A historic public school serving grades K–8, housed partly in a landmark building designed by Richard Kiehnel that anchors the educational heart of Coral Gables.
At a glance
Coral Gables Preparatory Academy operates as a K–8 school within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. Elementary classes occupy the Lower Academy in the original Coral Gables Elementary building on Minorca Avenue, while middle school instruction takes place in the Upper Academy at the Merrick Educational Center. The institution received its current name in 2010.
History
The lower academy’s historic building was designed by architect Richard Kiehnel of the firm Kiehnel and Elliott. The structure’s architectural and educational significance was recognized when it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on June 30, 1988.
What you see
The Lower Academy occupies the original Coral Gables Elementary building at 105 Minorca Avenue. Designed by Kiehnel and Elliott, the structure reflects early-20th-century institutional design. The school complex now extends to include the Merrick Educational Center, which houses middle school operations.
Cultural significance
The building represents an important example of early educational architecture in Coral Gables, a planned community developed during Florida’s real-estate boom. Its inclusion on the National Register reflects the structure’s historical value to the region’s development and civic identity.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Coral Gables, Florida
- Architect: Richard Kiehnel (Kiehnel & Elliott)
- Address: 105 Minorca Avenue
- National Register of Historic Places: June 30, 1988
- Current name adopted: 2010
- Coordinates: 25.7541, −80.258
Practical information & getting there
The Lower Academy is located at 105 Minorca Avenue in Coral Gables. As an active public school, visiting may require prior permission. Contact Miami-Dade County Public Schools for information about campus access and educational programs.
Sources & resources
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