Ada Merritt K-8 Center
The Next Chapter in Our Magical Story
Miami, Florida · Taking part in PTA Restaurant Week™, November 2–15, 2026
Ada Merritt K-8 Center is a Miami-Dade County Public Schools magnet school in Miami that offers an International Baccalaureate Dual Language Programme to every student from kindergarten through 8th grade. As the region's first tri-county "commuter" school, it is open to students from Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. Students pursue dual language proficiency in English with Spanish or Portuguese, and the school is an IB World School offering the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes.
Ada Merritt K-8 Center provides and supports a rigorous dual language international education program that values and promotes the acquisition of a second language and embraces international perspectives and attitudes, through a unique and high quality education for our unique and diverse community of learners.
A place where children always come first. Where high expectations and standards are the norm. A place where all staff members know we are here to serve children and serve each other. A place where parents and other support systems are valued as we know we cannot do it all alone. A place where the study of languages and international perspectives are embraced and promoted. A place where our mission is to create a vibrant learning community where the minds and hearts of all who enter are nurtured, developed, and respected.
Writing as the school's new principal, Maria Gancedo-Guzman says her commitment is "not to redefine who we are, but to honor, protect, and build upon the strong foundation" of Ada Merritt, which she calls a model for academic excellence and global citizenship. Her first priority is to listen and learn from families, and the 2026-2027 schoolwide theme is "The Next Chapter in Our Magical Story."
Programs & academics
IB Dual Language Programme (K-8)
All students take part in the International Baccalaureate Dual Language Programme from kindergarten through 8th grade, pursuing proficiency in English with Spanish or Portuguese. Elementary students spend 60% of the day in English and 40% in the second language; the school is designated a Bilingual School Organization (BISO).
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Ada Merritt is an IB World School offering the PYP and MYP; fifth graders complete the PYP Exhibition, and students who finish the MYP and meet admission requirements get automatic admission to their neighborhood IB high school.
International Studies Program (ISP), Spanish Section
A dual-recognition program run with Spain's Ministry of Education that adds Spanish-curriculum social science and science; PYP students take an extra hour and fifteen minutes of Spanish four afternoons a week, and middle schoolers take IS classes culminating in AP Spanish Language and Culture in 8th grade.
International Education Program (IEP), Portuguese
Established in 2005-2006 by M-DCPS with support from the Cultural Center of Brazil, it gives selected students in grades 1-4 a deeper understanding of Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language through ten units of study.
Recognition
- IB World School (Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes)
- Designated Bilingual School Organization (BISO)
Good to know
Compiled from the school’s official website (adamerrittk8center.com) and its district’s page for the school, September 2026. Schools update their sites often — if something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.