Felix Varela Senior High School is a public high school located at 15255 SW 96th St. in The Hammocks, unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. Past principals include Millie Fornell, Connie Navarro, and Nery Fins.
Serving 1,935 students in grades 9-12, Felix Varela Senior High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,935 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 10% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Felix Varela Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Felix Varela Senior High School's student population of 1,935 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,935 students
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Colors
Black, Green, Silver
School Calendar
Average Class Size
35 students
School Rankings
Felix Varela Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Felix Varela Senior High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2829 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
92%
38%
Black
3%
21%
White
4%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Viper
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Felix Varela Senior High School's ranking?
Felix Varela Senior High School is ranked #2829 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Felix Varela Senior High School often compared to?
Felix Varela Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Miami Sunset Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Felix Varela Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Felix Varela Senior High School is 98%, which is higher than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Felix Varela Senior High School?
1,935 students attend Felix Varela Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Felix Varela Senior High School students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Felix Varela Senior High School?
Felix Varela Senior High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Felix Varela Senior High School offer ?
Felix Varela Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Felix Varela Senior High School part of?
Felix Varela Senior High School is part of Miami-Dade School District.
In what neighborhood is Felix Varela Senior High School located?
Felix Varela Senior High School is located in the West End neighborhood of Miami, FL. There are 48 other public schools located in West End.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
The communication between teachers, counselors, assistant principles and parents is poor. The quality of teachers and academic programs has declined in the last couple years. My child has felt since she began at Felix Varela that the teachers just do not care. She has had very few good teachers who motivate the students during her 3 1/2 years there. The drop off of students in the morning is dangerous. Very bad traffic flow causing students to be late for class. Students get out of cars in the middle of the street not at crosswalks.
5 10/10/2025
The level of dedication by the teachers has improved significantly in this school. In the past four years I've been attending, I noticed the ease of access to clubs, sports, and areas to unleash my creativitity. The communications academy is top knotch; the learning these students do, not only helps them in their career, but also in life. I've blossomed in my writing and knowledge about the global community we live in(and I got into an Ivy League School), and I thank Varela for this. I definately recommend this school!
2 10/10/2025
The academic programs are terrible. The grading scales is curved in such away that one F can bring you down from an A to a C. The teachers are all terrible with the execption of Mr. Lorenzo.
2 10/10/2025
Admin offices are in need of assistance they are terrible
5 10/10/2025
As a parent of a daughter who graduated 2006 and another in the 11th grade, I have nothing but praise for Varela. Ms. Connie Navarro the Principal is very approachable as are the VP's. My girls have participated in cheerleading
[ coach Kubit ] and the Enchanters dance club [ Ms. Osorio ] and they have wonderful memories to tell their kids of Varela Senior High. Even though I work a fulltime job I have always found the time and effort to participate as an involved parent. It's up to you and your child to make it work. I highly reccomend Felix Varela High School.
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