Coral Reef Senior High School

Posted: May 28, 2026

There are people who should not be working at a school — much less be allowed to make decisions for our children.
Today was the seniors’ last day. A group of students, caught up in the excitement, threw water and food in the courtyard. It wasn’t right, but honestly, it was expected at that age. Those students were taken to the office, but the school administration decided that was enough reason to punish the entire Class of 2026.
They locked the students in the gym and canceled all the activities planned for their last day of school: the pet rally, the videos, the senior memories — moments they had all been looking forward to for years. Instead of giving these students a happy ending to a chapter they worked so hard for, Coral Reef chose to leave them with humiliation and bitterness.
These students studied, sacrificed, graduated, and what they will remember for the rest of their lives is how Coral Reef treated them on their last day of high school. Being locked in a gym like prisoners, having their excitement taken away, and even being threatened that if anyone spoke up or complained, they might not receive their diploma tomorrow.
It is shameful.
I regret ever allowing my daughter to be part of Coral Reef. People like this, people in the administration of Coral Reef, should not have our children’s experiences or futures in their hands. I hope someone speaks up. I hope someone reports what happened. No student deserves to leave high school with a memory like this.

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Choose this school for your child if you are looking for them to complete the international baccalaureate program; it’s an amazing school for that with great opportunities. If your child does well in IB and has some decent extracurriculars, they are almost guaranteed an acceptance to a Top 20 university. However, if your child does not want to be in the IB academy, don’t choose Coral reef. It’s extremely more difficult to get into a top 20 school when competing with the IB students. Due to the fact that IB requires a rigorous course load filled with AP, pre-IB, and IB classes, most IB students will end up being top 10% to top 5% of the graduating class, while the rest of student body will be placed in top 20% or below. It’s almost impossible for colleges to overlook this.

However, the school staff, including the college advisor, will tell you that this is not true, that non-IB students will have equal opportunities to get into top schools, but this is simply a way to get more people to apply to non-IB academies. As a matter of fact, many colleges like Georgetown, Yale, Carnegie Mellon, and Vanderbilt state in their CDS that they place an extreme value to class rank. Take this year, for example; everyone who applied to and got into an Ivy League was in IB, except for one person. Most kids who got into UF were in IB. My friend had a 1440 SAT, 4.00 GPA, was the Vice-President of an anti-drug awareness club and the Secretary of the Mock Trial Club and got straight-up denied from the University of Florida, while IB students with lower SATs and extracurricular involvement got in through the early rounds.

Additionally, the college counselor motivates you about your chances in getting into top schools regardless of not being in IB during the parent conferences and class presentations, but the minute you email her with concerns about your top 20% ranking and its effect on your application to top schools, she tells you “Well, there’s nothing you can do about it now, is there?”

I graduated top 20% of my class, with a 3.98 unweighted GPA and a 5.00 weighted GPA, a 1440 SAT score, and 4 5s and two 4s on my AP exams. Yet, I was rejected from more than half of the schools I applied to. I only got into two top 20s: University of Michigan, and UC Berkeley, but, since they’re public, I could not afford either of them, so I went to Umiami (a great school I am also very grateful to have gotten into).

All in all, Reef is a great school… if you’re going into IB.

Posted: October 22, 2019

Some teachers assign extreme amounts of homework while others don't.

Posted: October 22, 2019

The teachers just pass you through their class at the bare minimum. They couldn't care less.

Posted: October 22, 2019

Just because there are no fistfights at school doesn't mean there are none outside of school.

Posted: October 22, 2019

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Posted: October 22, 2019

Not at all. The school will only do something if the bullying is physical.

Posted: October 22, 2019

As a wallflower, I was able to pass by all four years without tipping over. So for me personally, it wasn't that bad. For others, they were robbed of a fun experience because they were doomed at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

Posted: December 19, 2017

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Posted: December 19, 2017

My son is a sophomore at the VPA strand. He loves it! He has made lots of friends and academically he is challenged and doing great. Although the school is big, the strands give it the small school feeling. I couldn't have asked for a better place for my son to experience high school in.

Posted: January 3, 2016

The school is amazing. I am enrolled in Coral Reef Senior High and I'm in the IB program. I have to stay although difficult it's really preparing me for something great. This school not only is great academically, the people there are wonderful; everyone I've met hasn't done anything but be nice. This school has a great variety of kids all with different interest. We have 7 different academics. It's also a bully free zone school. I'm honored to be apart of this school. It's definitely worth it, so you should encourage your kids to apply.
- submitted by a student

Posted: October 12, 2015

My child had a couple of fantastic teachers. Add in the stinkers that shouldn't be teaching and you end up with "somewhat effective."

Posted: October 12, 2015

This school's somewhat undeserved high reputation is based on its IB and VPA strands, but beware the others, especially Agriscience. It's marketed as Biotechnology, but in reality completely based on Future Farmers of America - think Boy Scouts for farmers and grades based on merit badge type competitions, including memorizing the motto and creed, or buying a stiff cordoroy FFA jacket to swelter in the Miami heat in. Or attending a local church service for "bonding" with your classmates. Yes, really. What did it for us was my child's answer of "respiration" on a SCIENCE test didn't even receive partial credit because the FFA approved answer was "breathing." A complete joke. MDCPS should be embarrassed to even offer this. Also, keep in mind that magnets severely limit your child's elective choices, and foreign languages count as electives. So choose this magnet, and your kid can take FFA and three years of whatever language they choose if they are college bound. The school is also very strict, or at least was under Principal Leal, and students could get in trouble for not having their shirt tucked in, for example. We couldn't get our child out of there fast enough.

