Doing Even More for Children’s Hearts
Our expanded team of pediatric cardiologists means we’re doing even more to care for the hearts of children. Trust our skilled team for diagnosis and treatment of any heart issue in infants, children and adolescents.
We provide a full spectrum of pediatric heart care, from general to specialty cardiology. And with locations in Broward and Palm Beach counties, our renowned patient- and family-centered care is available close to home.
When it matters most, trust the experts in pediatric cardiology at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Heart Institute.
ELC Broward is offering child care enrollment opportunities!
Broward is offering child care enrollment opportunities!
The Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) program prepares children ages 4 and 5 in The Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) program prepares children ages 4 and 5 in Florida for kindergarten and educational success! Florida for kindergarten and educational success!
There are no income requirements
There are no income requirements
You choose the program best suited for your child
You choose the program best suited for your child
High-quality early learning centers have availability
High-quality early learning centers have availability
Families with low incomes in Florida who are trying to work or get training or get training to work may be eligible for school readiness help. to work may be eligible for school readiness help. The School Readiness The School Readiness Program offers financial assistance to low-income families for early child Program offers financial assistance to low-income families for early child education and care so families can become financially self-sufficient and education and care so families can become financially self-sufficient and their young children can be successful in school in the future. their young children can be successful in school in the future.
Families with low incomes in Florida who are trying to work
To enroll into VPK or apply for the School Readiness program, To enroll into VPK or apply for the School Readiness program, go to www.elcbroward.org go to www.elcbroward.org
Thank you to our partners!
Register your budding athlete to the JCC’s new after-school program, P.A.S.S. Boys and girls in the program will experience a variety of di erent sports, soccer, tennis, basketball, etc.
Transportation from select area schools is available. Snacks and a homework room are provided.
Registration is open!
For further information please contact : Will Croud, Youth Services Assistant Director at (954) 434-0499 ext. 112
Register at: dpjcc.org/pass
David Posnack
JCC 5850 S. Pine Island Road, Davie, FL 33328
(On the corner of Stirling & Pine Island Roads)
2022
Our mission is to enrich family life in South Florida by offering the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community.
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Pooches and Peeps
A LOVE OF PUPS INSPIRES
2ND ANNUAL PET FESTIVAL
Our four-legged friends can’t speak, but if they could, they might bark orders to attend the Fur the Love Pet Fest on Sunday, Feb. 20.
The second annual event, taking place this year at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale, celebrates the community’s love of pups with an entire fun-filled day dedicated to dogs. Activities include an allday agility course, a 30-minute DOGA (dog yoga) experience, a police K9 demonstration, vendors, live music, a pet adoption tent and a fashion show.
Coinciding with “National Love Your Pet Day,” the event is hosted by the dog mom/pup duo behind the award-winning Instagram @TourwithTeddy and blog “Living A Fairytail.” The two, Ana Elvir and her adorable Maltese, travel the state of Florida capturing photographable moments and highlighting pet-friendly places to visit. Elvir is eager to bring local pet-loving people together.
“Teddy and I are excited to once again host the Fur the Love Pet Fest,” says Elvir. “We have activities for the whole family, and we can’t wait for you to experience a fun day with your pets.”
This year’s theme “Pupchella” gives a nod to the music festival Coachella. Guests are encouraged to dress with flower crowns, tie-dye and boho accessories. There will also be canine fashion and goods for sale
at the People and Pets Marketplace where more than 30 vendors will sell products ranging from pet services and food to clothing and accessories.
There will also be plenty of places to take photos to mark the occasion, including the Road-Tripping Rover VW Bus photo station and a Smooch a Pooch Kissing Booth.
Fur the Love Pet Fest takes place from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Las Olas Oceanside Park (The LOOP), 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets range from $10-$40. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Event proceeds benefit 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida, a non-profit organization established to end animal neglect and abuse. For more information visit www.FTLPetFest.com.
FOODIE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
If the sound of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival has you feeling like there’s not much for kids, think again. Running the weekend of Feb. 24-27, the SOBEWFF touts a variety of family fun including a 2-day familyfriendly cooking challenge and a Family Ice Cream Social hosted by television personality Duff Goldman. If you have an aspiring chef on your hands, secure your tickets to the Goya Foods’ Family Fun Fest at Peter Bluesten Park in Hallandale Beach from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 26-27. The Food Network and Cooking Channel host this outdoor event where culinary heroes showcase their cooking skills through interactive demonstrations. As an added bonus, the featured recipes are all
kid-friendly. Fernando Desa, Jet Tila, Duff Goldman and The Zakarian Family are scheduled for the stage Saturday, and Rocco DiSpirito, Aarti Sequeira, Robert Irvine and Jernard Wells are scheduled for Sunday. General admission is $15 per person, per day.
Looking to chill out? The Family Ice Cream Social at Loews Miami Beach Hotel is a cool spot. Charm City Cakes’ personality Duff Goldman serves as host as dozens of South Florida favorites including Azucar Ice Cream, Cry Baby, Miami ‘N’ Ice and Salt & Straw serve up samples. The event takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. The cost is $50 per adult and $35 per child.
For more information on the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, visit www.sobewff.org
Town of Davie 85th
DAVIE PRO RODEO
Movie in the Par k featuring "Jung le Cr uise"
Friday Saatur day
7am - Kiwanis pancake br eakfast
8am - Walk for Education (Old Davie School)
9am - Festival be gins
10am-Par ade 12-9pm-Live Enter tainment
Satur day- 7:30pm Sunday - 2:00pm
Ven A ti ities Live music
&tweens, teens screens ...
BY MICHAEL ROBBAs the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic winds down, worries about how much time kids are spending in front of screens continue to dominate the conversation around media use during the pandemic. Disruption to school and social activities is still pushing a lot of daily life online. But as we do more research and understand exactly how kids have been engaging with media since the pandemic began, we also continue to see just how vital media of all types — entertainment, social, creative — has been for our kids to get through a very tough time.
Common Sense Media’s latest report from the Common Sense Census — The Role of Media During the Pandemic: Connection, Creativity, and Learning for Tweens and Teens — takes a closer look at how tweens and teens have been using entertainment media to keep their connections and their creativity alive when their worlds are so disrupted. This report brings kids’ voices into a discussion that to this point has only included the adults in their lives. Here’s what Common Sense Media learned from them about their media use:
Entertainment media helped tweens and teens cope with the pandemic. A large majority said it was important for boosting their moods (84%), staying connected to friends and family (83%), and simply having fun (91%). To stay connected with their friends, tweens and teens reported that they played video games together online, hung out with others on video chat, watched TV shows or movies together online, and attended virtual groups like clubs or classes.
Kids proactively turned to media to keep learning and expressing their creativity, even when outside of school. Tweens and teens used media to learn something they were interested in (78%), to create (53%), or to share something with others (39%). And this online learning and creativity was not related to work they were doing for school.
Boys and girls did not participate in media activities equally. Overall, 70% of tweens and teens played video games with others to connect, 56% hung out with others on video chat, and 40% watched
TV shows or movies together online during the pandemic. But boys and girls showed interest in different types of activities. For example, boys played video games online with friends more often than girls (71% of boys versus 41% of girls said at least once a month), while girls participated in video hangouts with friends more often (40% of girls versus 31% of boys said at least once a month).
