Miami Lakes Educational Center is a public magnet high school and career-focused educational campus in Miami Lakes, Florida. The school combines traditional academic subjects with career and technical education, allowing students to prepare for college while developing practical skills in areas such as engineering, health science, information technology, communications, finance, and skilled trades.
The high school component serves students in grades 9 through 12 and is organized into six career-themed academies. Students may have opportunities to earn a high school diploma along with an Occupational Completion Point certificate, industry certification, and college credit, depending on their selected program. The school also offers advanced academic options, including Cambridge/AICE and Advanced Placement courses, as well as dual enrollment.
For families researching the school, the most important questions usually involve Miami Lakes Educational Center programs, admissions requirements, application dates, academies, transportation, student services, dual enrollment, career certifications, and what makes the school different from a traditional high school.
This guide covers those topics in detail and explains what prospective students and parents should know before applying.
What Is Miami Lakes Educational Center?
Miami Lakes Educational Center, commonly known as MLEC, is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools and operates as a dual-learning environment.
The high school combines college-preparatory academics with career and technical training. According to the school’s current principal’s message, approximately 1,200 high school students are organized into six rigorous career-themed academies: Cambridge, Communications, Entrepreneurship, Health Science, Information Technology, and Applied Technology.
This model gives students the opportunity to study traditional subjects such as:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social science
- Literature
while also taking courses connected to a specific career or professional interest.
MLEC describes its academic approach as combining advanced academics with real-world career skills. Students use classroom knowledge in practical projects and interdisciplinary activities rather than treating career education as completely separate from academic study.
Where Is Miami Lakes Educational Center?
Miami Lakes Educational Center is located at:
5780 NW 158th St.
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
The school’s listed phone number is (305) 557-1100.
The campus also includes the technical-college component, so the same address is relevant to students and adults looking for career training, technical programs, and adult education.
For visitors, applicants, and parents, it is best to confirm appointment requirements and current office schedules before going to campus.
What Are the Six Miami Lakes Educational Center Academies?
One of the biggest reasons families search for MLEC is its academy structure.
The school currently identifies six major academies:
- Cambridge Academy
- Academy of Communications
- Academy of Entrepreneurship
- Academy of Health Science
- Academy of Information Technology
- Trade and Industry Academy
Each academy contains different career strands and course options.
Cambridge Academy
The Cambridge Academy is designed for students seeking a rigorous academic pathway with Cambridge/AICE coursework.
MLEC’s current program descriptions include Cambridge pathways such as engineering, global studies, journalism, and finance. The engineering pathway includes hands-on engineering work and certifications such as Microsoft Office Specialist, Mastercam, SolidWorks, and pre-engineering-related credentials.
The Global Studies pathway can include college-level coursework and opportunities connected to an Associate in Arts degree through Miami Dade College.
Students interested in competitive colleges may find this pathway particularly attractive because of its advanced academic emphasis.
Academy of Communications
The Communications Academy is designed around creative and media-related fields.
Current program information includes areas such as:
- Commercial art
- Technical theatre
- Television production
- Journalism
- User interface design
These programs allow students to develop communication and creative skills while completing their high school requirements.
A student interested in visual communication, media production, theatre, design, or journalism may find this academy a good fit.
Academy of Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship Academy connects classroom learning with business and practical financial skills.
Program options include areas such as:
- Culinary arts
- Finance
- Personal finance
- Business-related learning
The finance pathway, for example, introduces students to business applications and can include work with the Jaguars Credit Union, DECA activities, mentors, and a business-focused capstone project.
This pathway may appeal to students interested in business, accounting, financial services, entrepreneurship, or hospitality.
Academy of Health Science
The Health Science Academy provides career-focused pathways for students interested in healthcare.
Current MLEC program information includes:
- Dental assisting
- Emergency medical response
- Medical assisting
- Nursing assistant
- Pharmacy technician
- Practical nursing
The school’s subject-selection documents show that specific health-science pathways can include anatomy and physiology coursework along with specialized career training.
This makes the academy particularly relevant to students considering healthcare careers after high school.
Academy of Information Technology
The Information Technology Academy focuses on technology-related education.
