Our History

Bright Star Academy

23 years ago, in 2002, Bright Star Academy was born. It began with a small group of 3 students who needed homework help and extra tutoring. At the time Martha Gonzalez, the director, worked for Miami Dade County Public Schools. She decided to dedicate her free time to helping these students in her home. FCAT (State Testing) Prep looked like science projects, recipes to teach fractions, and afternoons spent reading at the park before playtime. Through these activities Martha was able to help her three students improve not only their grades but test scores as well. This initial success led to more students joining her tutoring group.

Accreditation from APPLE and Gold Seal Quality Care

After much hard work and dedication three years after opening its doors Bright Star Academy received its first Accreditation from APPLE (Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment). With this accreditation Bright Star Academy was able to obtain its first Gold Seal Quality Care from the Florida State Department of Education. Both of which the center has maintained for the last 20 years to continue offering our students and community the highest quality care and education.
“APPLE Accreditation ensures schools meet rigorous standards for quality, fostering growth and success for educators and learners alike”

Gold Seal

Florida Legislature has established the ‘Gold Seal Quality Care’ program to acknowledge child care facilities and family day care homes that are accredited by nationally recognized agencies and whose standards reflect quality in the level of care and supervision provided to children.

VPK

The ‘Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program’ (VPK) is a free prekindergarten program for 4-year-olds who reside in Florida and were born on or before September 1 each year. VPK gives each child an opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life with strong emphasis on early literacy skills, accountability, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors.

Head Start

‘Head Start’ program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.

School Readiness

‘School Readiness’ program offers financial assistance to low-income families for early child education and care so families can become financially self-sufficient and their young children can be successful in school in the future. Services vary based on individual need and range from extended day to extended year and school age care in some instances.