Military Families
WELCOME
Welcome to Air Base K-8 Center for International Education. We are dedicated to supporting military-connected students who join our community due to a parent's change in duty station. Our goal is to remove obstacles to academic success for these students. We’re here to help military families navigate school transitions, frequent relocations, deployments, and the variations in education across states. ​
APPLYING TO OUR PROGRAM
Parents must apply for our Magnet program (Kindergarten-eighth grade). The online application is available from October 1st through January 15th of every year at www.yourchoicemiami.org.
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Children of active duty military families will receive priority for available seats. All students must meet the school's admittance requirements (please see the Contract/Criteria). Placement is contingent on space availability and applicants meeting all entrance requirements.
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Military orders or a service statement must be submitted upon applying for Kindergarten through eighth grade. Parents applying for students entering first through eighth grade are required to submit their child's academic records (i.e. report cards, progress reports). These records shall be reviewed to determine the student's eligibility for our program. Teacher Recommendations are not required to apply for our program.
Military Point of Contact
Carmen Monge
Magnet Lead Teacher
cmonge@dadeschools.net
305-258-3676, ext. 2123
School Liaison Services
Garth Gourley
School Liaison Officer, Child and Youth Services
US Army Garrison - Miami
9301 NW 33rd St
Doral, FL 33172
Desk Phone: 305-437-2633
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Email: garth.b.gourley.naf@mail.mil
Resources
STUDENT-LED TRANSITION PROGRAM
Our transition program is implemented by the National Junior Honor Society. Within this group of leaders, one student serves as the Purple Up! coordinator. This person works with the Magnet Lead teacher to identify new military students and pair them with 8th grade NJHS students. This yearlong pairing ensures that new students will be familiarized with our building, staff and traditions.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS
Every year, Air Base K-8 offers two kinds of professional development for the instructional staff. during the first curriculum chair meeting, distribution of military families within the school is delineated, pertinent influential factors are discussed, and strategies are developed. Next, during April, background information from numerous resources are shared with teachers as the foundation for the month of the military child instructional units.
MILITARY SCHOOL EVENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS
United States Coast Guard's Partnership in Education (P.I.E.) and Reading Around the World
Air Base K-8 Center proudly honors and celebrates our military families throughout the school year, working closely with our military partners. One of our key collaborations is with the United States Coast Guard's Partnership in Education Program (P.I.E.). Each year, during our December event, Reading Around the World, Coast Guard service members volunteer their time to read to our students in a cozy campfire setting.
Beautification Days at ABK-8
Additionally, during our school’s Beautification Days throughout the year, USCG service members dedicate their time and efforts to plant trees, establish gardens, and build garden structures alongside our parents and students. Their contributions help create a vibrant and welcoming environment for our school community. ​
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SMACK Night & Environmental Agencies
Air Base has established a collaboration with environmental agencies, including the Homestead Air Reserve Base. These agencies participate in our annual event, Science and Math Connecting Kids (S.MACK) Night, held in October, where they engage with our students and their families through informative presentations.
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Career & Truck Day and the Military
At our school, Career & Truck Day invites a diverse range of professionals to share insights about their jobs, vehicles, and equipment, as well as the education and skills needed for success in their fields. Each year brings something unique, and we’ve been fortunate to host representatives from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, who bring trucks, helicopters, and boats, along with classroom presentations for our students. These engaging sessions have sparked interest in potential military careers among our students.
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Purple Up for Military Children
April is the Month of the Military Child, and we celebrate Purple Up on April 15th. This special event features engaging hands-on activities that bring together military-connected students and service members from all branches. Our faculty and staff proudly wear purple to show their support for all military children on this day.
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