Miramar, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The Light Academy, a private middle school in Miramar, is facing closure just days into the academic year due to a contract dispute with city officials. The school, which opened with 12 students, was abruptly barred from operating at Vizcaya Park after the city terminated a lease agreement. The principal plans to pursue legal action against the city while classes are temporarily relocated to a public library. Parents and students are anxious about the impact this sudden disruption may have on their education.
Miramar – The Light Academy, a private middle school located in Vizcaya Park, is facing potential closure only two days into the school year. The school commenced its operations on a Monday with 12 enrolled students, but by the end of the first day, the administration was informed by Miramar Police that they could no longer continue operating from the park due to a contract dispute.
Principal Dr. Cassandre Davis received a phone call at 3 PM on the first day stating, “You cannot come back to the school tomorrow,” though no specific reasoning was provided for the abrupt decision. The following morning, city officials secured the park’s gates, effectively blocking access to the school, which sparked an outcry from parents, students, and staff who demanded answers at City Hall.
The city had previously established an executed contract in July allowing The Light Academy to operate in the park. However, an email sent last Thursday indicated the termination of this contract without providing a formal explanation. Dr. Davis claims there was a binding lease agreement signed by key city officials, but within days, the school was barred from using the facility.
Sources indicate that concerns about restroom access shared between the public and students might have contributed to the city’s decision to revoke the school’s access. Dr. Davis reiterated that a summer program had previously functioned at the same site without issues, raising further questions about the rationale for the abrupt closure.
City spokespersons have stated that further comments are unavailable as the situation is now under review by the legal department. The lowered communication from city officials has left families feeling upset and confused about the future of the school. Many parents expressed fears about how this sudden disruption will affect their children’s education.
Students are also experiencing anxiety over their school’s status, expressing a strong desire to continue their education amid concerns about potential misconduct on their part. As a temporary measure, The Light Academy has been relocated to a public library for classes.
Furthermore, city officials have mandated that the school remain closed until the legal dispute is resolved in court. Dr. Davis indicated plans to seek access to classrooms while pursuing litigation against the city for breach of contract. Despite this, a judge recently denied the school’s request for an emergency injunction to allow operations at Vizcaya Park during the legal proceedings.
The future of The Light Academy remains in uncertainty as parents and educators continue to advocate for the restoration of the school’s operations.
Summary of Events
- The Light Academy began operations with 12 students.
- Miramar Police informed the school they could not return due to a contract issue.
- The city terminated a previously established contract without a clear reason.
- Families are upset by the lack of communication and sudden closure.
- The school is currently conducting classes at a public library.
- A judge denied an emergency injunction for the school to operate from the park.
Background Context
Light Academy’s establishment aimed to provide quality education in a supportive environment. Initially welcomed by the city, the operations have now become contentious, underscoring the complexities often associated with public-private partnerships in educational settings. Previous programs conducted by the city at the Vizcaya Park location raised questions regarding why similar initiatives could not continue under The Light Academy.
FAQ Section
- Why was The Light Academy locked out of Vizcaya Park?
- The school was informed of the closure due to a contract dispute, although no formal reasoning was provided by the city.
- What was the status of the contract with the city?
- An email from the city terminated the contract without explanation, despite an executed agreement existing since July.
- What are the current arrangements for The Light Academy’s students?
- Classes are temporarily being held at a public library until further notice.
- What legal actions is the school taking?
- Principal Dr. Cassandre Davis plans to pursue litigation against the city for breach of contract while seeking access to classrooms.
- How have parents and students reacted to the situation?
- Parents have expressed confusion and concern regarding their children’s education, while students have shown anxiety about their schooling status.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | The Light Academy |
| Location | Vizcaya Park, 14200 Southwest 55th Street, Miramar |
| Enrollment | 12 students |
| Closure Date | August 28, 2023 |
| Current Class Location | Public library |
| Legal Action Status | Ongoing litigation; request for emergency injunction denied |
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Additional Resources
- WSVN: Private Middle School in Miramar at Risk of Closing
- NBC Miami: Miramar Private School Demands Answers
- WSVN: The Light Academy in Miramar at Risk of Closing
- Local 10: City Locks Students Out of Miramar Private School
- NBC Miami: Search for Answers After Sudden Closure
- Wikipedia: Miramar
- Google Search: Miramar private school closure
- Google Scholar: Miramar school closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Miramar
- Google News: Miramar school news
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