Tweens and teens have found some silver linings to the pandemic, but they’re also ready to return to a more “normal” media balance. When asked “what’s one thing about your life, if any, that changed for the better during the pandemic,” the number-one answer by far was some version of “spending more time with family.” And no matter how engaging media has been for kids during this time, it has also reinvigorated their desire and appreciation for connecting in person. Nearly half of the kids in this survey reported they wanted to spend time with friends in person more often than they did before the pandemic, while 33% want to get together “about the same.” Only 12% said “less often.”
This report reinforces the value of why it’s so important to elevate the good stuff in media by highlighting the shows, games, apps and books that engage, inspire and represent everyone equally. It also serves as a reminder that when kids turn to media, they need to enter a space that is safe, healthy and free of hate speech and misinformation.
As parents, caregivers and educators, we should be careful not to demonize screen use. Media has played a very fundamental role in helping kids get through a long and often lonely time, and in that way, technology and media really matter. But despite how engaging media has been for kids during this time, many are ready for a return to connect in person, and a more “normal” media balance. In fact, 41% felt they spent too much time on their screens.
As we head into 2022, with the potential of returning to some aspects of pre-pandemic life, it should be reassuring for parents, teachers and caregivers to see that kids are ready to realign their balance of media to make room for other aspects of a healthy life.
*The data in this report is from a nationally representative, probability-based online survey of 1,318 young people (ages 8 to 18) in the United States.
This story was reprinted with permission from Common Sense Media.
New research reveals how tweens and teens have been using media to connect, create and learn during the pandemic
Sites & Apps to Help Boost Your Kid’s Report Card
Technology provides more than just an entertainment factor. There are a number of free and low-cost tools that can help give your child high-quality practice in reading and math to improve skills that are key to students’ overall performance. Here are four recommendations, provided by Common Sense Media, that are either aligned with current research about learning or have been the focus of independent research that demonstrates their effectiveness.
www.bedtimemath.org
(grades K-3; free)
Practicing something every day is the way to make progress, but not all digital practice is created equally. This website offers math problems in the form of a story, usually based on a situation or fact from the real world. Each problem is available at three skill levels. The idea is that families can use the site or app together to build math into each day.
HOMER Learn & Grow
(Apple, Android, Kindle; grades K-2; free with in-app purchases)
Created with best practices and reading research in mind, this app can get kids pumped about reading with skill-building exercises and supportive materials. Unlike many other reading apps, Learn With Homer not only includes phonics, but it also provides stories, songs, creative play, and a safe, social element called “Pigeon Post.” Though its intent is very serious, it’s kid-friendly, accessible and fun.
www.starfall.com
(grades K-2; free with fee-based additional content)
This site is a great starting place when kids are gearing up to read. It introduces the basics through letter recognition, skill repetition and beginner-level e-books. It also has some math activities and expanded options via membership.
IXL
(Apple, Android, Kindle; grades K-12; free trial/membership-based)
IXL offers a wide area of practice material, and there’s an app for when you’re on the go. Research shows that IXL can improve performance and even kids’ attitudes about math. Two things that set it apart are its distraction-free interface and step-by-step explanations for incorrect answers.
— Christine Elgersma, Common Sense MediaThe Language of Love
5 MEANINGFUL WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR KIDS
BY PAM MOOREHaven’t we all left a copy of The Five Love Languages on our partner’s side of the bed at some point? (Or maybe that’s just me.) According to the book’s author, Gary Chapman, the five love languages are: physical affection, acts of service, words of praise, quality time and receiving gifts.
While you might hope to come home to flowers after an argument, your partner might prefer you volunteer to do the dishes to show you care. According to Chapman, the key to a healthy relationship is for each person to express love in their partner’s preferred love language, instead of their own.
Chapman says this concept applies to children, too. According to child therapist Megan Cronin Larson, a child’s primary love language typically emerges around age three or four. While you can respond to cues from your child to figure out what his or her love language is, in The 5 Love Languages of Children, Chapman encourages parents to use all five to lay a healthy foundation for future relationships.
1. PHYSICAL AFFECTION. Research shows that touch is vital to healthy neurodevelopment in infants. But the need for touch — whether it’s a hug or a fist bump — doesn’t end with
infancy. Physical affection lets kids know you care, and that you will listen when they’re ready to talk. But what if your child’s love language is touch and you’re not a big hugger? Licensed psychotherapist and play therapist Brenna Hicks recommends parents “keep the physical touch small but consistent. [It] can be as simple as placing your hand on a child’s shoulder as you pass by, rubbing their head a few times on the couch, or giving them a quick kiss on the forehead. It isn’t necessarily long bear hugs.”
You could…
• Let him sit in your lap while you read
• Give a back rub
• Have a WWF-style wrestling match
• Wash her hair
• Hold hands
• Snuggle while watching a movie
2. ACTS OF SERVICE. As parents, our lives are a never-ending blur of acts of service. How can we possibly do more? And why should we? There is a difference between responding to rapid-fire requests for snacks and help with school projects versus setting your phone aside, making eye contact, and offering to help, or
taking time to do something extra-special for your kid.
You could
• Offer to fix a broken toy
• Deliver breakfast in bed
• Cook his favorite meal
• Cut sandwiches into fun shapes
• Give a manicure
3. WORDS OF AFFIRMATION. Research shows we aren’t helping when we tell our kids they’re great at everything. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use praise to connect with them in a meaningful way; rather, we should be deliberate about what we say. Parents should strive to acknowledge the effort, not the outcome. For example, instead of saying “Nice job!” when your kid comes down the slide, you could say, “I noticed how hard you worked to get up the ladder.”
You could…
• Acknowledge how hard she’s working on something specific (e.g. “You’re putting so much effort into practicing your cartwheels/ math problems/ being kind to your little sister.”)
• Say “I love you”
• Tell her three things you admire about her
• Ask if he knows how lucky you feel that you get to be his parent
• “Catch her” being good. (e.g. “I really appreciate you doing your chores without being asked.” or “You were an awesome listener at the park.”)
4. QUALITY TIME. Experts agree play is the optimum way to engage in quality time with young children. Says Hicks, kids “use play as their language and toys as their words. By playing with them, you learn more about them and meet their need for someone to share in their experience.” By adolescence, kids are no longer interested in playing. They are often busy with school, friends, and activities. Jen Harrison, a mom of busy twin teens, says she tries focusing completely on them in the rare moments they are together — and that often happens in the car, which she describes as “our best quality time.”
You could…
• Play hide and seek
• Engage in pretend play
• Go to the library
• Enjoy the outdoors together
• Bake together
• Have a dance party
5. RECEIVING GIFTS. As with the other love languages, the importance of the gift is not the gift itself, but the intention behind it. As Hicks explains, “You can feel very confident that a gift need not cost money or be extravagant for your child to appreciate the extension of love.”
You could…
• Surprise her with a homemade card
• Inscribe a copy of a book you enjoyed at his age and give it to him
• Find an accessory or a piece of clothing you no longer wear and give it to your kids as a dress-up item
• Draw him a picture
• Build something for her if you’re handy (or brave)
No matter what love language you “speak” with your kid, Cronin Larson reminds us that our full presence is the greatest gift we can give our kids. So, put your phone down and connect with your children on Valentine’s Day and every day.
Home sweet home… alone
IS YOUR CHILD READY TO BE LEFT UNATTENDED?
