Miami Sunset Senior High School
Miami Sunset Senior High School: A Complete Guide for Students and Families
Introduction
Miami Sunset Senior High School, located in the heart of Miami-Dade County, Florida, has been serving its diverse student body since 1971. With a commitment to academic achievement, personal development, and community involvement, the school has become a beacon of opportunity for students across the region. Known for its vibrant student life, dedicated staff, and comprehensive educational programs, Miami Sunset Senior High is more than a school—it's a community.
This article explores everything you need to know about the school, including its history, academic offerings, extracurricular activities, admissions information, facilities, and support for college and career readiness.
1. School Overview: Miami Sunset Senior High School
1.1 Location and Demographics
Miami Sunset Senior High School is situated at 13125 SW 72nd Street, Miami, FL 33183, in the Kendall area of West Miami-Dade County. As part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) district—the fourth-largest in the United States—Miami Sunset serves over 1,500 students in grades 9 through 12.
The school prides itself on its multicultural environment, drawing students from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of Miami itself.
1.2 Vision and Mission
Miami Sunset’s mission is to “empower students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens.” The school emphasizes academic rigor, personal responsibility, and respect for diversity.
2. Academic Programs
2.1 Core Curriculum
The school follows the Florida Department of Education’s standards and graduation requirements. Students complete coursework in the following areas:
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English Language Arts (ELA)
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Foreign Languages
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Fine Arts
2.2 Advanced Academics
Miami Sunset offers several academic acceleration options, including:
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Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: AP classes such as AP English Literature, AP U.S. History, and AP Calculus provide college-level rigor and the opportunity to earn college credit.
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Dual Enrollment: Through partnerships with Miami Dade College, eligible students can take college courses while still in high school.
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Honors Courses: Designed for high-performing students seeking deeper engagement.
2.3 Special Programs: Miami Sunset Senior High School
Miami Sunset is home to a range of specialized programs that support career readiness and skill development:
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Magnet Programs: The school offers thematic learning programs, particularly in technology and health sciences.
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Career and Technical Education (CTE): Pathways include Hospitality and Tourism, Digital Design, and Business Technology.
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ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and ESE (Exceptional Student Education) services help support English learners and students with disabilities, respectively.
3. College and Career Readiness
3.1 College Preparation
Miami Sunset prioritizes preparing students for post-secondary success through:
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SAT and ACT Prep Courses
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College Application Workshops
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Financial Aid Assistance (FAFSA Nights)
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On-campus College Fairs
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Individual Counseling Sessions
3.2 Career Guidance
Students can take advantage of:
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Career Exploration Programs
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Job Shadowing Opportunities
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Resume and Interview Workshops
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Internship Connections with Local Businesses
Graduates go on to attend universities such as the University of Florida, Florida International University, Florida State University, and Miami Dade College, as well as technical schools and workforce programs.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Miami Sunset Senior High School
4.1 Athletics
Miami Sunset Senior High is part of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and offers numerous sports, including:
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Football
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Basketball
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Soccer
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Volleyball
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Track and Field
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Wrestling
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Baseball and Softball
Athletes develop leadership skills, discipline, and teamwork—qualities that serve them well beyond high school.
4.2 Clubs and Organizations
The school offers over 30 student clubs and organizations, ranging from academic to cultural to service-oriented, including:
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National Honor Society (NHS)
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Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
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Key Club (Community Service)
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Drama Club
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Art Club
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Environmental Club
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Spanish Honor Society
Participation in these groups helps students develop confidence, public speaking skills, and community awareness.
4.3 Performing and Visual Arts: Miami Sunset Senior High School
Miami Sunset’s Fine Arts Department nurtures creativity through:
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Band and Orchestra
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Chorus
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Theater Arts
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Studio Art and Ceramics
Student performances, showcases, and art exhibitions occur throughout the academic year and are popular among the local community.
5. School Facilities
The Miami Sunset campus includes:
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Modern Classrooms with Smart Technology
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Fully Equipped Science Labs
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Media Center / Library with Internet Access
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Career Resource Center
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Art and Music Studios
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Athletic Complex with Stadium and Gymnasium
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Cafeteria and Student Dining Area
The school is continuously working on upgrading its facilities through district funds and community partnerships.
6. Faculty and Support Staff: Miami Sunset Senior High School
Miami Sunset employs approximately 100 full-time educators, many of whom hold advanced degrees. The teaching staff is committed to fostering academic success and holistic development. The school also employs:
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Guidance Counselors
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College Advisors
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Mental Health Professionals
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Speech and Occupational Therapists (for ESE students)
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School Resource Officers
Their collaborative support ensures every student has the tools needed to thrive.
7. Parent and Community Engagement: Miami Sunset Senior High School
7.1 Parent Involvement
Miami Sunset values the role of parents in education. Opportunities for parental involvement include:
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Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
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School Advisory Council (SAC)
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Monthly Parent Workshops and Open Houses
7.2 Community Partnerships
The school has developed strong ties with local businesses, nonprofits, and universities to provide students with additional learning opportunities, such as:
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Internship programs
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Guest speakers and mentorships
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Fundraising initiatives
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Field trips to local institutions
8. School Culture and Safety: Miami Sunset Senior High School
8.1 Inclusive Culture
At Miami Sunset, inclusivity and mutual respect are core values. The school supports students from all walks of life through:
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Anti-bullying campaigns
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LGBTQ+ support groups
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Peer mentoring
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Cultural appreciation events and festivals
8.2 Safety Measures
Student safety is a top priority. Safety protocols include:
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On-campus security officers
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Surveillance systems
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Regular emergency drills
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Mental health and crisis response teams
9. Testimonials
From a Student:
“I transferred to Miami Sunset in my sophomore year, and I immediately felt welcomed. The teachers care about us not just academically but personally. I’m taking AP courses and involved in theater, and I’ve learned so much.”
— Jasmine R., 12th Grade
From a Teacher:
“This school is like a second home. Watching our students grow and achieve their goals, whether it's graduation, college acceptance, or learning English, makes the work worthwhile.”
— Mr. Lopez, English Teacher
10. Enrollment and Zoning
10.1 Enrollment Requirements
To enroll at Miami Sunset Senior High, students must submit:
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Completed M-DCPS registration form
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Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
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Birth certificate
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Immunization records
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Previous academic transcripts (if applicable)
10.2 School Boundaries
Miami Sunset serves students within a defined boundary in West Kendall. However, out-of-area transfers may be accepted based on availability and special program eligibility (e.g., magnet or CTE programs).
Parents can use the M-DCPS School Locator tool to verify zoning based on their address.
11. Future Outlook and Strategic Goals: Miami Sunset Senior High School
Miami Sunset is continually evolving to meet the changing needs of its student body. Upcoming initiatives include:
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Expanding access to dual enrollment
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Launching new CTE tracks in technology and media
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Enhancing digital learning resources
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Hosting college boot camps and alumni panels
The school is also working to improve graduation rates, college acceptance metrics, and community involvement.
Conclusion
Miami Sunset Senior High School represents the best of public education: diversity, opportunity, academic rigor, and a nurturing community. With its dedicated faculty, inclusive environment, and broad academic and extracurricular offerings, it prepares students not just for college or careers, but for life.
For families looking for a supportive, dynamic, and forward-thinking educational environment in Miami, Miami Sunset Senior High is a school worth exploring.
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