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Two Academica-Serviced Schools Named 2020 National Blue Ribbon Charter Schools

Somerset Academy Miramar South and Somerset Academy Middle School South Miami (SoMi) earn 2020 National Blue Ribbon School Award Distinction

U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos recognized Somerset Academy Miramar South and Somerset Academy SoMi Middle School (SoMi) as 2020 National Blue Ribbon schools. A total of 11 schools in Florida were recognized.

Somerset Academy Miramar South Elementary and Somerset Academy Middle South Miami, were recognized for their exemplary performance and progress in closing the achievement gap.

Somerset Academy Middle South Miami (SoMi) is a part of the nationally acclaimed Somerset Academy, Inc. charter school network. SoMi opened its doors in the Fall of 2009. Now in its 12th year of operation, SoMi is home to nearly 200 students in grades 6 through 8. Somerset Middle SoMi offers a rigorous curriculum, featuring programs in Spanish and Mandarin. SoMi was designated as a "School of Excellence" by the Florida State Board of Education. It has received an "A" grade under the State of Florida Accountability Program for a decade and consistently ranks among the highest performing middle schools in the State. SoMi Principal, Kim Guilarte-Gil, is a recipient of a 2019 Florida Charter School Champion Award for being an exemplary School Leader. SoMi earns its Blue Ribbon award under the category of "Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools."

 
Somerset Academy Miramar South (SAMS), also a member of Somerset network, earns its Blue Ribbon under the category of "Exemplary High Performing Schools." In 2019, SAMS was the highest performing school in the State of Florida on the English and Math portions of the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA). One hundred percent of students at SAMS scored proficient on the ELA and Mathematics FSA. The school is led by Principal Alexandra Prieto. Prieto is a recipient of a 2017 Florida Charter School Champion Principal Leadership Award. Under Principal Prieto’s leadership, SAMS’ sister school, Somerset Academy Miramar, earned the 2018 National Blue Ribbon School designation. It was the first of the Somerset Academies and was one of the first charter schools in Florida.

Somerset Academy, Inc. Governing Board Chair, Todd German, says "We are proud of the Principals and their teams for their outstanding work. It is heartening to see their exemplary work recognized this way."

As a member of the Somerset Academy network of high quality charter schools, Somerset SoMi and SAMS are fully accredited by COGNIA under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI) division. The Somerset schools are supported by Academica, a global education community providing services and support to nearly 200 charter schools.

In consideration of COVID-19, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually. It is scheduled for November 12th and 13th. More information about the 2020 National Blue Ribbon School designations can be found by clicking the following link: National Blue Ribbon Schools Program

ABOUT SOMERSET ACADEMY: Founded in 1997, Somerset Academy Charter School opened in Miramar, Florida, to humble beginnings. The network now operates over 70 high performing charter schools in Florida, Texas, Nevada and the Canary Islands serving nearly 35,000 students. Somerset Academy, Inc. schools have earned local and national awards for their performance, including six National Blue Ribbon School designations. www.somersetacademyschools.com

ABOUT ACADEMICA: Academica is at the forefront of maximizing and developing human potential and achievement. The global education community supports individuals through school, college, career and beyond. Academica supports college and career preparatory K-16 (kindergarten through college) public charter schools throughout the nation. Through Academica Virtual Education (AVE) and Academica International Studies (AIS), Academica leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver high-quality education to students across the world. www.academica.org

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