About Calusa Elementary

Every adventure needs a great basecamp.

An "A" rated Miami-Dade County Public School since 2002 — and a community where every student is known, supported, and challenged.

A message from our principal

Welcome to an amazing "A" rated school

Portrait of Principal Suzet Hernandez wearing a navy Calusa polo
Mrs. Suzet HernandezPrincipal

It is with great pleasure that I welcome our students to this amazing "A" rated school. We are thrilled to share that Calusa ranked in the top 99th percentile, out of 1,598 traditional elementary schools, in Reading, Mathematics, and Science proficiency in the state of Florida. In addition, Calusa obtained the STEM Gold Designation for eight consecutive years; consequently, we have achieved a STEM Platinum Status!

We hope you had a wonderful summer and that our students are ready to venture into learning! Calusa Elementary is committed to providing a rigorous and joyful inclusive school environment in pursuit of excellence. Our phenomenal teachers have created classrooms that are inviting and beautiful for our students. At Calusa, we possess the ingredients to provide each student with everything they need to grow socially and academically. Our motto this year is "Calusa, Where Learning is an Adventure."

We are aware that a strong partnership with you will make a huge difference in your child's education. As partners, we share the responsibility for their success. We encourage you to stay connected and informed by following us on X, Instagram, and our website to receive important updates and information throughout the school year.

We are looking forward to a wonderful school year, as we prepare our students for the waves of tomorrow. If there is ever anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact me or stop by my office. 😊

suzethernandez@dadeschools.net · (305) 385-0589

Who we are

Our mission & our vision

🧭 School Mission

The staff and community of Calusa Elementary School will provide students with sensitivity, awareness, and an understanding of our cultural diversity. Global perspectives will be addressed through an interdisciplinary approach to instruction. A meaningful learning environment will be provided to instill a feeling of mutual respect among teachers, students, and parents. The process will develop students to their highest potential.

🔭 School Vision

Calusa Elementary School enriches the community through: the conveyance of the cultural heritage of the nation and the surrounding community; the provision of the best possible educational experiences to our students; the extension of the services of the school to address the needs of the whole individual; and the provision of a center for community activities.

🅰️ "A" school since 2002 🏆 Top 99th percentile in Florida Platinum STEM designation 🍎 Free breakfast & lunch for all students

Safety first

Arrival & dismissal procedures

Safety is the number one priority at Calusa. To keep every child safe, please review these procedures with your family.

🌅 Arrival

  • Students are dropped off at the gate on West Calusa Club Drive (7:15 AM) or 96th Street (7:45 AM).
  • If you need to park, please park along the perimeter of West Calusa Club Drive or by the field.
  • Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 8:00 – 8:20 AM — free for all students.

🏁 Dismissal

  • PreKindergarten is dismissed by the lot near the cafeteria on West Calusa Club Drive.
  • Kindergarten, 2nd & 4th grade are dismissed on 96th Street.
  • 1st, 3rd & 5th grade are dismissed on West Calusa Club Drive.
  • Use the crosswalks if walking your child to your car — never walk between cars in the carpool lane.
Aerial map of Calusa Elementary showing the parent drop-off and pick-up loops along West Calusa Club Drive and SW 96th Street
Parent drop-off & pick-up runs along West Calusa Club Drive and SW 96th Street. The bus zone on West Calusa Club Drive is strictly no parking.

⭐ Friendly reminders

  • Teachers are available for conferences with a scheduled appointment.
  • Transportation changes must be made in a timely manner — contact the main office by 1:15 PM (K & 1st) or 2:15 PM (2nd–5th).
  • Early dismissal ends at 1:30 PM (K–1st) and 2:30 PM (2nd–5th), and 1:30 PM on Wednesdays.
  • Please do not park in the drop-off lanes or in front of the school — parking is available in the lot by the PE field on West Calusa Club Drive.
  • Be courteous to our neighbors: never block driveways or park on lawns.

We need your interest, your involvement, and your support in achieving our goals. Remember — you are the number one role model for your child, and your support of school rules and policies is what keeps Calusa Elementary "Always a Step Ahead." Questions? Call (305) 385-0589.

Accountability

Plans, reports & inspections

We believe in transparency. Here's how our school is planned, funded, and inspected — all in one place.

💰 School Financial Report: to see how revenues were spent to operate the school during the prior school year, search for Calusa Elementary on the M-DCPS School Information page — the report is under the Resources section. (Google Chrome recommended.)