School for Advanced Studies

School for Advanced Studies (SAS): Miami-Dade’s Premier Dual-Enrollment High School

The School for Advanced Studies (SAS), operated by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) in partnership with Miami Dade College (MDC), is one of the most prestigious dual-enrollment high schools in the United States. Known for its rigorous academic environment, college-level curriculum, and consistently high rankings, SAS offers an accelerated pathway for students who are ready to take their high school education to the next level.

This article dives deep into what makes SAS a standout institution, how it operates, who it serves, and why it continues to attract top-performing students across Miami-Dade County.

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Overview: What Is School for Advanced Studies?

The School for Advanced Studies is a full-time dual-enrollment program for high school juniors and seniors. Students take a combination of high school and college courses simultaneously, allowing them to earn a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit by the time they graduate.

There are five campuses located across Miami-Dade County, each situated on a Miami Dade College site:

• North Campus

• Kendall Campus

• Wolfson Campus (Downtown Miami)

• West Campus

• Homestead Campus

School for Advanced Studies is often referred to as a “hidden gem” in public education because of its free tuition, elite academics, and college-prep environment—all within the public school system.

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A History of Academic Excellence

School for Advanced Studies was founded in 1988 and has grown to become a nationally recognized model for dual-enrollment education. It has received numerous accolades, including:

• Top 10 U.S. High Schools by Newsweek and The Washington Post

• “A-rated School” by the Florida Department of Education

• National Blue Ribbon School recognition

Its reputation is built on outstanding student outcomes. Over 95% of SAS students go on to attend prestigious universities across the United States, and many graduate college ahead of their peers thanks to the college credits they’ve earned.

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Dual Enrollment: The Core of School for Advanced Studies

The School for Advanced Studies program is unique because it fully integrates high school and college education. Here's how it works:

Schedule

Students attend classes on their assigned Miami Dade College campus. A typical day includes:

• Two high school classes taught by SAS faculty (e.g., English, U.S. Government)

• Two to four college courses at MDC (e.g., Calculus, Psychology, Political Science)

Credits

• Students earn high school and college credits simultaneously.

• Many graduate with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree alongside their high school diploma.

Cost

• Completely free: Tuition, books, and materials are paid by Miami-Dade County Public Schools and MDC.

• Students save thousands of dollars in college tuition.

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Who Should Attend SAS ?

SAS is designed for high-achieving, motivated students looking for a challenging and enriching academic experience. Ideal candidates:

• Are mature, responsible, and ready for college-level work

• Want a small, supportive learning environment

• Seek to fast-track their academic careers

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive. Students must:

• Be a current 10th grader in Miami-Dade County

• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0

• Score at college-ready levels on the PERT, SAT, or ACT

• Submit an application, essay, transcript, and teacher recommendation

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The SAS Experience

Small Class Sizes

With about 100 students per grade per campus, SAS offers an intimate learning environment. Students receive personal attention and form close-knit relationships with peers and faculty.

Advanced Curriculum

Courses emphasize critical thinking, writing, and research. Common areas of study include:

• AP English Language and Literature

• U.S. History and Government

• College-level Math and Sciences

• Humanities, Foreign Languages, and Electives

Support System

• Academic advisors help students navigate both high school and college requirements.

• College counselors guide students through the university admissions process.

• Teachers offer mentoring and help students balance their academic load.

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Extracurricular Activities

Though SAS campuses are located on college sites and don’t offer traditional high school sports or clubs, students still have rich opportunities for involvement:

• Student Government

• National Honor Society

• Peer Tutoring and Mentorship

• Academic Competitions (e.g., History Fair, Math Olympiad)

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Students can also participate in MDC campus clubs and events.

School for Advanced Studies students frequently initiate their own projects, create clubs, and collaborate on community service and social justice efforts.

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Student Outcomes and College Admissions

School for Advanced Studies has a remarkable record of placing students in top universities, including:

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• University of Florida (UF)

• Florida State University (FSU)

• Duke, Cornell, Yale, and Columbia

College Credit Transfer

Because students earn an AA degree or significant college credit at MDC, many enter universities as sophomores or juniors, saving time and money.

School for Advanced Studies students also regularly receive:

• National Merit Scholarships

• Presidential Scholarships

• Full rides to in-state and out-of-state institutions

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Testimonials

Students Say:

“SAS helped me grow academically and personally. I was challenged, supported, and surrounded by peers who were just as driven as I was.”

“The dual-enrollment program gave me a head start. I’m entering college with 60 credits and already know how to succeed in a college environment.”

Parents Say:

“The school transformed my child’s educational journey. The structure, academic challenge, and college preparation were second to none.”

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How to Apply

 Studies typically open each fall and are due in January. The process includes:

1. Complete an Online Application via the MDCPS magnet portal.

2. Submit College-Readiness Scores (PERT, SAT, ACT)

3. Upload Transcript and Essay

4. Interview or Orientation (depending on campus)

After acceptance, students attend a summer orientation to prepare for the rigors of college-level learning.

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Campus Profiles

SAS North Campus

• Focus on STEM programs

• Access to research labs and dual-robotics

• Popular with students interested in engineering and medicine

School for Advanced Studies Kendall Campus

• Strong humanities and arts programs

• Located in a suburban setting with high student-teacher interaction

School for Advanced Studies Wolfson Campus: School for Advanced Studies

• Urban, diverse setting in Downtown Miami

• Proximity to tech, media, and business hubs

SAS West Campus

• Newer campus with strong ties to emerging technology

• Serving rapidly growing western Miami-Dade communities

School for Advanced Studies Homestead Campus

• Tight-knit student body

• Strong focus on agriculture, sustainability, and rural education

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Comparing SAS to Other Options

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Pros and Cons of School for Advanced Studies

Pros:

• Free college education

• Top-tier academics

• Fast-track to university

• Safe, mature learning environment

• Strong college counseling

Cons:

• Limited traditional high school experience (sports, dances)

• High academic pressure

• Requires independence and time management skills

• Not ideal for students who need more structure or social activities

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School for Advanced Studies and International Students

While SAS is primarily for U.S. citizens or permanent residents, some international students on F-1 visas may be eligible if enrolled through the broader MDCPS or MDC programs. In such cases, homestay arrangements are crucial, and the school works closely with families to support international admissions.

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Conclusion: A Launchpad for Success

The School for Advanced Studies is more than a school—it's a launchpad. For students who are passionate, driven, and ready for a college environment, SAS offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. With its proven track record, expert faculty, and supportive community, SAS remains one of the most coveted educational experiences in Miami-Dade.

Whether you're a student looking to challenge yourself, a parent seeking the best for your child, or an educator interested in dual-enrollment models, SAS is a shining example of what public education can achieve.

In case, if you need help with Homestay and Guardianship for students in order to study in School for Advanced Studies or other schools in the US, please fill in application below or contact us directly.