Coral Gables Preparatory Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Coral Gables Elementary School
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Coral Gables Preparatory Academy in Coral Gables, Florida, April 2010
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 Location in Miami
Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | 105 Minorca Ave., Coral Gables, Florida |
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| Architect | Richard Kiehnel |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000750 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1988 |
Coral Gables Preparatory Academy is a public school in Coral Gables, Florida. It used to be called Coral Gables Elementary School. This school teaches students from kindergarten all the way to 8th grade (K-8).
The younger students (Lower Academy) go to classes in the original, historic building. Older students (Upper Academy) attend classes at the Merrick Educational Center. The school got its current name in 2010. The original building is very old and special. It was designed by a famous architect named Richard Kiehnel. Because of its history, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This means it's a really important historical place!
Contents
History of the School
How it Started (1920s-1940s)
Coral Gables Elementary School first opened in October 1923. Back then, it was called Coral Gables Grammar School. It started with just 39 students and one teacher, Mary Feaster Jackson. George Merrick, who founded Coral Gables, paid for the school to be built. He believed that "beautiful things inspire higher ideals in the minds of children." So, he hired famous architects to design a school in the Spanish colonial style.
In 1926, the school had grown a lot, with about 1,000 students! In 1927, Abigail Gilday became the principal and stayed until 1945. Under her leadership, Coral Gables Elementary became the first school in the country to have a Cub Scouts Troop in 1934. They also started a "Boy Patrol Program" that year.
During World War II, the students, teachers, and parents at the school did something amazing. They sold and bought over $300,000 worth of war bonds and stamps. This helped the country during the war. The U.S. Department of the Treasury gave the school an award for selling the most bonds and stamps in the nation!
Changes and Growth (1960s-1990s)
Bertha Webb was the principal from 1945 to 1961. After her, Jack Jaimeison led the school from 1961 to 1971. During his time, the school started its first Science Fair. They also focused a lot on technology and community projects.
A big change happened in 1971. Schools in Miami-Dade County began to integrate. This meant that students of all races would go to school together. Coral Gables Elementary was paired with Carver Elementary. First and second graders went to Carver, and third through sixth graders went to Coral Gables. This was a new idea, and Principal Jaimeison helped parents understand and support the plan.
George E. Bowker became the principal in 1971 and stayed until 1991. He continued to oversee the integration process. In 1982, the school was named a Historic Landmark in Coral Gables. Then, in 1988, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, the school won the Golden School Award for Volunteerism. This award celebrates schools with great parent and community involvement.
From 1991 to 2003, Dr. Melanie Revman Fox was the principal. In 1992, after Hurricane Andrew caused a lot of damage, the school helped many families from Homestead who had lost their homes. In 1994, the school district changed how students were assigned to schools. They introduced a "controlled choice" system. This meant parents could choose from a few schools, and a lottery system would decide where their child went. Coral Gables Elementary was part of this new system. In 1993, the school received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award. This is a very high honor for schools!
Recent Years (2000s-Present)
In 2003, Graciela Cheli Cerra became the principal. She was the first Hispanic principal of the school and served until 2018. Under her leadership, the school won many awards.
A major change happened in 2010. Coral Gables Elementary expanded to include grades K-8. This meant it became a "preparatory academy." The school took over another building nearby to make space for the new middle school grades. On January 12, 2011, the school officially changed its name to Coral Gables Preparatory Academy.
In 2013, the school celebrated its 90th anniversary! They even had a special exhibit at the Coral Gables Museum about the school's history. By 2016, the original building (105 Minorca Avenue) became the Lower Academy for Pre-K through 4th grade. The new building (39 Zamora Avenue) became the Upper Academy for 5th through 8th grade.
The "controlled choice" system ended for Coral Gables Preparatory Academy in 2016-2017. Now, it is a neighborhood school, meaning students living nearby can attend. The school continues to be recognized as an "A" school for its high performance. Principal Cerra received many awards for her hard work and dedication to the school and community.
Awards and Recognition
Coral Gables Preparatory Academy has received many awards, including:
- Five Star School Award, 2007–2008 school year
- Proclamation from Miami Dade County Public Schools for being in the top 4% of all elementary schools in Florida
- Platinum Award 2003, present for the "A" designation
- Florida Sterling Council – Sterling Challenge, June 2005
- Golden School Award for Volunteerism, 1989–present
See also
In Spanish: Academia Preparatoria Coral Gables para niños