BY SARAH LYONSGiving kids the responsibility to stay home alone can be a positive and confidence-building experience, a rite of passage. Every parent will reach the point where they are faced with the decision whether or not their child is prepared to stay home alone. How do you know they are ready? There is no magical age that determines a child is ready to be home alone. Children must have the skills and maturity to handle being on their own safely. Kids who may be ready show the following signs:
• Desires to stay home alone and is not fearful being alone in the home
• Exhibits good decision making
• Shows that he is aware of others and his surroundings
• Proves herself to be responsible and trustworthy
• Knows home address and phone number as well as how to get in touch with parents
• Can make a snack for themselves
• Knows how to use a phone, call a neighbor for help, and dial 911
• Follows simple rules and instructions
• Knows basic first aid
Leaving kids home alone for the first time is a big step. Even if kids are not planning to babysit, consider enrolling them in a babysitting class because the skills taught there can be very useful for kids who are beginning to stay home alone. If you believe your child is ready. Here’s how you can help prepare them for success:
GO OVER THE RULES. Are friends allowed to come over? Is the child allowed to leave the house? Are there cable channels the child is not permitted to watch? Go over these and any other family rules and make it clear that your child understands.
DISCUSS POSSIBLE SITUATIONS. If someone comes to the door, what is the child to do? If the phone rings, is the child to answer? How will they respond if someone asks to speak to the parent? “She is busy right now. Can I take a message?” is a good response.
KITCHEN SAFETY. Make sure the child
knows how to use kitchen appliances and tools and discuss what they are allowed to make in the kitchen. Only cold snacks? Can they use the microwave?
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. Does your child know what to do in case of smoke or fire? What should he do if there are severe storms? Does she know basic first aid? Post emergency phone numbers and contact information so your child has it in case of an emergency. Discuss who to contact if parents are unreachable (a neighbor, family member or friend).
CREATE A LIST OF “DOS” AND “DON’TS.” Don’t play with matches or lighters. Don’t let anyone in the house. Don’t leave the house, except in an emergency. Do call and check in when you get home from school. Do work on homework and chores. Each family is
different and will have its own list of what is expected.
ROLE-PLAY. Act out different scenarios that may arise. Pretend that the child needs to reach you, what will they do? How would they call 911? What would they do in case of a fire? Pretend the phone rings, how will they answer? By walking through different situations, kids will be better prepared if the unexpected happens.
START SLOW. Begin by leaving the child for a short 15-30 minutes at a time and slowly increase. Talk about any questions or problems that may have arisen. Ask your child about their feelings when home alone. If the child is fearful, they may not be ready to be on their own.
Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to six children.Florida Renaissance Festival
Artisans with Handcrafted Goods
Continuous Entertainment
Costumed Performers
Games, Rides & Food Fit for a King (and Queen!)
Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach
February 5th – March 20th, 2022
Saturdays & Sundays • 10am to Sunset
www.Ren-Fest.com
Becoming an astronaut is all about adventure, exploration and endeavor. In Planet Pioneers: Journey to Space, guests will investigate what it takes to be a space explorer and the technology used to complete a mission. This special STEM exhibit gives future astronauts the opportunity to travel to space without leaving the Museum!
Broward School District is the 2nd largest in the state and the 6th largest in the nation
More than 15,000 students actively compete in Debate in Broward Schools, making it the largest program in the nation
Miami-Dade School District is the largest in the state and the 4th largest in the nation
Palm Beach County School District is the 5th largest in the state and 10th largest in the nation
BY THE NUMBERS
EDUCATION in SOUTH FLORIDA
Broward Schools’ student population speaks
151 different languages and represents
177 different countries.
Cypress Bay High School in Weston is the biggest high school in the state with 4,852 students enrolled in the 2021-22 school year.
More than 120,000 laptops and personal learning devices were distributed to Broward Schools students for virtual learning during the 2020-21 school year.
Miami-Dade District has 160 countries represented in languages spoken by its students.
EDUCATION
FEATURING PRIVATE SCHOOLS K-12
Guide
GENERAL AND RELIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOLS
BROWARD COUNTY
ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1494 Banks Rd., Margate 954-979-2665
www.alcaeagles.com
Grades: PK-11
ALAZHAR SCHOOL
7201 W. Mcnab Rd., Tamarac 954-722-1555
www.alazharschool.net
Grades: PK-8
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
10900 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise 954-742-4842
www.allsaintscatholicschool.net
Grades: K-8
AMERICAN HERITAGE 12200 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation 954-472-0022
www.ahschool.com
Grades: PK-12
ANNUNCIATION SCHOOL
3751 SW 39 St., West Park 954-989-8287
www.annun.org
Grades: PK-8
APPLE TREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
6301 SW 160 Ave., Southwest Ranches 954-252-9250
www.appletreemont.com
Grades: PK-8
ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY HIGH SCHOOL
5451 S. Flamingo Rd., Southwest Ranches 954-434-8820
www.mccarthyhigh.net
Grades: 9-12
BEACON HILL SCHOOL
7600 Davie Road Ext., Hollywood 954-963-2600
www.beaconhillschool.com
Grades: PK-8
BETH EMET SCHOOL
4807 S. Flamingo Rd., Cooper City 954-680-1882
www.bethemetschool.org
Grades: K-7
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
615 SE Ninth St., Fort Lauderdale 954-522-2554
www.bcsftl.org
Grades: PK-8
BETHLEHEM JUNIOR ACADEMY
6855 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac
954-597-9200
Grades: K-8
BRAUSER MAIMONIDES ACADEMY
5300 SW 40 Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-989-6886
www.brausermaimonides.org
Grades: PK-8
CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
2401 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Fort Lauderdale 954-905-5100
www.ccaeagles.org
Grades: PK-12
CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL
2900 NE 47 St., Fort Lauderdale
954-491-2900
www.cghsfl.org
Grades: 9-12
CHAMINADE MADONNA COLLEGE PREPARATORY
500 E. Chaminade Dr., Hollywood 954-989-5150
www.cmlions.org
Grades: 9-12
CHRISTI ACADEMY / STEPSS ACADEMY
3495 N. Hiatus Rd., Ste. 100, Sunrise 954-749-6869
www.stepssacademy.com
Grades: K-12
COOPER CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 5201 S. Flamingo Rd., Cooper City 954-680-0850
www.coopercitychristian.com
Grades: K-12
ELITE ACADEMY SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
3970 NW 21 Ave., Oakland Park 954-972-7184
www.eaeagles.com
Grades: 5-12
FAITH BAPTIST ACADEMY
6950 Royal Palm Blvd., Margate 954-974-2504
www.fbcmargate.com
Grades: PK-12
FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY
2700 N. Palm Ave., Cooper City 954-404-7706
www.fbcbroward.com
Grades: K-12
FORT LAUDERDALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
3275 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-485-7500
