Miramar, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The Light Academy, a new private middle school in Miramar, faces closure just two days after the school year began. Enrollment started with 12 students, but city officials notified the principal that the school could no longer operate at Vizcaya Park due to an unspecified order. Concerns regarding restroom access led to the abrupt termination of a previously executed contract. Parents and students express confusion as the academy seeks to continue classes in a public library while pursuing legal action against the city.
Miramar – The Light Academy, a private middle school located in Vizcaya Park, is facing the possibility of closure just two days after the start of the school year. On the first day of classes, the school opened its doors to 12 enrolled students, but by the evening, a notification from Miramar Police indicated that the school could not return to the park due to an unspecified order.
Principal Dr. Cassandre Davis received a phone call at 3 PM informing her that the academy could not operate from the location starting the following day. City officials later blocked access to the park’s gates, prompting concern and questions from parents, students, and staff at City Hall regarding the abrupt decision.
Earlier in July, an executed contract was signed between The Light Academy and the city, granting the school permission to operate within Vizcaya Park. Furthermore, the city sent an email last Thursday terminating this contract without offering a formal explanation. Dr. Davis asserts that there was a legally binding lease agreement executed by city officials that would allow the school to use the facility.
Concerns have been raised about restroom access between public facilities and the students as a potential reason behind the contract termination. Dr. Davis highlighted that the city conducted a summer program at the same setting without any listed issues. City spokespeople have refrained from providing further comments, stating that the matter is currently with their legal department.
The sudden closure has left families feeling upset and confused, as there has been little communication from city officials about the situation. Parents expressed that the abrupt end to classes has significant consequences for their children’s education and stability. Students are reportedly anxious about the uncertainty surrounding their school, eager to continue learning, and concerned about any possible wrongdoing on their part.
Currently, The Light Academy is utilizing a local public library to conduct its classes temporarily. However, the city has instructed the school to remain closed until the legal disputes are resolved in court. Dr. Davis has indicated her intention to seek access to the classrooms while filing litigation, describing the city’s actions as a breach of contract.
As a result of these developments, a judge has denied the school’s request for an emergency injunction, which would have allowed them to continue operations at Vizcaya Park until the court case is heard.
Background Information
The Light Academy’s predicament underscores the delicate relationship between educational institutions and municipal regulations. While the academy had followed procedural requirements to operate legally within city limits, the sudden withdrawal of access has raised questions about oversight and communication from city officials. This incident reflects broader issues regarding the accessibility of educational facilities and the necessity for clear contractual agreements established between schools and governing bodies.
Key Features
- Location: Vizcaya Park, 14200 Southwest 55th Street, Miramar
- Enrollment: 12 students
- Start Date: The school year began officially on Monday
- Contract Situation: Executed in July, terminated unexpectedly on a Thursday
- Temporary Location: Public library
- Legal Dispute: Ongoing, with a judge denying an emergency injunction
FAQ
What led to the closure of The Light Academy?
The city of Miramar informed The Light Academy that they could no longer operate from Vizcaya Park due to an unspecified order. This followed the school having signed a contract for operation in July.
What steps is The Light Academy taking in response to the closure?
The Light Academy is currently using a public library to hold classes temporarily and is pursuing legal action against the city to regain access to their facility.
How many students were enrolled at The Light Academy at the start of the school year?
There were 12 students enrolled at the beginning of the school year.
What is the status of the ongoing legal dispute?
The ongoing legal dispute prevents the school from reopening until resolved, and a judge recently denied their request for an emergency injunction to continue operations.
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Additional Resources
- WSVN: Private Middle School in Miramar at Risk of Closing
- NBC Miami: Miramar Private School Demands Answers
- WSVN: The Light Academy in Miramar at Risk of Closing
- Local 10: City Locks Students Out of Miramar Private School
- NBC Miami: Search for Answers After Sudden Closure
- Wikipedia: Miramar
- Google Search: Miramar private school closure
- Google Scholar: Miramar school closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Miramar
- Google News: Miramar school news
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