Light Academy: The Fight to Protect a School Where Every Student Matters
- Berwick Augustin
- Aug 24
- 3 min read
In Miramar, a groundbreaking middle school is taking shape—one where every child's unique strengths are celebrated, and learning feels deeply human. It’s called Light Academy, founded by Dr. Cassandre Davis, and it’s on a mission to redefine education through Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and the transformative power of small class sizes.
Why Light Academy Is More Than Just a School
At Light Academy, they believe intelligence isn’t measured by rote memorization or one-size-fits-all testing. Drawing on Gardner’s multiple intelligences framework, students discover their best ways of learning—whether it's through music, movement, math, empathy, or storytelling. Research affirms that when educators embrace diverse intelligences, students become more engaged, receptive, and confident learners. American Federation of Teachers+11BASIS Independent Schools+11Furman University+11
Pair that with intentionally small class sizes, and you create a uniquely powerful learning environment. Studies show that smaller classes, especially in early grades, lead to improved academic outcomes, behavioral engagement, a stronger sense of belonging, and a reduced achievement gap for underserved students.
What Light Academy Brings to Miramar
Students at Light Academy aren’t one among fifty—they’re known, nurtured, and encouraged. From day one, families and children experience personalized attention and a curriculum tailored to who they are. One parent captured the magic well: "She wanted to remain a child a bit longer—block out the noise of typical middle school pressures.”
This isn’t just schooling—it’s human nurturing.
The Challenge They Face—and How You Can Help
Shockingly, just two days into the new school year, Light Academy was forced out of its park-based classroom due to an abrupt reversal by the City of Miramar, despite having a signed contract. Families and Dr. Davis were left scrambling—facing uncertainty, deep disappointment, and a fight for justice. Imagine being a 6th grader on your second day of school, eager to learn, and being told your school might close. As one student said, “This is my second day of sixth grade and I want to develop and learn, so I don’t know why they’re doing this to us.”
How You Can Make a Difference
Raise Your Voice – Share Light Academy’s mission and the urgent situation they’re in. Sign the petition.
Show Up – Attend city meetings and lend your support in person or online.
Donate or Partner – Help sustain Light Academy through this legal challenge and keep their classrooms open. A Gofundme has also been created to help with this situation.
Encourage the Dream – Send messages of hope to the students and families who need it now more than ever.
A Vision Worth Believing In
By supporting Light Academy, you’re choosing a school that:
Honors every student’s unique intelligence and fosters real engagement.
Offers small, vibrant classrooms where each child is seen and celebrated.
Builds community—including parents, students, and mentors—to redefine what education can be.
Light Academy isn’t just a school. It’s a bold step toward an education system that values every child’s spark. Dr. Davis said it best: “I have everything to lose if I don’t keep fighting.” But the truth is—she and her students also have everything to gain if we, the community, come alongside them.
Light Academy is more than a school—it’s a beacon of hope, a model of what’s possible when education truly serves children. Let us not allow that light to be dimmed. Together, we can ensure it shines brighter than ever.
Berwick Augustin is the founder of Evoke180, a leading publishing company that also specializes in Haitian-Creole translations. He is an educational consultant and keynote speaker who embodies two decades of experience as a writer, teacher, and assistant principal. Berwick Augustin is the most innovative bilingual educational consultant capable of producing transformative results that effectively impact urban schools. His renowned book, The Education Formula: Maximizing the Village, offers a holistic, proven tool for schools and communities seeking to bridge the gap and build strong, thriving educational villages. Berwick is the creator of Self-Paced Haitian-Creole Courses online, author of Days, Months, and Seasons in Haitian-Creole, The Haitian-Creole Alphabet, and 1803 The Haitian Flag.
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