Our vision
We are committed to building a community of creative and analytical thinkers through rigorous and relevant academic choices and diverse educational opportunities designed to prepare our students to meet the demands of our ever-changing world.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide a personalized and purposeful educational experience where students can stay focused, make progress, and achieve their goals. We are dedicated to helping students not only earn their high school diploma, but also develop the life skills, discipline, and direction needed to succeed in the real world.
Mark your calendar
Key dates for 2026–2027
First day of schoolAugust 17, 2026
December graduationJanuary 8, 2027Pending student participation
May graduationMay 22, 2027Ceremony · time & location TBA
Last day of schoolMay 28, 2027
Scholarship invoice dates
Step Up For Students invoices must be approved within 30 calendar days of receiving them.
| Invoice date | August 1, 2026 |
| Invoice date | September 1, 2026 |
| Invoice date | November 1, 2026 |
| Re-enrollment begins | February 1, 2027 |
| Invoice date | April 1, 2027 |
Daily bell schedule
The day combines Life Skills instruction, Edgenuity work periods, and individual teacher support.
| 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Homeroom |
| 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Block 1: Life Skills lesson |
| 10:00 – 10:05 a.m. | Break / transition |
| 10:05 – 10:55 a.m. | Block 2: Edgenuity lab |
| 10:55 – 11:00 a.m. | Break / transition |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Block 3: Edgenuity lab |
| 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. | Teacher lunch |
| 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | In-person teacher–student conferences |
Academics
Learning on the Edgenuity platform
Edgenuity provides personalized learning experiences, allowing students to learn at their own pace and access resources tailored to their individual needs. Students receive instruction in modules with multimedia tools that present real-world applications, and tutoring support is available directly through the platform for students who need additional academic assistance.
5–8 weeksto complete each course — students work one course at a time
Weeklyprogress reports emailed to parents and guardians
Progress reports arrive from noreply@communications.imaginelearning.com — check your inbox and your spam folder.
After-hours coursework
All students may continue working on their coursework beyond regular school hours.
Please note: requests for assignment or exam unlocking, as well as questions requiring teacher assistance, must be addressed during regular school hours when a teacher is available.
Teacher hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., not including scheduled lunch.
Course sequence
Graduation requirements
The courses students take each year toward their diploma. Each student’s schedule is built from their individual graduation plan.
High School
| Grade | Core courses | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | English 1 Algebra 1 Physical Science World History | Elective / Foreign Language 1 |
| Grade 10 | English 2 Geometry Biology | Elective / Foreign Language 2 |
| Grade 11 | English 3 Algebra 2 Chemistry U.S. History | Fine Art |
| Grade 12 | English 4 Math for College Algebra Government / Economics | Elective |
Middle School
| Grade | Core courses | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 6 | Language Arts Math Science United States History | Elective / Physical Education |
| Grade 7 | Language Arts Math Science Civics | Elective / Foreign Language |
| Grade 8 | Language Arts Math Science World History | Elective / Foreign Language |
The full catalog of courses, with Florida course codes, is on the Course Offerings page.
Class of 2026–2027
Senior year
Graduation eligibility checkpoints
Follow each checkpoint deadline to stay eligible to graduate on time.
December graduates
| 3 credits or fewer | by 09/11/26 |
| 2 credits or fewer | by 10/09/26 |
| 1 credit or fewer | by 11/06/26 |
| Final credit completed | by 12/04/26 |
May graduates
| 3 credits or fewer | by 01/22/27 |
| 2 credits or fewer | by 02/19/27 |
| 1 credit or fewer | by 03/29/27 |
| Final credit completed | by 04/23/27 |
Senior milestones
| Senior portraits — Fox-Mar | Sessions can be booked year-round. Cost depends on the package you select. foxmar.com |
| Grad Bash — Universal Orlando | April 16, 2027 · Cost: $250. Pending student participation. |
| Rehearsal & cap and gown pick-up | December 10, 2026 — December graduation April 22, 2027 — May graduation |
| Ceremony | January 8, 2027 — December graduation (pending) May 22, 2027 — May graduation Cost: $150. Time and location to be announced. |
| Diploma pick-up | January 19, 2027 — December graduation June 15, 2027 — May graduation |
Seniors who transfer or enroll after the school year has begun may not be eligible to participate in certain senior activities. The December graduation and Grad Bash ceremony are pending and will be determined based on student participation.
