March 31, 2025 | Jeffrey Good
When Julio Pagan’s grandparents came to the United States from their home countries in Central America, they brought with them hopes to carry through the generations.
“They came for the same reason every immigrant comes here,” Julio says with pride. “It’s a free country.”
His girlfriend, Angelina Estrada, says her father came to the United States from Cuba and her mother from Nicaragua. They emphasized the value of a good education and encouraged her to chase the same success as her older sister, a Florida International University grad.
“She’s always been really good at school, and my parents told me to look up to her,” says Angelina.
Both Julio and Angelina realize that achieving their own American dream begins with a high school diploma. But at their former, traditional high schools, that sometimes seemed a goal that was out of reach.
At his old school, Julio says, the crowded classrooms and hallways caused his anxiety to spike. He began failing classes and wondered if he would have to drop out.
Then he found Miami-Dade Acceleration Academies, where the calm and studious atmosphere helped him get back on track. “It’s way calmer, way quieter. You walk in the door and every kid is doing what they’re supposed to do.”
The flexible schedule and personalized pace are also a huge plus for Julio, who needs to hold down a job to support himself and his family. “I can be focused on my coursework, be on task, and still be on task when it comes to my job.”
Julio and Angelina are among the first students to attend the newly opened Midtown location of Miami-Dade Acceleration Academies. The campus is just blocks from their home, and offers them the opportunity to progress in their courses at a manageable pace and get the personalized help they need.
Take a look at Miami-Dade Acceleration Academies' new Midtown location ⤵️
At her old school, Angelina says, “the teachers would never work with you. The classes are so crowded that the teachers have to control the kids instead of focusing on work.”
At MDAA, by contrast, educators like English language arts coach Chris Pineiro and graduation candidate advocate Janine Sande make themselves available no matter when.
Says Julio, “They all care about the students here.”
Miami-Dade Acceleration Academies works in partnership with Miami-Dade Public Schools to offer an alternative option for high school students who need more flexibility and support than what’s typically offered in traditional high schools. With three convenient locations around Miami, MDAA provides students with personalized learning plans with a flexible mix of online coursework and in-person academic coaching.