www.flps.com
Grades: PK-12
FUVIS LEARNING CENTER 110 NE 51 St., Oakland Park 954-530-4870
www.fuvisclc.net
Grades: PK-12
GLADES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
400 Lakeview Dr., Coral Springs 954-755-6405
www.gladeschristian.com
Grades: K-8
GRACE AND FAITH INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
2835 Madison St., Hollywood 754-680-7724
www.gfintlacademy.com
Grades: 1-12
HEBREW ACADEMY COMMUNITY SCHOOL
1500 N. State Road 7, Margate 954-978-6341
www.hebrewacademy.org
Grades: PK-8
HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
501 NE 48 St., Pompano Beach 954-421-1747
www.highlandschristian.org
Grades: PK-12
JEWISH ACADEMY
5100 Sheridan St., Hollywood 954-457-3899
www.thejewishacademy.us
Grades: PK-8
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
801 NE 34 Ct., Oakland Park 954-564-8950
www.lcaofbroward.com
Grades: 2-12
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach 954-941-7501
www.lcsmariners.com
Grades: K-8
LITTLE FLOWER MONTESSORI SCHOOL
519 NE 26 St., Wilton Manors 954-565-8205
www.littleflowermontessori.org
Grades: PK-6
MADELAINE HALMOS ACADEMY
1315 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-463-8772
www.jackandjillcenter.org
Grades: K-5
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
5980 University Dr., Parkland 954-323-8012
www.mhocrc.org
Grades: K-8
MESIVTA OF CORAL SPRINGS
1730 N. University Dr., Coral Springs 954-464-0416
www.mesivtacs.com
Grades: 9-11
MONTESSORI ACADEMY
19200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-435-4622
www.montessori-academy.org
Grades: PK-8
MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF BROWARD 12425 Orange Dr., Davie 954-472-9620
www.montessoriinstituteofbroward.com
Grades: PK-6
MOUNT OLIVET SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL
3013 NW 11 St., Fort Lauderdale 954-792-6010
www.mojacademy.org
Grades: PK-8
NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
3375 SW 75 Ave., Davie 954-262-4506
www.uschool.nova.edu
Grades: PK1-12
NEW LIFE PREPARATORY ACADEMY
2111 NW Second St., Pompano Beach 954-851-6608
www.newlifeprep.org
Grades: 9-12
NORTH BROWARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL
7600 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek 954-247-0011
www.nbps.org
Grades: PK3-12
OUR LADY QUEEN OF MARTYRS SCHOOL
2785 SW 11 Ct., Fort Lauderdale 954-583-8112
www.olqmfl.com
Grades: PK-8
OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL
8001 NW Fifth St., Plantation 954-370-2161
www.oslplantation.school
Grades: PK-8
PARKRIDGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
5600 Coral Ridge Dr., Coral Springs 954-346-0236
www.parkridgeca.com
Grades: PK-8
PARKWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
1200 S Flamingo Rd., Davie 954-424-6425
www.pcs-fl.net
Grades: PK-8
PHYL’S ACADEMY
7205 Royal Palm Blvd., Margate 954-731-7524
www.phylsprep.com
Grades: K-12
PINE CREST SCHOOL
1501 NE 62 St., Fort Lauderdale
954-492-4100
www.pinecrest.edu
Grades: PK-12
PINEY GROVE BOYS ACADEMY
4699 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes 954-735-1470
www.pineygroveacademy.org
Grades: K-11
POINT OF GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
3610 SW 48 Ave., Hollywood 954-649-0145
www.pointofgracechristianacademy.com
Grades: K-12
POSNACK JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
5810 S. Pine Island Rd., Davie 954-583-6100
www.posnackschool.org
Grades: K-12
POTENTIAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 12401 Stirling Rd., Cooper City 954-434-1550
www.ilovepca.com
Grades: PK-8
PREMIER ACADEMY SCHOOL
3720 Coconut Creek Pkwy., Ste. J, Coconut Creek 954-969-7172
www.premieracademyschool.com
Grades: K-12
RANDAZZO SCHOOL
2251 NW 36 Ave., Coconut Creek 954-968-1750
www.randazzoschool.net
Grades: K-12
RHEMA WORD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 4850 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes 954-781-8680
www.rwcalions.org
Grades: K-12
ROHR BAIS CHAYA ACADEMY 8100 N. University Dr., Tamarac 954-788-8781
www.baischaya.com
Grades: 9-12
SALAH TAWFIK ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE 5455 NW 108 Ave., Sunrise 954-213-8897
www.stemschool.net
Grades: PK-8
SHA’AREI BINA TORAH ACADEMY FOR GIRLS 2907 Taylor St., Hollywood 954-927-5544
www.shaareibina.org
Grades: 6-12
SHEPHERD OF THE COAST LUTHERAN SCHOOL
1901 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-772-5468
www.sotcfl.org
Grades: PK-8
AT SCHECK HILLEL, STUDENTS LEARN WHO THEY WILL BECOME.
JEWISH EDUCATION FOR A NEW GENERATION
BOLD VISION. TIMELESS VALUES. ENDURING IDENTITY.
SEE WHY SO MANY FAMILIES CHOOSE SCHECK HILLEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL.
Florida's Only Jewish 2020 U.S. Blue Ribbon School
SHERIDAN HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
3751 Sheridan St., Hollywood 954-966-7995
www.shcssharks.com
Grades: PK-12
SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
2230 NW Second St., Fort Lauderdale 954-210-9793
www.sobca.info
Grades: PK-10
ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
363 SE 12 Ave., Deerfield Beach 954-427-2226
www.stambrosecs.org
Grades: PK3-8
ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL
9990 NW 29 St., Coral Springs 954-753-1280
www.standrewscatholicschool.com
Grades: PK-8
ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
820 NE Third St., Fort Lauderdale 954-467-7747
www.saintanthonyschoolfl.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. BARTHOLOMEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL
8003 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar 954-431-5253
www.stbartschool.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
7450 Stirling Rd., Hollywood 954-432-7022
www.saintbernadettefl.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
1301 SW 136 Ave., Davie 954-476-5200
www.stbonaventurechurch.com
Grades: PK-8
ACHIEVING ACADEMIC, ATHLETIC AND ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE.
Our students enjoy a well-rounded private school education in a diverse and supportive environment. The Lower School provides an enriching academic setting with specialty classes such as STEM, Spanish immersion, music and swimming. Our Upper School offers a college-preparatory curriculum, pre-professional programming, strong athletics, arts and over 40 co-curricular activities. The Sagemont School’s approach to education ensures that students build the cognitive and interpersonal skills needed for the classroom and beyond.
ST. COLEMAN SCHOOL
2250 SE 12 St., Pompano Beach 954-942-3500
www.stcoleman.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. DAVID CATHOLIC SCHOOL
3900 S. University Dr., Davie 954-472-7086
www.saintdavid.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SCHOOL
200 N. University Dr., Plantation 954-473-8169
www.saintgreg.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. HELEN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
3033 NW 33 Ave., Lauderdale Lakes 954-739-7094
www.sthelencatholicchurch.net
Grades: PK-8
ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
5601 S. Flamingo Rd., Southwest Ranches 954-434-3887
www.stmarkparish.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
1750 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-563-4508
www.saintmarks.com
Grades: PK-8
Open Enrollment 2022-23 School Year
VPK, K-12 Tuition-Free Public Charter Schools
Some of our K - 12 school offerings:
• Dedicated Student Devices
• Microsoft Office 365 Suite accounts
• State-of-the-art Instructional Technology
• EDventure Before & After School & Camps
• Championship Athletics Programs
• Football, Soccer, Cheer, Track, Volleyball
• Robotics, 3-D Printers, VR, & more!
