Just days after the new school year began, The Light Academy, a private middle school in contract with the City of Miramar, is facing potential closure after police ordered it to stop operating out of Vizcaya Park, sparking reports of a brewing civil lawsuit.
Last Monday marked the school’s first official day of operation at the park, located at 14200 Southwest 55th Street. With 12 students enrolled, the day reportedly went smoothly. But shortly after dismissal, Miramar Police arrived and told the principal and founder, Dr. Cassandre Davis, that the academy could no longer operate from the site.
The following morning, city officials refused to open the park gates, leaving students, staff, and parents locked out. The group then spent the day at City Hall demanding answers.
Davis said the school had entered into a signed contract with the city in July that allowed them to operate. However, she claims the city began to reverse course last Thursday, sending her an email that stated in part:
“Following up on our earlier meeting regarding the administration’s decision to terminate the contract with Light Academy, this email serves as formal notification of that action.”
Davis maintains the city never provided a clear explanation for the reversal.
“We have an executed contract, July 30, 2025, signed by all parties, city manager, assistant city manager, lawyers. We moved in all of our furniture in there and then on August 5, we were told that we can’t be here for no reason,” said Davis.
Officials have not confirmed the basis of the termination, though speculation suggests concerns may have been raised about public and student access to the same restroom facilities.
Parents say the school was designed to give students a safe, creative learning environment through a Multiple Intelligences approach, and that their children were finally excited about a program that nurtured their strengths. Now, with access to the building revoked, families are scrambling.
The academy is temporarily holding classes at a library, while some students have already had to transfer to other schools. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been launched to help secure a permanent home for the academy.
“We are The Light Academy, a new middle school created to give students a safe and inspiring space to learn through a Multiple Intelligences approach that meets their diverse needs,” the campaign states. “From the very first day, our students were excited to be part of a school that recognizes their brilliance, nurtures their creativity, and empowers them to shine in every way. Just days into our first school year, our building access was taken away, leaving our students without the stability they deserve. We are currently displaced, yet our scholars and staff continue to thrive.”
The fundraiser aims to provide resources to create classrooms, libraries, and learning spaces “that reflect the promise of every child who walks through our doors.”