Depending on the current program offerings, students can explore areas such as:
- Programming
- Web design
- Networking
- Computer systems
- Cybersecurity-related concepts
The technology pathway can be useful for students considering college programs or careers involving software, networks, computers, and digital technology.
Trade and Industry Academy
The Trade and Industry Academy gives students opportunities to explore hands-on technical fields.
Current and recent MLEC program information includes areas such as:
- Automotive service
- Electronics technology
- Building automation systems
- Engineering-related technology
- Electrical systems
- Applied technical education
These pathways can be especially useful for students who enjoy hands-on learning and want practical technical skills alongside their academic education.
Miami Lakes Educational Center Programs at a Glance
| Academy | Examples of Programs |
| Cambridge | Engineering, Global Studies, Journalism, Finance |
| Communications | Commercial Art, Technical Theatre, Television Production |
| Entrepreneurship | Culinary Arts, Finance, Business |
| Health Science | Dental, EMR, Medical Assisting, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy, Practical Nursing |
| Information Technology | Programming, Web Design, Networking and technology-related fields |
| Trade and Industry | Automotive, Electronics, Building Automation, Engineering-related technology |
Program availability can change by school year, grade level, enrollment, staffing, and curriculum requirements. Students should review the current MLEC strand descriptions and subject-selection documents before choosing a pathway.
Miami Lakes Educational Center Admissions
Admissions are one of the most important parts of the MLEC search process.
The current admissions page states that the 2026–2027 application period will begin October 1, 2026. Applicants will apply through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools parent portal. The application allows students to select up to five schools, while applicants can qualify for one academy or career strand of choice per school.
This makes it important for prospective students to research their preferred academy before submitting an application.
Who Should Apply?
MLEC’s published enrollment criteria emphasize:
- Good attendance
- Good conduct
- Positive effort
- Appropriate behavior
- Strong career focus
The school also expects students enrolled in the magnet program to maintain academic and conduct standards.
Specific academies can have additional academic requirements.
For example, current MLEC subject-selection information for certain Cambridge pathways identifies a 3.0 unweighted GPA and college-ready test scores as eligibility requirements.
Because requirements can differ by academy, students should check the requirements for their specific pathway instead of assuming every program has the same criteria.
How Does the Miami Lakes Educational Center Application Work?
The application process can be summarized as follows:
- Research the six academies.
- Choose the career strand that best matches your interests.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare academic records and other required information.
- Apply through the MDCPS parent portal when the application window opens.
- Monitor application information and deadlines.
- Complete any additional requirements requested by the school.
Students coming from private schools or outside the county have an additional documentation requirement. The current admissions page says out-of-county and private-school students must submit transcripts for the previous two academic years. Without those documents, the application is considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
Miami Lakes Educational Center Application Dates
For families planning ahead, the current official admissions information states that the 2026–2027 application period begins October 1, 2026.
Because magnet-school application periods are time-sensitive, families should verify the current application status directly with MLEC and MDCPS.
Do not rely on an old application date from a previous school year.
Can You Tour Miami Lakes Educational Center?
Yes.
MLEC currently states that school tours are offered once a week on Wednesdays from 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tours are conducted in groups of up to 10 participants, and each student may bring one parent or guardian.
A campus tour can be particularly useful before applying because students can get a better idea of:
- Classrooms
- Career labs
- Technology facilities
- Student spaces
- Academy environment
- Campus layout
- Overall school atmosphere
Prospective families should use the school’s current tour-registration instructions because availability and procedures can change.
Miami Lakes Educational Center Transportation
Transportation is another major concern for families choosing a magnet school.
MLEC’s current admissions information states that incoming ninth- and tenth-grade students are offered free flex transportation. Miami-Dade County Public Schools buses provide morning and afternoon transportation through more than 60 school-based stops.
This can make a magnet program more accessible to students who do not live immediately next to the campus.
Parents should still check the current bus-stop list and eligibility rules before assuming a particular stop is available.
Does Miami Lakes Educational Center Offer Advanced Academics?
Yes.
MLEC’s academic model combines career preparation with advanced academic opportunities.