• Extracurricular Clubs & Activities
Palm Glades Preparatory Academy | Grades 6-12
22655 SW 112 Ave , Homestead | 786 272 2269
PalmGladesAcademy com/Admissions
Everglades Preparatory Academy | Grades 6-12
2251 E Mowry Dr Homestead | 786 601 1969
EvergladesPrep com/Admissions
Doral Int’l Academy of Math & Science | Grades K-8
6700 NW 104 Ave , Doral | 786 270 2088
Doralinternational org/Admissions
• Art, Music, Chorus, Band, & Theater
• College Preparatory & Dual Enrollment
• Award-winning Visual Arts & Culinary
• Award-winning HS Academies
• Legal Studies Academy & Mock Trial Team
• Marine & Environmental Science Academy
• Business & Finance Academy
• Digital Design Certification
Charter School at Waterstone | Grades K-5 855 Waterstone Way, Homestead | 305 248 6206
CharterSchoolAtWaterstone com/Admissions
Summerville Advantage Academy | Grades K-5 11575 SW 243 St , Homestead | 305 253 2123 |
SummervilleAdvantageAcademy com/Admissions
West Broward Academy | Grades VPK, K-8 5281 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Margate | 754 702 2320
WestBrowardAcademy com/Admissions
For more info and to apply, scan our QR Code below:
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL
2801 SW 12 St., Fort Lauderdale 954-581-0700
www.aquinas-sta.org
Grades: 9-12
STEEPLE ON THE BEACH MONTESSORI SCHOOL
1920 SE 4th St., Deerfield Beach 954-421-9220
www.sotbmontessori.com
STERLING ACADEMY
950 S. Pine Island Rd., Plantation 866-502-1050
www.sterling.academy
Grades: 6-12
SUMMIT-QUESTA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
5451 Davie Rd., Davie 954-584-3466
www.summitquesta.com
Grades: PK-8
THE SAGEMONT SCHOOL –LOWER SCHOOL
1570 Sagemont Way, Weston 954-384-5454
www.sagemont.com
Grades: PK-5
THE SAGEMONT SCHOOLUPPER SCHOOL
2585 Glades Circle, Weston 954-389-2454
www.sagemont.com
Grades: 6-12
TRINITY LUTHERAN ACADEMY
110 SW 11 St., Fort Lauderdale 954-463-7471
www.tlaftl.org
Grades: K-8
WESTLAKE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
8950 Stirling Rd., Cooper City 954-236-2300
www.westlakeschool.com
Grades: K-12
WEST BROWARD ACADEMY
5281 Coconut Creek Parkway, Margate 754-702-2320
www.westbrowardacademy.com
Grades: PK-8
WESTMINSTER ACADEMY
5601 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale 954-771-4600
www.wa.edu
Grades: PK-12
SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY
ADVENT LUTHERAN SCHOOL
300 E. Yamato Rd., Boca Raton 561-395-3631
www.adventschoolboca.org
Grades: PK-8
AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOLBOCA/DELRAY
6200 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach 561-495-7272
www.ahschool.com
Grades: PK-12
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
10333 Diego Dr. S., Boca Raton 561-852-1410
www.bocaprep.net
Grades: PK-12
BOCA RATON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
470 NW Fourth St., Boca Raton 561-391-2727
www.bocachristian.org
Grades: PK3-12
BRIDGEPREP ACADEMY OF PALM BEACH
9085 Happy Hollow Rd., Delray Beach 561-406-0709
www.bridgepreppalmbeach.com
Grades: K-8
DAUGHTER OF ZION JUNIOR ACADEMY 250 NW Third Ave., Delray Beach 561-243-0715
www.dozja.com
Grades: PK-8
EMERGING MINDS MONTESSORI ACADEMY
9087 Glades Rd., Boca Raton 561-487-3535
www.emmontessori.com
Grades: PK-8
GARDEN OF THE SAHABA ACADEMY
3100 NW Fifth Ave., Boca Raton 561-395-3011
www.assahaba.org
Grades: PK-12
GRANDVIEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL
336 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton 561-416-9737
www.grandviewprep.net
Grades: PK-12
KATZ HILLEL DAY SCHOOL OF BOCA RATON
21011 95 Ave. S., Boca Raton
561-470-5000
www.hilleldayschool.org
Grades: PK-8
LLOYD PREPARATORY SCHOOL
1825 NW Corporate Blvd., Ste. 110, Boca Raton
561-475-5910
www.lloydprep.com
Grades: K-12
OLYMPUS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
8411 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton 561-900-5323
www.oi.academy
Grades: K-8
PINE CREST SCHOOL AT BOCA RATON
2700 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton 561-852-2800
www.pinecrest.edu
Grades: PK-12
SALT ACADEMY
7700 W. Camino Real, Ste. 100, Boca Raton 561-235-5775
www.saltacademy.org
Grades: K-12
SCORE ACADEMY
900 Broken Sound Pkwy., Boca Raton 561-907-8607
www.score-academy.com
Grades: K-12
SOMERSET ACADEMY BOCA
333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton 561-393-1091
www.somersetboca.com
Grades: K-8
SPANISH RIVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
2400 Yamato Rd., Boca Raton 561-994-5006
www.spanishriverchristianschool.com
Grades: PK-8
SPORTS LEADERSHIP ARTS & MANAGEMENT (SLAM) BOCA
22500 Hammock St., Boca Raton 561-299-6969
www.slamboca.com
Grades: 6-12
ST. ANDREWS SCHOOL OF BOCA RATON INC
3900 Jog Rd., Boca Raton 561-210-2000
www.saintandrews.net
Grades: PK-12
ST. JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY 4001 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton 561-314-2100
www.sjpii.net
Grades: 9-12
ST. JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 21689 Toledo Rd., Boca Raton 561-392-9160
www.saintjudeschool.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL 701 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton 561-395-8548
www.cyberfalcon.com
Grades: PK-8
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL 400 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach 561-278-1737
www.trinitydelray.org
Grades: PK-8
UNITY SCHOOL 101 NW 22 St., Delray Beach 561-276-4414
www.unityschool.com
Grades: PK-8
WALDORF SCHOOL OF PALM BEACH 2450 NW 5th Ave., Boca Raton 561-394-7674
www.waldorfschoolpalmbeach.org
Grades: PK-8
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL 500 SW 127 Ave., Miami 305-223-8600
www.belenjesuit.org
Grades: 6-12
CARROLLTON SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART 3747 Main Highway, Miami 305-446-5673
www.carrollton.org
Grades: PK-12
CENTNER ACADEMY
1911 NE Miami Ct., Miami 305-576-6070
www.centneracademy.com
Grades: PK-8
school DIRECTORY
EVERGLADES PREPARATORY ACADEMY
2251 E. Mowry Dr., Homestead 786-601-1969
www.evergladesprep.com/admissions
Grades: 6-12
FLORIDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
4200 SW 89 Ave., Miami
305-226-8152
www.floridachristian.org
Grades: PK2-12
FUSION ACADEMY MIAMI
9130 S. Dadeland Blvd., Miami 305-831-0041
www.fusionacademy.com
Grades: 6-12
GLADEVIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MIAMI
12201 SW 26 St., Miami
305-551-6143
www.gladeviewschool.org
Grades: PK-8
OUR LADY OF LOURDES
5525 SW 84 St., Miami
305-667-1623
www.olla.org
Grades: 9-12
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH SCHOOL
1400 SW 112 St. Miami
305-386-8446
www.ololjaguars.org
Grades: PK-8
PALM GLADES PREPARATORY ACADEMY
22655 SW 112 Ave., Homestead
www.palmgladesacademy.com/admissions
Grades: 6-12
PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL
8001 SW 184 St., Miami
305-251-2230
www.palmertrinity.org
Grades: 6-12
RANSOM EVERGLADES SCHOOL
(Middle) 2045 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove
CHARTER SCHOOL AT WATERSTONE 855 Waterstone Way, Homestead 305-248-6206
www.charterschoolatwaterstone.com/ admissionscsw
Grades: K-5
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL 3000 SW 87 Ave., Miami 305-223-5650
www.columbushs.com
Grades: 9-12
COLEMAN CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL 10300 SW 167 Ave., Miami 305-388-6700
www.colemancarroll.org
Grades: 9-12
CONCHITA ESPINOSA ACADEMY AND CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS 12975 SW Sixth St., Miami 305-699-4993
www.conchitaespinosa.com
Grades: PK-12
DADE CHRISTIAN 6601 NW 167 St., Miami 305-822-7690
www.dadechristian.org
Grades: PK-12
DIVINE SAVIOR ACADEMY 10311 NW 58 St., Doral 305-597-4545
www.divinesavioracademy.com
Grades: PK-12
DORAL INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE
6700 NW 104 Ave., Doral 786-270-2088
www.doralinternational.org/admissions
Grades: K-8
GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC SCHOOL
14187 SW 72 St., Miami
305-385-7002
www.good-shepherd-school.org
Grades: PK3-8
GULLIVER PREP
Multiple campuses, Miami
305-666-6333
www.gulliverprep.org
Grades: PK-12
