About Avant Garde Academy
A tuition free, nationally recognized K - 12 public charter school in Hollywood, Florida, committed to academic excellence, leadership development, and innovation.
College Acceptance
Students K - 12
100%
2,200+
Cognia
99%
Graduation Rate
Accredited
OUR PURPOSE
Our Mission. Our Vision.
Our Mission
To prepare students with the 21st-century knowledge and skills needed to impact their communities locally, nationally, and globally. Through a nurturing and safe environment, students are challenged intellectually, artistically, and personally.
Our Vision
To implement an innovative, student-centered learning environment where collaboration, technology, and high academic standards empower students to thrive in a competitive global society as proud Lighthouse Leadership School graduates.
Core Values That Guide Everything We Do
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in academics and personal growth.
Innovation
We embrace creative thinking and cutting-edge learning opportunities.
Leadership
We develop confident leaders who serve others and their communities.
Integrity
We act with honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Global Integrity
We prepare students to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
Accreditations & Recognition
Cognia
Accredited
College Board Platinum AP Honor Roll
Leader In Me Lighthouse School
U.S World News and Report Ranked School
A Vision Built on Passion and Purpose
Avant Garde Academy began with a simple belief: every child deserves access to a world-class education in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment.
Our mission is to empower students to think critically, lead confidently, and make a positive impact on the world. We invite you to join our family and be part of this extraordinary journey.
– Frank J. Bolaños & Dr. Frances C. Bolaños
Co-Founders
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDERS
Proudly Serving Avant Garde Academy
Alliance Education Services (AES), the educational support organization that proudly serves Avant Garde Academy, is operated by Justin H. Matthews, M.Ed., and Jennifer Lucas, accomplished charter school leaders with more than 50 years of combined experience. Together, they provide the strategic, academic, and operational leadership that supports AGA's mission of delivering an exceptional educational experience while fostering student success, innovation, and excellence.
– Justin H. Matthews & Jennifer Lucas
Operational Support Team
A MESSAGE FROM OUR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TEAM
Governing Board
Avant Garde Academy
Maria Diaz-Kremer
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Maria Diaz Kremer is a passionate professional with deep community roots and over 25 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies. During her career she has excelled in professional development roles and takes pride in the growth and development of the people she has worked with. Ms. Diaz Kremer has earned great experience on the needs of culturally diverse populations and the communications needs of all stakeholders, including minorities.
Ms. Diaz Kremer is a dedicated volunteer and leader in several South Florida based community, non-profit organizations. She has been an active parent in her children’s education and parent-based groups in the public-school setting. Ms. Diaz Kremer is an ardent believer in the power of shared education to lift the spirit and future of children.
Board President
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Mark Riedmiller is a semi-retired 30 plus year South Florida resident. Mark is married with two children who currently attend college in Coral Gables. He is active in the community and historically very involved in the public-school system and local community regarding the environment and development.
With four decades of rich diverse experience in leading sales teams and organizational operations, Mark has driven execution and growth, transformed operations, performance and teams and developed solutions for high-stakes issues, through creativity, innovation and resourcefulness. He spent a few years in HR, giving him a unique perspective in the process of employment, recruitment, training, compensation, and retention in a union environment. His background ranges from Fortune 100 corporations to small business, giving him a valuable perspective of both when making decisions.
Throughout his career and personally, Mark is known for his values: Dependability, Commitment, Loyalty, and Open-mindedness. Additionally, ensuring that ethical guidelines are recognized and adhered to. Mark studied at Miami Dade College’s Associate of Arts program. Mark enjoys cycling, swimming and is an avid hiker.
Treasurer
Mark Riedmiller
Marcelo Bianchi
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Marcelo is the founder and president of Mai Creative Llc . He has 20 years of experience providing business consulting and coaching services to non-profit organizations, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies in Latin America, Puerto Rico and Miami. He has worked for many diverse organizational sectors including advertising, consumer marketing, energy, finance, payroll, government agencies, public relations and sports teams. He is an expert in the topics of Creativity, Leadership and Personal - Executive - Athletic Effectiveness.
Marcelo is Professional Coach Certified, has a master’s degree in marketing and a minor in management from Universidad de Palermo - Buenos Aires and he has received advanced training in International Marketing at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is also certified as a Soccer Coach by FIFA. (Federation Internationale de Football Association) In addition, he has several certifications as a corporate trainer, specializing in education and human development. He is a member of ICF and participates in the South Florida (VP International membership) and Argentina (Founding Member) Chapters, as well as Coaches en Español among other organizations.
In January of 2014, Marcelo received a certificate of recognition for becoming the first Professional Certified Coach (PCC) in the City of Doral, Florida and for being the first Hispanic in Miami-Dade County to hold this title from the ICF. (International Coach Federation)
In addition, Marcelo presents a monthly seminar, “Personal Coaching Skills for Life Optimization” offered by Life Well LED program for Florida International University (FIU).
Marcelo lives in Miami, FL., was born in Argentina and offers consulting and coaching services in Spanish and English. He has involved with a prestigious network of International coaches and consulting entities in a wide array of specialties that allow him to respond to any challenges or needs his clients may have.
Secretary
Francois Illas
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François Illas is a partner and seasoned executive in public affairs, government relations, and real estate development, with more than 25 years of leadership experience across the public and private sectors. Most recently, as Vice President of Corporate Development for Florida East Coast Industries (FECI), he helped lead the development and regulatory efforts behind transformative projects including Brightline, Miami Central Station, the Tri-Rail extension, and the South Florida Logistics Center.
Prior to FECI, François founded Metropolitan Strategic Consulting and later joined Strategic Access Group, advising clients on government relations, land use, procurement, transit-oriented development, and public policy. He previously served as Chief of Staff to Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz, Senior Advisor to Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, and Chief of Staff to Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board Chair Perla Tabares-Hantman. Throughout his career, he has also managed numerous political campaigns and public affairs initiatives across Florida.
A graduate of Florida International University, where he earned a degree in Political Science with Magna Cum Laude honors, François also completed postgraduate certification through George Washington University's Graduate School of Campaign and Political Management. He has served on several civic and educational advisory committees and is a proud husband and father of three sons.
Member
Operations & Executive Directors
Samantha Walker
Director of Operations
Arlene Valdes
Executive Director
Additional Information
Independent
Fiscal Audit
2026-27 Meeting Dates
June 30, 2025 Avant Garde Academy of Broward
June 30, 2025 Avant Garde Academy Foundation K - 8
June 30, 2025 Avant Garde Academy K - 5
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Annual
Budget
2025 - 2026 5017
2025 - 2026 5015
2025 - 2026 5791
School Grade &
Academic Performance
2026-2027 School Start Times
Please be advised that school start and dismissal times have not changed for the 2026–2027 school year:
Upper School: 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Lower School: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming our Sharks back for another successful school year!
Leading Bright Scholars
7971 Riviera Blvd #106
Miami, FL 33023
Frank Bolanos - Registered Agent
Parent Liaison Information
Lower School
Selinda Washington
swashington@agabroward.org
305-458-6847
Upper School
Alexis Bolaños
abolanos@agabroward.org
754-816-6153
Ready to Learn More?
We’d love to show you what makes Avant Garde Academy a great place to learn and grow.