Beyond the classroom
Life skills, safety, and support
Our campus partners with trusted community organizations to provide Life Skills instruction that complements our academic program. Students develop essential skills in:
- Personal growth and responsibility
- Communication and social skills
- Career and workforce readiness
- Independent living and decision-making
- Preparation for life after graduation
School statements
Attendance, tardies & dress code
Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic success and growth.
Understanding the policies
Regular school attendance is an expected requirement for attendance and participation. If a student is absent, documentation must be submitted within three (3) school days of the student’s return. Documentation may be provided in person to the front desk or emailed to the school office.
Excused absences
Documentation is required to excuse an absence. Students absent due to sickness or injury must provide a written statement from a health care provider after the 4th parent note.
- Student illness
- Medical appointment
- Death in the family
- Observance of a religious holiday
- Events or activities approved and sponsored by the school
Unexcused absences
Any absence that does not fall into one of the excused categories is considered unexcused, including but not limited to:
- Vacations
- Personal services
- Local events
- Providing day care for siblings
- Illness of others
- Non-compliance with immunization requirements
Tardy policy
| Tardies 1–3 | Verbal warning and student contract. |
| Tardies 4–6 | Parent/guardian notification. |
| Tardies 7–9 | Administrative conference with student. |
| Tardies 10+ | Parent conference and additional disciplinary action as determined by administration. |
Scholarship attendance requirement
Students receiving scholarship funding are expected to meet attendance and participation requirements. Excessive absences may affect scholarship compliance and may result in additional interventions by the school.
If you experience challenges that prevent you from arriving at school on time, please reach out to your teacher, counselor, or administration. We are here to help you identify solutions and support your success.
Dress code
Students wear everyday clothes that keep the campus focused and respectful.
What to wear
- Polos or t-shirts
- Hoodies
- Pants and shorts
- Shoes
Not acceptable
- No revealing clothing
- No shirts displaying inappropriate language, images, or content
- No references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gangs, weapons, or other prohibited activities
- No ripped jeans, ripped shorts, or skirts above the knee
- No pajamas, sleepwear, bedroom slippers, or house shoes
Looking ahead
After graduation, and keeping your scholarship current
College & career readiness
Through our partnership with Miami Dade College, eligible students may participate in Dual Enrollment, allowing them to earn college credit while completing their high school education and get a head start on their future goals.
Students can also connect with their Post-Secondary Advisor for support with college applications, résumé building, job opportunities, internships, and career planning.
Post-Secondary Advisors
Scholarship family responsibilities
Each campus accepts new student enrollments throughout the school year. Families receiving scholarship funding are responsible for keeping their scholarship account active and up to date by:
- Maintain active enrollment at your designated campus
- Approve school invoices within 30 calendar days of receiving them
- Keep contact and scholarship account information current
- Maintain communication with the school
- Complete required scholarship testing for eligible students in grades 6–10
- Regularly check your email and scholarship portal for notices, deadlines, and required actions
Important: timely completion of scholarship requirements helps prevent delays or interruptions in student funding and access to the education platform.
Who leads the school
Board & administration
Dr. Lisandra Prieto-GonzalezBoard Member
Dr. Andy PrietoBoard Member
Lisa KnightPrincipal
Full biographies are on the Meet Our Team and Staff pages.
Our campus on NW 5th Avenue in Florida City.
Standards we hold
Accreditations and partnerships
South Dade Academy is accredited through our sister school, Dade Prep Academy, and partners with the national bodies that govern college athletics eligibility.
Cognia
Cognia helps institutions globally with accreditation, assessment, and professional services for continuous improvement in education. Recognized in 90+ countries, and MDCPS.
NAIA
The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) is a national organization that governs over 250 member schools and offers opportunities for high school athletes to play college sports while earning a degree.
NCAA
High school athletes can compete at NCAA schools if they register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meet academic and athletics requirements for their chosen division.
More detail is on our Accreditations & Certifications page.
Student & parent documents
The documents families reference most during the year.
Questions?
Our office is open Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Call(786) 826-9092
Emailinfo@southdadeacademy.com
Visit420 NW 5th Ave, Florida City, FL 33034