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The 2000-2001 school year heralds the opening of a
second charter school in Doral. The Doral Academy, managed by the
Academica Corporation, already has over 800 students enrolled in its
K-8 grade facility located on the campus of Carlos Albizu University
at 2173 NW 99 Avenue.
Charter schools are non-profit self-managed public
schools. Even though approval by the local school board is a must,
charter schools are run much like private schools. State and local
monies make charter schools tuition-free.
Doral Academy is open to any student residing in the
Miami-Dade County school district, but as Maggie Fresen, an
administrator at Academica, said, " Most of our students are
residents of Doral or are children of parents who work in the
area."
The only "tuition" that a parent is required
to pay is donate time to the school. All parents will sign a contract
obligating them to donate 30 hours toward some school activity.
Although the possibilities are numerous, some potential projects could
be chaperoning field trips, backing for a special event, helping the
teacher at a school event and so on.
Fernando Zulueta, founder and president of Academica,
said that he was approached by several parents two years ago to help
them get a new charter middle school established in the Doral area.
They asked him because he had successfully established
three other charter schools located in Dade and Broward Counties.
He recalled, " We had over 400 parents sign
petitions who went to the Dade County School Board to see this happen.
This school gives parents the opportunity to choose which school their
children attend. Our school is a place where children will enjoy
learning, teachers will enjoy teaching, and parents will be expected
to be a key part of the educational process."
In charter schools, children are taught differently
from the way they are taught in public schools. The Doral Academy has
its own curriculum, based on Florida's Sunshine Standards, that
encompasses the core subjects of math, reading/language arts, science
and social studies. Spanish, art, music and physical education are
also part of the program.
Doral Academy's philosophy is that children can learn
better in smaller groups in multi-age classrooms. Since class size is
capped at 25 students there is more opportunity for students to
progress at an individual pace.
And since each child has his/her own learning style
the curriculum is tailored to students' needs, in the hope of
achieving superior ultimate results.
Although the curriculum is based on the CBC, the
Florida Sunshine State Standards and incorporates E.D. Hirsh's Core
Knowledge Theories, and the teachers will take an active role in
developing a unique curriculum for each subject.
Zulueta said, "We want great teachers, and we
give them the freedom to use their skills. We give teachers a level of
autonomy, which they are not used to. We allow teachers to develop the
strategies they feel are best suited for the students they
teach."
"We look for results and want both students and
teachers to perform at their peak", added Fresen.
"It's great to have a fine facility, but
ultimately it's the people, the spirit and morale that has the
greatest impact on individuals," Zulueta said.
Because the school is located in the east wing of Carlos Albizu
University there will be a natural interchange and affiliation with
that institution, a specialist in educating mental health
professionals. The Academy will work closely on curriculum matters and
student assessment through the University's Department of Psychology.
And soon the university will offer a Bachelor of Education Degree,
making Doral Academy a perfect training ground for future teachers.
And Zulueta said, " We will be able to help 80 new teachers or
more complete their requirements during the school year."
Anta Fitness and Self Defense is contracted to provide before and
after care for parents' convenience.
The school has had its ups and downs regarding zoning permits, but
community leaders like Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Mayor Alex
Penelas have supported the project from the beginning.
Zulueta concluded, "The community really wants this school and
I would hope that our community leadership defers to the wishes of the
parents in the area."
For more information contact Academica Corporation at 305 669 2906.
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