Miami-Dade County Public Schools will shut down nine campuses when the 2026-27 school year begins Thursday, Aug. 13, the most visible sign yet of an enrollment crisis that has cost the district roughly 13,000 students in a single year.
None of the closures hit Aventura directly. Aventura City of Excellence School, Don Soffer Aventura High School, and Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High remain open. But because Florida ties per-pupil state funding to enrollment counts, the districtwide decline could reduce revenue flowing to every Miami-Dade campus, including those three.
The school board voted unanimously on Wednesday, June 17, to close or consolidate the nine schools as part of its consent agenda. The affected campuses span all three regions:
- North Region: Parkway Elementary and Rainbow Park Elementary
- Central Region: Lenora B. Smith Elementary, Miami Springs Middle and Phillis Wheatley Elementary
- South Region: Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy, Pine Villa Elementary, Richmond Heights Middle and Robert Russa Moton Elementary
Enrollment fell 4% in one year, from 326,279 students in 2024-25 to 313,220 in 2025-26. The district had projected a drop of about 5,000; the actual loss was more than double that. USA Today reported the decline stems from Florida's expanded voucher program, fewer immigrant families moving to South Florida and rising housing costs pushing families out of the county.
Incoming Superintendent Rafael Villalobos, who was unanimously selected by the board on July 29, called enrollment his top challenge. "I think the greatest issue is lower enrollment, and making sure that parents understand that we are your best choice," Villalobos said during his July 29 selection, adding that families "have to know that we are ready to serve them and serve their children." As we reported July 31, Villalobos has pledged to welcome immigrant families as part of his 100-day plan.
The board also eliminated 168 district positions in the June 17 vote, a move K-12 Dive reported will save $17.3 million.
Free meals no longer universal
Families will also notice a change in the cafeteria. Miami-Dade no longer qualifies for the federal Community Eligibility Provision, which previously covered free breakfast and lunch districtwide. According to WSVN, only 45.1% of students met the federal threshold this year, well below the 62.5% required. Just 121 schools will offer free meals to all students in 2026-27.
In a Sunday, Aug. 2, interview with Local 10, Villalobos said the district reached out directly to families at non-qualifying schools, encouraging them to apply before the deadline. Applications open Monday, Aug. 10, at mdcpsnutrition.net.
Assistant Superintendent Luis Diaz attributed the eligibility shift to changing demographics and fewer newcomer students enrolling in district schools.
What's next
Villalobos, 54, will formally replace Superintendent José Dotres when Dotres's contract expires Sunday, Feb. 14, 2027. The school board meets Wednesday, Aug. 19, to discuss salary negotiations and the leadership transition. The first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 13.
