they made it and the others did not. This kind of competition between kids is not good at this age.

CORAL REEF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL is a great school. I could not make a better choice for my son, who is in the VIP-BAND. I am very happy with the education he had. The teachers , the sports, the discipline, the activities, etc. Everything in the school is just awesome! My son is ready to move forward to College but CHRS will be in his memory forever. Thanks the Coral Reef Staff ..YOU ARE THE BEST! I will miss my son high school days! Regards,
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Coral Reef in 2010 and I can honestly tell you that I would not have chosen a different school to ever go to. It was hard at times but some of the classes really did prepare me for college. The learning environment was great and the teachers I had really cared about my success as a student. I would seriously recommend this school to anyone. However, I will also say to make sure you know what the academy you are entering entails, it may not be exactly what you want or might just be perfect for you. But do the research!

This school is over crowded, its education is horrible and has too many magnet programs. It looks like a jail and at the auditions the parents of students there make the school seem even less appealing.

CRHS is not that bad of a school. The work is not that hard it just makes you think and sometimes that can be stressful if you are not use to thinking all the time. the teachers are real helpful and are willing open to help you at any point. Some of the students are kind of fake but its magnet school, so most kids are going to be like that. but there are some students that are good people and that want to o well as much they want to do well. its pretty much a privaty school eucation for free , thats all.
—Submitted by a student

My son is in the IB program, the first year as a freshmen was really tough , now this year is totally adapted and working hard as this is the more demanding program in CR, have to mention this is a school for committed students and parents as well
—Submitted by a parent

i am a freshman in the Choir strand in the VPA program and i will never regret accepting the invitation to come to this school. I think that the teachers are great and a joy to see everyday and the programs are very focused on the fulfilment of the student needs.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is a freshman in the VPA department at CR, and she loves it. Is she stressed with the work, yes! High School is very different from middle school, and from when we (parents) use to go to High School. Challenging High Schools seem more like colleges now a days, and I find that CR challenges my child every day. The principal is strict and knows everything, yes! Exactly what most schools need now a days.
—Submitted by a parent

The best that can be said for this school is that it has great potential. The principal who gets accolades, because of the national rankings based on % of kids who take AP tests, is an anchor not a life saver. The constant turnover in staff, low morale can be directly related back to her. Good faculty, good kids, terrible administration. Could be so much more.
—Submitted by a parent

Compared to other local schools in Dade County CRS is good. Taken on it's own merit, it has some problems. As with all good schools that are in the minority, the management style of the administration is that of a dictator. They are aware that they are one of the few good schools in the dade county school system and as a result are dogmatic about almost everthing as they know that good alternatives are scarce. Additionally, teacher quality is extremely variable. Few are great. Most are mediocre and some are really poor. I recommend that parents do their homework. If your home school is good and has magnet programs, it's definitely best to really investigate that possibility.
—Submitted by a parent

Hate it here!! Its so fake. rated A because they teach you the fcat all year long and nothing else!! In the media alot because they have friends at the herald, but make no mistake this place is full of self centered people. I am begging you, dont do this to your kids.oh and stay out of the bathrooms, alot of drug deals.. One Big Lie
—Submitted by a student

i am a freshmen in the law academy. i actually love this school. its like a home to me. the academy class is bery slack and the teachers grade so hard, they try to help u succeed but they just stress you out
—Submitted by a student

not that great of a school. The school takes a lot of pride in its students however it is only because we provide them with money especially in the IB program. In the IB program despite all of its reputation the students are forced to make up for the lack of good teachers and are forced to work even harder to make up for this deficit. The school is all media and does its best to always be in the spotlight for everything. Do not let it fool you, this is a school that does not provide a good education, it merely has many dedicated students that work hard on their own.
—Submitted by a student

Horrible place. I am an A student here, and I have to say that this is an awful place to spend 4 years. Everyone acts like the world revolves around them. The whole school is fake!!
—Submitted by a student

This school is an excellent school! This school has a great environment with hardly any fights, and great school principal. This school, though, I must say; is a sink or swim school. They push hard you so that you can succeed. Few students fail, but overall most students do an outstanding job! Whomever rated this school low obviously didn't do well. This school has great school spirit and has helped me develop into a better student than I was before. 5/5 stars all the way!
—Submitted by a student

I'm an IB student at Coral Reef, and yes, it is a hard curriculum and there are high levels of stress, but this program is totally worth the trouble, and is completely manageable if only one manages their time correctly. I participate in sports and other activities while at the same time keeping good grades and a social life. You just have to be dedicated. Coral Reef is undoubtedly an amazing school.
—Submitted by a student

It's a great school, and students learn a lot when attending Coral Reef.
—Submitted by a student

i am a current student at coral reef hignschool and in the first part of the school year you already get negative influence. My work is hard and get very low scores evn when I do work and study hard.I think Dorothy M. Wallace Cope Center will work more for me and anyother student. this is my last year in Coral Reef
—Submitted by a student