Posted: May 21, 2015

The school is on block scheduling ( two hour class every other school day) for six classes. At least one of which is your academy class, Coral Reef offers six, one of the most famous is (IB) International Baccalaureate. There are hundreds of clubs, over a thousand teachers and staff, and about 3,200 students. The school pays for most college board tests, like PSAT and AP exams. Enough lockers for the textbooks, and the transition to tablets; one lunch of 45 minutes for club meetings, making friends, studying, and especially eating lunch practically anywhere in the school. The teachers prepare the students for end of the year testing and life lessons needed for college. 10 minutes are allotted from class to class, giving time to communicate to the teachers. Coral Reef teachers spend practically most of their waking hours at school, in teaching, grading, and answering questions the students may have, even providing many ways of contact outside of school for help on homework, or reminders of when future assignments are due. The school is filled with school spirit and many other opportunities for students to pick up a lasting highschool experience. "Don't hide that 'Cuda Pride."

Posted: May 21, 2015

Each teacher knows the amount of work other teachers in the same subject give, and the homework is based on previous lessons, all assignments are giving a minimum of two days to complete. Teachers are now posting homework assignments on google classroom and class jump, for easier remembering. It is so little that you don't need an agenda to write it in, but enough to reinforce the information for the end of the year tests.

Posted: May 21, 2015

We have an honor code, mandatory for all students to sign when entering. Students are honest with teachers, and the teachers always treat students equally.

Posted: March 7, 2015

I am a student at Coral Reef, I am a fresh man and the school is not so bad but not what I expected it to be. It is berry stressful that is true, but the teachers and your counselor are always there for you no matter what. I can't coplain that much there fun but there's to much work. I made a lot of friends thanks to their program Ready for Reef but anyways is not the school I hoped it would be.

Posted: January 9, 2015

Not what it is made out to be. We are very disappointed, my child came from a very small school that even the principal knew her name. There is no family atmosphere, they don't care who she is or what she can contribute. I called to talk to one of her teachers (it's the end of the 2 nine weeks) he didn't even know who my daughter was yet. We will be looking for a new school next year. Additionally, my daughter hates all of the cliques.

Posted: October 20, 2014

My children came here for the vpa academy. They were really excited at first but when the school year started they hated it. Coral reef is a very clicky school and my children didn't make any real friends their first year. Not only that but the teachers were not interactive. I thought I was making a mistake(because coral reef I supposed to be amazing),when I took them out and send one to a private and other to public. Now they both go to amazing colleges with out the need for coral reef on their record. Over all coral reef might be a good school but not for all people. Its way too clicky and I believe the teachers and staff only care about keeping the schools place and name. I wouldn't recommend parents to send your child there only if you really have to.

Posted: September 15, 2013

The school is great the students are nice and the teachers really care about you.

Posted: July 17, 2013

I am a Sophmore in the Choir strand at CRHS i think it's amazing!!!! i love this scool! the teachers are Fun, and i can definately say im getting a great education! yes, there are things that i dont like about the school but all in all it's amazing!

Posted: December 26, 2012

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.

Posted: October 6, 2012

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!!!!

Posted: October 5, 2012

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.

Posted: August 20, 2012

My review is not biased or not taken from my personal time at CRSH. I well understand that every student's experience at any high school is different. Also, drugs and fights from the completely biased reviews are true. But remember, there are NO high schools that do not have drugs and fights. Every high school has those kinds of stuff, it's just the way the administration handles it CRSH is an average "4" in last year's FCAT 2.0. The MDCPS average is a "2". That is very good, but not amazing. Another pro is that there are a wide variety of courses in the magnet program, so it virtually fits every career choice that your child may have. The teachers have experience, and most are nice but strict. This may be an opinion to you, as there may be "mean" teachers. However, this is not a perfect school. As I said there are drugs and fights, however there minimum fights, and drugs. You will find this common con in EVERY SCHOOL, so don't get your expectations TOO high. If your child want to take a medical course, there are better choices. It is not BAD, however, if you are determined to find an AMAZING medical courses, TERRA's a good option. In all, CRHS is a very good school.

Posted: April 24, 2011

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,

Posted: March 27, 2011

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!

Posted: March 18, 2011

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.

Posted: December 17, 2010

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.

Posted: November 18, 2010

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

Posted: October 6, 2010

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.

Posted: September 28, 2010

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.

Posted: September 15, 2010

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.

Posted: August 1, 2010

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.

Posted: July 8, 2010

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

Posted: April 17, 2010

Posted: April 14, 2010

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

Posted: April 11, 2010

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.

Posted: April 10, 2010

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!!

Posted: April 6, 2010

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!

Posted: March 29, 2010

Posted: March 26, 2010

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.

Posted: March 24, 2010

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

Posted: March 19, 2010

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

Posted: March 14, 2010

Posted: February 27, 2010

Most of these negative comments come from people who had problems with the IB program. Well IB in general is hard, but the rest of the classes and the other academies aren't and are totally managable. Students are very social and it is easy to intermingle. Anyone who says that the school lacks spirit has obviously never been to a pep rally or a sporting event. Look them up on youtube and see how involved we get. Also each academy is like it's own little family and you can make some great friends if you try. I'm glad that I decided to go to Coral Reef because I have had some of the best experiences there and wouldn't trade them for anything.

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