The Cambridge Academy provides AICE/Cambridge coursework, while students in other academies can take selected AICE courses and a range of Advanced Placement courses.
This means students do not necessarily have to choose between:
career education and college preparation.
They can potentially pursue both.
Does MLEC Offer Dual Enrollment?
Yes.
Miami Lakes Educational Center offers dual-enrollment opportunities at local colleges. The school states that students can take dual-enrollment classes as part of its broader academic and career model.
Some current MLEC program information also shows dual-enrollment coursework within specific pathways.
Dual enrollment can allow eligible high school students to earn college credit while completing high school requirements.
Students should confirm:
- Eligibility
- GPA requirements
- Testing requirements
- Available courses
- College partnerships
- Transportation
- Credit-transfer rules
A student planning to attend a particular college should also verify how dual-enrollment credits will apply to that institution’s degree requirements.
Can MLEC Students Earn Industry Certifications?
Yes.
One of the major advantages of the MLEC model is that students can combine their diploma with career-related credentials.
The school states that many students can complete high school with combinations of:
- High school diploma
- Occupational Completion Point certificate
- Industry certification
- College credits
The exact combination depends on the selected program.
For example, MLEC’s current program descriptions identify certifications connected with engineering and business pathways, while health-science and technical programs provide their own career-focused preparation.
What Is the MLEC Capstone Project?
The capstone project is one of the most distinctive features of Miami Lakes Educational Center.
The school states that students begin the process in ninth grade and complete it during senior year. The project brings together four years of study and is centered on the student’s magnet strand.
The capstone can involve:
- Research
- Portfolio development
- Résumé preparation
- Sample work
- An original product
- A program
- A business venture
The exact project depends on the student’s area of study.
For example, a technology student may develop a technical project, while a business student may create a business-oriented project.
This approach gives students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned instead of relying only on traditional tests and classroom assignments.
Miami Lakes Educational Center Student Services
Student support is another important consideration for families.
MLEC’s Student Services Department provides academic advisement and assistance with:
- College selection
- Future planning
- College classes
- Graduation requirements
- Course planning
- Academic problems
- Credit recovery
- Testing requirements
The school also identifies counselors, a Magnet Lead, and college-and-career advising personnel.
The College and Career Planning area provides information about college fairs, scholarships, college representatives, applications, career planning, and postsecondary preparation.
Clubs, Activities and Student Life
MLEC is more than an academic and technical campus.
The school provides extracurricular activities and student organizations, along with facilities such as computer labs, STEM labs, Wi-Fi zones, and a media center.
The current activities calendar also shows events and organizations connected to areas such as:
- HOSA
- FBLA
- Robotics
- Fitness
- Yearbook
- Cultural clubs
- Academic organizations
- Student leadership
- Career-focused activities
The calendar changes throughout the school year, so students should check the current schedule for available organizations.
What Is the Difference Between MLEC and a Traditional High School?
The main difference is the amount of career-focused education integrated into the academic program.
| Feature | Miami Lakes Educational Center | Traditional High School |
| Grades 9-12 | Yes | Usually |
| Core academics | Yes | Yes |
| Career academies | Yes | Varies |
| Technical education | Strong focus | Varies |
| Industry certifications | Available in qualifying programs | Varies |
| Cambridge/AICE | Available | Depends on school |
| AP courses | Available | Depends on school |
| Dual enrollment | Available | Depends on school |
| Capstone project | Four-year academy-based project | Varies |
| Career labs | Yes | Varies |
The choice ultimately depends on the student.
A student who already has a strong interest in healthcare, technology, engineering, business, communications, or skilled trades may benefit from MLEC’s specialized structure.
A student who wants a broader traditional high school experience may prefer a different type of campus.
Is Miami Lakes Educational Center a Good School for College Preparation?
MLEC can be a strong college-preparation option for students who want to combine advanced academics with career education.
The school offers Cambridge/AICE opportunities, Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment, college and career counseling, and academy-specific preparation.
The important point is that college preparation can look different depending on the student’s academy.
For example:
- An engineering student may focus on mathematics, science, engineering projects, and technical certifications.
- A global studies student may pursue advanced academic and college coursework.
- A health-science student may combine academic courses with healthcare preparation.