IMMACULATA-LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL
3601 S. Miami Ave., Miami 305-854-2334
www.ilsroyals.com
Grades: 9-12
KILLIAN OAKS ACADEMY
10545 SW 97 Ave., Miami 305-274-2221
www.killianoaksacademy.com
Grades: PK-12
MIAMI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
200 NW 109 Ave., Miami 305-221-7754
www.miamichristian.org
Grades: K-12
MIAMI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
601 NE 197 St., Miami 305-779-7200
www.miamicountryday.org
Grades: PK-12
MONSIGNOR EDWARD PACE HIGH SCHOOL
15600 NW 32 Ave., Miami Gardens 305-623-7223
www.pacehs.com
Grades: 9-12
(Upper) 3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove
www.ransomeverglades.org
Grades: 6-12
RIVIERA SCHOOLS
(Day School) 6800 Nervia St., Coral Gables (Prep School) 9775 SW 87 Ave., Miami
www.rivieraschools.com
Grades: PK-5 and 6-12
SCHECK HILLEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL
19000 NE 25th Ave., North Miami Beach
305-931-2831
www.ehillel.org
Grades: PK-12
SHELTON ACADEMY
4001 NW 97 Ave., Doral
305-599-9967
www.sheltonacademyschools.com
Grades: PK-12
ST. BRENDAN HIGH SCHOOL
2950 SW 87 Ave., Miami
305-223-5181
www.stbrendanhigh.org
Grades: 9-12
ST. THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
2701 Indian Mound Trail
305-446-1738
www.stscg.org
Grades: PK-8
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
7303 SW 64 St., Miami
305-661-8591
http://school.stamiami.org
Grades: PK-8
NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Preschool
AGES 18 MONTHS - 4 YEARS
The NSU University School Preschool provides early care and education for children 18 months through 4 years in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Teachers use the 7C Curriculum Framework to help children reach challenging but achievable goals in the domains of critical thinking, concept development, communication, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, and coordination. The Preschool provides children with key experiences in the areas of:
Music and movement, health and fitness, foreign languages, and character education
Engineering, programming, robotics, coding, and technology
Arts (fine and digital arts)
Mindfulness (cooking, healthy living, and yoga)
Science and Research & Environmental Science (including sustainability, gardening, ecosystems, and weather)
Children learn to think outside the box and develop creative thinking skills to solve problems, communicate with others, and work on projects
Curriculum Highlights:
• Teachers plan age-appropriate experiences that focus on language development, math concepts, letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and handwriting.
• Children’s inventive ideas and interests inspire in-depth projects and investigations that engage their critical thinking and curiosity.
• Open-ended questions are used to invite children’s participation in rich discussion with peers and adults.
• Indoor and outdoor materials and equipment support the development of fine- and gross-motor skills.
• Children participate in activities that foster independence and encourage positive social interactions with others.
• A range of assessment tools are used for planning, decision-making, and communicating with families.
Our Teachers
Our teachers have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and participate in ongoing, targeted professional development throughout the academic year where they are supported, challenged, and inspired to design and introduce intellectually stimulating curriculum experiences.
To learn more about NSU University School’s Preschool, contact us at 954-262-4506 or uschooladmissions@nova.edu.
PK1 (18 months - 23 months)
PK2 (age 2 by Sept. 1)
PK3 (age 3 by Sept. 1) & Junior Kindergarten (age 4 by Sept. 1)
Our Preschool programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We join less than six percent of early childhood programs nationally and two percent locally that meet the NAEYC standards that define exemplary educational practices. As the only university-based, NAEYC accredited, early learning center in Broward County, the faculty and staff of the NSU University School Preschool continually work to ensure all children receive the highest quality early care and education. The NSU University School Preschool is proud to be accredited by the National Association of Laboratory Schools, the Association of Independent Schools of Florida, and the National Coalition of Campus Children’s Centers.
SUMMERVILLE ADVANTAGE ACADEMY
11575 SW 243 St., Homestead 305-253-2123
www.summervilleadvantage academy.com/admissions
Grades: K-5
THE CUSHMAN SCHOOL
592 NE 60 St., Miami 305-757-1966
www.cushmanschool.org
Grades PreK-12
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
6855 SW 152 St., Palmetto Bay 305-871-9226
www.wcsmiami.org
Grades: PK-12
WESTWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
5801 SW 120 Ave., Miami 305-274-3380
www.westwoodchristian.org
Grades: PK-12
XCEED PREPARATORY ACADEMY 9350 S. Dixie Highway, Miami www.xceedprep.org
Grades: 6-12
SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS
BROWARD COUNTY
ABI'S PLACE
1710 N. University Dr., Coral Springs 954-753-4441
www.abisplace.com
Grades: Elementary and Secondary
AEF SCHOOLS
4650 SW 61 Ave., Davie 954-581-8222
www.aefschools.com
Grades: K-12
AMERICAN PREPARATORY ACADEMY
4850 S. Pine Island Rd., Davie 954-434-8936
www.apaacademy.org
Grades: K-12
ATLANTIS ACADEMY
11411 NW 56 Dr., Coral Springs 954-752-7571
www.coralsprings.atlantisacademy.com
Grades: K-12
CENTER ACADEMY
4700 Riverside Dr., Ste. 100, Coral Springs 954-575-1231
www.centeracademy.com
Grades: 5-12
DIVERSE ABILITIES
11850 State Rd. 84, Davie 954-401-2024
www.teachdiverseabilities.com
DIVINE ACADEMY 3347 N. University Dr., Hollywood 954-499-4638
www.divineacademy.com
Grades: 5-12
LITTLE FLOWERS OF HOPE 2645 Executive Park Dr., Ste. 158, Weston 305-298-9787
www.littleflowersofhope.com
Grades: K4-12
SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY
ATLANTIS ACADEMY PALM BEACHES 1950 Prairie Rd., West Palm Beach 561-642-3100
https://palmbeaches.atlantisacademy.com
Grades: K-12
UNICORN VILLAGE ACADEMY 21100 Ruth & Baron Coleman Blvd., Ste. 200, Boca Raton 561-826-9156
www.unicornvillageacademy.com
Grades: 8-12
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
ATLANTIS ACADEMY MIAMI 9600 SW 107th Ave., Miami 305-271-9771
https://miami.atlantisacademy.com
Grades: K-12
CARRIE BRAZER CENTER 4 AUTISM 7530 Sunset Dr., Miami 305-271-8790
www.cbc4autism.org
Grades: PK-12
MCGLANNAN SCHOOL
10770 SW 84 St., Miami 305-274-2208
www.mcglannanschool.com
Grades: 1-8
THE ROIG ACADEMY 8000 SW 112 St., Miami 305-235-1313
www.roigacademy.com
Grades: PK-8
VANGUARD SCHOOL OF COCONUT GROVE 3939 Main Highway, Coconut Grove 305-445-7992
www.vanguardschool.com
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
BRIGHT & SMART
Locations throughout South Florida www.brightandsmart.com
DAVID POSNACK JCC 5850 S. Pine Island Rd., Davie 954-434-0499 www.dpjcc.org
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER
5200 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale 954-488-2222
www.huntingtonhelps.com
KUMON MATH AND READING
8221 Glades Rd., Boca Raton
256 Altara Ave., Coral Gables
1317 N. University Dr., Coral Springs
10280 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs
4919 SW 148 Ave., Davie
348 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach
3315 Sheridan St., Hollywood
12195 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami
2521 Coral Way, Miami
801 S. University Dr., Plantation
16662 Saddle Club Rd., Weston
1-800-ABC-MATH
www.kumon.com
NSU ALVIN SHERMAN LIBRARY
3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd., Davie 954-262-4600
http://sherman.library.nova.edu
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Coral Springs, 954-757-ROCK
Fort Lauderdale, 954-564-ROCK
Pompano Beach, 954-941-ROCK
West Broward, 954-252-ROCK
www.schoolofrock.com
Discover the superpowers of skin. See and touch amazing specimens – from scales to feathers to fur. Plus, learn how our perceptions of skin shape human identity and culture.
