We began this school year with over 300 learners and 60 educators — a reflection of the strength of our reputation here in Miami and, most importantly, our partnership with you, our families. As we look ahead to 2026–2027, we want to pause and celebrate the milestones, moments, and people that made this year so special.
Joyful Learning, Academic Excellence
Our learners continue to thrive both in and out of the classroom:
- Our 2nd–5th graders scored in the 80th percentile nationally in math and reading on the NWEA MAP Assessment, a national standardized test used by independent schools across the country.
- Our Elementary Robotics team took first place in the Jewish Day School Robotics Competition — and their design was selected as the model for next year’s competition.
- Our graduates were recruited by top middle schools including Ransom Everglades, Cushman School, Miami Country Day School, and Jewish Leadership Academy.
- Our PreK learners paired up with 2nd grade “Buddy Readers,” then paid it forward by volunteering in our 3s classrooms.
- Our 1st graders presented creative solutions to flooding on Miami Beach directly to the City’s Sustainability department.
- Our Elementary learners competed in the Fairchild Tropical Gardens Challenge, an award-winning environmental science program for young scientists and researchers.
- Our 5th graders hosted our 3rd annual Earth Summit, where every Elementary class presented a sustainable solution to a challenge facing our Miami community.
- Our Elementary learners designed and hosted the 3rd annual Art Mazel Learning Exhibition, a gallery-style showcase of interdisciplinary STEAM and social studies work.
Living Our Kehilla Values
Kindness, empathy, honesty, integrity, life-long learning, and acceptance weren’t just words this year — our learners put them into action:
- Our PreK class used their own tzedakah collections to prepare 100 care bags for individuals experiencing homelessness in Miami.
- Our Kindergarteners cleaned up and rebuilt our school garden alongside family members and educators — with special thanks to Evelyn Greer, Innovative School grandparent, for lending her time and expertise.
- Through the Nefesh Experience, our 5th grade social impact program, our oldest learners led a diaper drive and collections for the Kosher Food Bank.
- Our Kehilla Council researched and successfully advocated for our school’s transition from plastic utensils to silverware, presenting their findings to our temple president and school leadership.
An Incredible Parent Community
None of this happens without you. Some highlights of what our families made possible this year:
- Our PTO — led by Kelsey Levey, Ashley Gilboa, and Jaquelynn Powers — brought us the Book Fair, Holiday Bazaar, Snow Day, our very first parent Mahjong tournament, Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Grandparents Day. Thank you to our PTO leaders and every parent who volunteered this year!
- Our first-ever school fundraiser, (Give) Back to School Night, was a huge success thanks to Director of Philanthropy Madeleine Novack and event chairs Katie Schwartz, Alexandra Schueler, and Shauna Goldberg.
- A new Library and Media Center is already underway, made possible by the Amdur Family Innovative Enhancements Fund — established by Isabelle Amdur and her family in honor of their deep connection to Temple Beth Sholom and Innovative School.
Celebrating Jewish Identity and Our Love of Israel
- Our Foundation Level learners created their own Israeli flags and marched in a Yom Ha’atzmaut parade across campus.
- Our Judaic Studies team launched our first annual Menorah Challenge for Chanukah, drawing over two dozen unique entries.
- We took part in an Israel Education Certificate Program for the Miami Jewish day school community — the first initiative of its kind in the country.
- Our 1st graders wrote, directed, and produced their own Purim Show for an audience of over 100.
- Hebrew Educator Liron Sefrad launched a Conversational Hebrew class for parents, enthusiastically attended by families across every grade.
- Our Elementary learners published their own Passover Haggadah for families to use at home.
Exploring Our City, One Field Trip at a Time
As a true city school, we connected our learners to Miami’s cultural institutions all year long:
- A grant from the City of Miami Beach connected us with the Bass Museum’s STEAM outreach program, exploring identity, belonging, and community through project-based learning.
- Our Elementary learners visited the Super Blue Exhibit, the Miccosukee Village, Art Basel, and the Miami Beach Public Library, cleaned up Biscayne Bay, and explored native plants and animals at the Botanical Gardens and Fairchild Tropical Gardens.
- At a school trip to a Nu Deco concert at the Arsht Center, our learners even met performer Wyclef Jean — an unforgettable moment made possible by Yael Hyken, school parent and our Elementary music teacher.
Building for the Future
Behind the scenes, we invested in the infrastructure and operations that support our community:
- We onboarded families and staff to Toddle, our new school-wide communications platform, which has already improved school-home connections.
- We implemented new dismissal procedures that prioritize both safety and efficiency.
- We completed key facilities upgrades, including a renovated school office, new playground equipment, and new fencing around the building.
Welcoming New Leadership
- Jen Katz Burk joined as Director of the Foundation Level, bringing remarkable growth and renewed energy to a program already known as the best Early Childhood offering on Miami Beach.
- Julie Basner was appointed Director of Teaching and Learning for the Elementary Level. Julie has been part of the Elementary Level’s growth since its founding in 2018 and previously co-chaired the temple’s Education Committee.
- We introduced a new pay scale, elevated salaries across every level of the school, and raised our credential requirements for all new hires.
Looking Ahead to 2026–2027
We’ve been listening, and we’re already planning ways to make next year even better:
- This fall, we’re launching a new snack and lunch program with Mana, offering fresh, kosher-certified meals made without seed oils, preservatives, or refined additives.
- Thanks to the enthusiasm around our Elementary Run Club and Basketball Team, we’re growing our Elementary athletics program next year — with continued thanks to PE Coach Brad Elmowitz for his energy and leadership.