- An IT student may build technology skills and a technical portfolio.
Who Is Miami Lakes Educational Center Best For?
MLEC may be a particularly good fit for students who:
- Want hands-on learning
- Have a specific career interest
- Want to explore technical fields
- Are interested in healthcare
- Like computers and technology
- Enjoy engineering
- Want business or entrepreneurship experience
- Are interested in media or communications
- Want advanced academic coursework
- Want opportunities for college credit
- Want to pursue industry certifications
Students who are undecided about their career can also explore different programs, but they should understand that the academy structure gives their high school experience a stronger career focus.
What Should Parents Ask Before Applying?
Before submitting an application, parents and students should ask:
What academy is the best fit?
Do not choose MLEC only because of the school’s reputation. Look carefully at the actual strand.
What are the requirements?
Check GPA, testing, attendance, conduct, and any program-specific requirements.
What credentials can the student earn?
Find out if the selected program leads to an industry certification, OCP, college credit, or another credential.
Is transportation available?
Check the current flex transportation stops and eligibility.
Can the student take dual enrollment?
Ask about eligibility and course availability.
What is the capstone project?
Understand what students will be expected to complete during their four years.
What support is available?
Review counseling, college planning, academic advising, and career services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Lakes Educational Center
What is Miami Lakes Educational Center?
Miami Lakes Educational Center is a Miami-Dade County Public Schools magnet high school serving grades 9 through 12. It combines academic education with career and technical programs.
Where is Miami Lakes Educational Center located?
The campus is located at 5780 NW 158th St., Miami Lakes, FL 33014. The listed phone number is (305) 557-1100.
What academies does Miami Lakes Educational Center have?
MLEC has six career-themed academies: Cambridge, Communications, Entrepreneurship, Health Science, Information Technology, and Trade and Industry/Applied Technology.
When does the 2026-2027 MLEC application period begin?
The current official admissions page states that the 2026-2027 application period begins October 1, 2026. Applicants use the MDCPS parent portal.
Can students tour Miami Lakes Educational Center?
Yes. The school currently offers weekly Wednesday tours from 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., with group-size limits and registration requirements.
Does MLEC provide transportation?
Incoming ninth- and tenth-grade students are offered free flex transportation, with more than 60 school-based bus stops listed by the school.
Does Miami Lakes Educational Center offer dual enrollment?
Yes. Eligible students can take dual-enrollment courses through local colleges while completing high school.
What is the MLEC capstone?
The capstone is a four-year project connected to the student’s academy. It can include research, a portfolio, résumé and sample work, and an original product, program, or business venture.
Does MLEC offer career certifications?
Yes. Depending on the program, students may earn industry certifications and Occupational Completion Point credentials in addition to their high school diploma and potentially college credits.
Final Thoughts
Miami Lakes Educational Center stands out because it combines college-preparatory academics with career and technical education. Instead of requiring students to wait until college or adulthood to explore a career field, MLEC introduces specialized pathways during high school.
The six academy options cover a wide range of interests, from Cambridge academics and engineering to communications, entrepreneurship, health science, information technology, and skilled trades. Students can also benefit from AP and AICE opportunities, dual enrollment, industry certifications, career counseling, and a four-year capstone project.
For families considering the school for the 2026-2027 school year, the current application information says applications begin October 1, 2026. Prospective students should research their preferred academy, check the specific eligibility requirements, review transportation options, and consider taking a campus tour before making a decision.
The most important step is to choose the program that matches the student’s interests and long-term goals. MLEC offers a broad range of opportunities, but the value of the experience depends heavily on selecting the right academy and making full use of its academic, career, college, and student-support resources.
Hi, I’m Henry Ashford, a writer with a lifelong interest in lakes, landscapes, and the natural environment. I love exploring how lakes influence wildlife, local communities, tourism, and history. My goal is to create informative content that encourages readers to appreciate and protect freshwater environments.
Every article I write is based on careful research and presented in a straightforward, engaging style that makes learning enjoyable.
Books I’ve Written:
- Discovering the World’s Great Lakes
- Freshwater Landscapes: Stories from Around the Globe
Charlotte Pembroke
Oliver Whitmore