ON VIEW THROUGH APRIL 3, 2022
presented by FROSTSCIENCE.ORG/SKIN
1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity was created by the California Academy of Sciences and modi ed for travel and distributed by the Science Museum of Minnesota. The exhibit is generously supported by Susan and Nicholas Pritzker and Family.
1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 | 305-434-9600 | frostscience.org
FebruaryEvents
HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR LISTINGS
Please e-mail listing information to calendar@southfloridafamilylife.com by the 5th of the month prior to the event date. Include the name of the event, location, address, date, time, brief description, price and telephone number for the public.
3501 SW 130 Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797
www.broward.org/parks
Kids Arts and Crafts
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Kids can get crafty by creating something handmade. Pre-registration required. 4-5:30pm, DANIA BEACH PAUL DEMAIO LIBRARY, One Park Avenue East, Hallandale Beach, 954-357-7073 www.broward.org/library
Live at Mickel
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to kick back with an evening of live music under the stars. Free. 7:30-9:30pm, Mickel Park CONCERT PAVILION, 2675 NW Seventh Ave, Wilton Manors, www.wiltonmanors.com
Orange Blossom Festival
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25-26
Cats
BROWARD COUNTY
Tunes ‘N Trucks
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Grab dinner from the food trucks, then kick back on your blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy this monthly concert series. Food trucks begin serving at 6pm, music starts at 7pm. CITY PARK, 6600 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, 954-747-4600 www.sunrisefl.gov
WestonNights Outdoor Concert
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
It’s a night of fun and music as The Shane Duncan Band delivers a high-energy performance. 7pm, WESTON REGIONAL PARK, 20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston, 954-389-4321 www.westonfl.org
Woofstock
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
A special day for dogs and dog lovers featuring entertainment, demonstrations, vendors, rescue groups and more. Free. 10am-2pm, SUNRISE SPORTSPLEX, 9101 NW 50 St., Sunrise www.sunrisefl.gov
MODS in Space Weekends
SATURDAYS-SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27
Explore the wonder, obstacles and challenges of a journey to space through hands-on activities. Included with paid admission. MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, www.mods.org
Florida Renaissance Festival
WEEKENDS, FEBRUARY 5-MARCH 20
Travel back in time in this village filled with sword fighters, minstrels, magicians, mud-beggars and more. $32/adult, $14/child. 10am until sunset,
QUIET
Tale Trail
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Stroll the library’s outdoor tale trail that displays a series of pages from a children’s book from start to finish. 10am-6pm, STIRLING ROAD BRANCH LIBRARY, 3151 Stirling Rd., Fort Lauderdale, www.broward.org/library
Family Hayride and Campfire
FRIDAYS, FEBRUARY 11 & 18
Enjoy a hayride around the park, and a marshmallow roast around a campfire to make s’mores. Advance tickets required. $4/person.
6:30-9pm. Feb. 11, EASTERLIN PARK, 1000 NW 38 St., Oakland Park, 954-357-5190; Feb. 18, T.Y. PARK, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-357-8811
Moonlight Movie in the Park
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch a screening of The Boss Baby: Family Business, under the stars. Free. 7:30pm, WESTON REGIONAL PARK, 20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston, 954-389-4321 www.westonfl.org
ParksFest
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Enjoy a music-filled day featuring the Florida Youth Orchestra and Grammy-winning jazz flutist, Nestor Torres. All ages. Concert is free. $5/parking. 1-6pm, PLANTATION HERITAGE PARK, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane, www.broward.org/parks
Valentine’s Night Hike
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Spend some time with loved ones watching the moon rise and exploring the oak hammock at night. All ages. 7-8pm, LONG KEY NATURE CENTER,
Celebrate Davie’s agricultural roots with a movie in the park Friday night, a parade and festival Saturday, and a professional rodeo Saturday and Sunday. Movie night and the festival takes place at BAMFORD SPORTS COMPLEX, 3801 S. Pine Island Rd. and the rodeo at DAVIE PRO RODEO AT BERGERON RODEO GROUNDS, 4201 SW 65 Way, Davie, www.davie-fl.gov/playdavie
Butterfly Festival
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Festival features children’s rides, games, entertainment, business expo, a fireworks display and more. 1-8:30pm, SABAL PINES PARK, 5005 NW 39 Ave., Coconut Creek, www.coconutcreek.net
Sistrunk Festival
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Celebrate Broward’s rich cultural heritage with a parade and street festival spotlighting the community’s traditions. Free. Parade begins at 10am ALONG SISTRUNK BOULEVARD, Fort Lauderdale, 754-779-4376 www.sistrunkfestival.org
Fishing Clinic
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26
This catch-and-release event provides kids ages 10 and up an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of fishing and practice casting a line at the park. Fishing gear provided. $5/person. 8-10am, MARKHAM PARK, 16001 W. State Road 84, 954-357-8868 www.broward.org/parks
Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26-27
Adapted from the beloved Swan Lake ballet, choreographer Alexei Ratmansky reconstructs the timeless tale. $37-$199. Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222, www.browardcenter.org
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Camping Under the Stars
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4-5
Bring the family and your camping gear for an overnight adventure with a bonfire, marshmallow roasting and an outdoor movie. Pre-registration required. 6pm, DORAL GLADES PARK, 7600 NW 98 Place, www.cityofdoral.com
Heritage Fest
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
An indoor and outdoor event with live performances, interactive workshops, book readings and more. 3-7pm, ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, www.arshtcenter.org
Gold Coast Free First Saturday
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Bring the kids for a hands-on history lesson the first Saturday of every month when admission and museum exploration is free. GOLD COAST
RAILROAD MUSEUM, 12450 SW 152 St., Miami, 305-253-0063 www.goldcoastrailroadmuseum.org
Hearts and Crafts
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Create sweet sentiments to give to a loved one. All ages. Materials provided. 3-3:30pm, EDISON CENTER BRANCH LIBRARY, 531 NW 62 St., Miami, www.mdpls.org
Black History Month Storytime
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Celebrate Black History Month with stories and crafts at the library. All ages. 3pm, ARCOLA LAKES BRANCH LIBRARY, 8240 NW Seventh Ave., Miami, 305-694-2707 www.mdpls.org
Discover at Deering
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Children ages 6-14 learn about the environment, arts and science through nature walks, journaling activities, art and more. Pre-registration required. $15. 10am-1pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, 305-235-1668 www.deeringestate.org
PALM BEACH COUNTY
ManateeFest
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Learn about the wonders of manatees with a day filled with entertainment and activities including a beach cleanup, recycling relay race, vendors, arts and crafts and more. 9am-4pm, MANATEE LAGOON, 6000 N. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach, www.visitmanateelagoon.com
Cats
TUESDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8-13
See the record-breaking, musical spectacular, Cats. Showtimes vary. KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, www.kravis.org
Carnival!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Learn about the music and tradition of Brazilian Carnival though live performances including drummers, samba dancers and capoeira. 3pm, PINECREST GARDENS, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest, 305-669-6990 www.pinecrestgardens.org
Mini-Me Science
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by learning all about hearts and other organs in the body. Ages 2-5. $25/child, plus museum admission. 10:30-11:30am, PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, www.frostscience.org
Winter Stargazing
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Bring your telescope to explore the night sky near a bonfire. $1. 6-8:30pm, FRUIT & SPICE PARK, 24801 SW 187 Ave., Homestead, www.redlandfruitandspice.com
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
SATURDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19-21
A celebration of art featuring multi-media artists and art displays, culinary demonstrations, music, live performances and a Family Zone with fun-filled activities. $20/per person, per day. Saturday & Sunday 10am-7pm, Monday 10am-5pm. REGATTA PARK, 2700 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami, www.cgaf.com
Jazz at MOCA
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
This free outdoor concert features jazz performers the last Friday of every month. MOCA galleries are open by donation from 7-10pm. Concert begins at 8pm. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
NORTH MIAMI, 770 NE 125 St., North Miami, 305-893-6211 www.mocanomi.org
Movies at the Park
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Bring lawn chairs or blankets to watch a movie on a giant outdoor inflatable screen. 7pm, DOWNTOWN DORAL PARK, 8395 NW 53 St., Doral, 305-593-6611 www.cityofdoral.com
Palm Beach Marine Flea Market and Seafood Festival
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12-13
This fair has a little bit of something for everyone who loves the surf and sea.
9am-5pm, SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, www.FLNauticalFleaMarket.com
Sandoway Discovery Series
THURSDAYS
Children ages 3-6 can participate in a hands-on activities with different topics ranging from bugs and pythons to plants and butterflies every Thursday. $8/class. 9:30am & 10:15am, SANDOWAY DISCOVERY CENTER, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, 561-274-7263 www.sandoway.org
Every effort has been made to provide accurate information. Changes and cancellations do occur. Please double check the details before setting out on your adventure.
Collision of Rhythm
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Performance combines the talents of two performers and 19 instruments in a high-energy show for all ages. $15-$20. 4pm, SOUTH MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, 10950 SW 211 St., Cutler Bay, 786-573-5300 www.smdcac.org
Family Day
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Families can enjoy free museum admission throughout the day and special hands-on activities including a Design Challenge from 2-4pm. THE BASS MUSEUM OF ART, 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-7530 www.thebass.org
Family Ice Cream Social
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Sample some cool and creative treats from local businesses while having some fun in the sun at this event hosted by television personality and pastry chef, Duff Goldman. The social is part of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival lineup. All ages. $50/adult, $35/child. 3-5pm, LOEWS MIAMI BEACH HOTEL, 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, www.sobewff.org
Pinkalicious
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27
The Popular Pinkalicious book series comes to life during this live theater performance. $16. 11am & 1pm, AVENTURA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER, 3385 NE 188 St., Aventura, www.aventuracenter.org
Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit
THROUGH MAY 8
Step into the pages of Eric Carle’s colorful picture books at this play-and-learn exhibit. MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 980 Macarthur Causeway, Miami, 305-373-5437 www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Food Truck Fest
TUESDAYS
Skip the cooking and choose from an array of food trucks, with selections sure to please the entire family. The evening also includes bounce houses and children’s activities. Weather permitting. 5-9:30pm, HAULOVER PARK, 10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-287-6688 www.miamifoodtrucksevents.com
Mother Nature & Me
THURSDAYS
Little ones learn all about nature through crafts, garden exploration and story time. Ages 5 and under with caregiver. $10/child. 10am-noon, DELRAY BEACH CHILDREN’S GARDEN, 137 SW Second Ave., Delray Beach, www.delraybeachchildrensgarden.org
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The Ballot Box
TALLYING VALENTINE’S CARDS
BY RICK EPSTEINValentine’s Day used to be my least favorite holiday. When the teacher set up that big box with the mail slot in the top, I feared that once again I’d be putting more valentines into it than I would be getting out of it.
The rest of the year, I felt variously loved or unloved, but these feelings were subjective and unmeasured. Valentine’s Day was different. My yearning to be liked turned that cheery heart-covered contrivance on the teacher’s desk into a ballot box — for a referendum on my personhood. I wasn’t an outcast or anything like that; it was just that I had a burning desire to be everybody’s favorite person all the time.
Mostly I tried to cultivate popularity by clowning — superbly timed wisecracks in class, slapstick stumbling en route to the pencil-sharpener, that kind of thing. I was the hardest-working kid in the school (including the students who did their homework), but my classmates took me for granted. Yes, they laughed, but they didn’t love me.
Popularity is like a bank loan. The more desperately you need it, the less likely you are to get it. Now with kids of my own, I’m not afraid that they will be unpopular. I’m afraid that they have inherited my sad need for popularity.
One Saturday morning, 6-year-old Marie ran in the front door wailing in anguish. “What happened?” I asked, checking for blood. She sobbed out, “I d-d-don’t know who-oo-oo to play with. If I play with Heather, Billy will be mad. And if I play with Billy, Heather will be mad.”
Heather and Billy live up the street from us. Because they hate each other, when the neighborhood kids play “House,” Heather and Billy pretend they are a divorced couple and Marie is their child. “They fight over me,” she said. “Heather wants me to live in the playhouse with her, and Billy wants me to live in the garage with him,” she said. “I don’t know what to do!”
Uh-oh, I thought. Are her friends attracted to her because she’s too docile to stand up to them? Too intent on being universally liked? Did she inherit my problem?
I needn’t have worried. Over the years, Marie has been happy having a few loyal, intimate friends and a wider network of what she calls “my cool friends.” As teenagers, they all wore black and wanted to live in the city. Now in their 20s, they do live in the city, gathering in each other’s apartments to talk about art and theater over wine and lovingly prepared dinners made of beets and chard and other bad-tasting things.
Our youngest, Wendy, can’t stand to be alone. But her teenage relationships are stormy. She has been pursuing the sort of popularity you see in teen movies — the kind that’s about power and status and not about being liked. However, halfway through high school, she’s starting to figure out that real friendship has nothing to do with defeating your enemies and eating their hearts. So there’s hope.
Our middle child, Sally, never needed my concern. As early as age 3, she showed an iron-clad, inner-directed spirit. Valentines? So what? When Sally ran for Student Council president in seventh grade, it wasn’t because she required approval; it was because she wanted to run things. With her cheerful strength, she has always had all the friends she needs. And she gets them by the box lot.
Loving parents want to see their children turn out better than themselves, and it’s nice to see some victories being won. But my own progress has been slow and my recovery incomplete. In other words, any valentines emailed to RickEpstein@yahoo.com would be more than welcome.
Rick Epstein is a freelance writer and author who continues to count his cards every Valentine’s Day.
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