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
Avant Garde Academy
Governing Board
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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Marco Muralles is an international consultant, university educator, and executive with more than 24 years of experience in institutional relations, international governance, and public-private partnerships across Florida, Central America, and other Latin American countries. Since 2022, he has directed Marco Muralles LLC and the Central American & Caribbean Business Center in Miami, advising organizations on expanding into the United States. Through his company, he has organized international trade missions for entities in Latin America and academic-business missions for CUC University and URBE University (Florida), as well as for Universidad Rafael Landívar and GAIA Business School (Guatemala).
From 2019 to 2022, Marco served as Guatemala’s Commercial Counselor in Miami for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, building trade and investment ties between Guatemala and the state of Florida. Previously, he led operations and commercialization efforts at the Guatemalan Tourism Institute and served as a senior consultant for the Guatemalan Ministry of Economy on a trade promotion program funded by the Inter-American Development Bank. His governance experience includes co-founding the Association of Binational Chambers of Commerce of Guatemala, managing administration and public relations for the German, Mexican, and Indian binational chambers of commerce in Guatemala, and establishing relationships with local and international chambers of commerce in Florida and Latin America.
Marco has taught at three universities in Guatemala (Universidad Rafael Landívar, Universidad del Istmo, and Universidad Da Vinci), including twelve years as a tenured professor at Universidad Rafael Landívar. He currently teaches in the online International Business bachelor’s degree program at CUC University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Higher Education Teaching, both earned at Universidad Rafael Landívar. He provides pro bono mentorship to young professionals through Apprentice Worldwide and supports organizations dedicated to promoting cultural heritage in Miami and Guatemala. He joined the Board of Directors of the Avant Garde Academy Foundation as Treasurer in September 2026.
Treasurer
Marco Muralles
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
Joseph “Joe” Leon
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Joe Leon serves as Vice President of Sales, Americas at Silversea Cruises, where he is
responsible for leading the company’s regional sales strategy and performance.He oversees a high-performing team across National Accounts, Area Sales
Directors, Charter and Incentive Sales, ensuring exceptional support and strategic
partnership for Silversea’s travel advisor network.
With over 30 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Joe brings a
comprehensive perspective shaped by leadership roles on both the travel agency and
supplier sides.His deep industry knowledge and relationship-driven approach have been instrumental in driving growth and strengthening Silversea’s presence across the Americas.
Mr. Leon has received numerous company and industry awards throughout his career.
He is a featured speaker at industry conferences and conventions. He is oftentimes the face of Silversea Cruises in interviews and podcasts that are viewed throughout the world.
Joe Leon is a native of South Florida and a strong advocate of the empowering and liberating force of education. He has hands-on experience with traditional public, charter and private schools. He believes in empowering parents to make the best choice for the education of their children.
He has extensive experience and a proven track record in Customer Experience, Contract Negotiations, Business Development, Operations and Finance.
Member
Operations & Executive Directors
Samantha Walker
Senior Director of Systemwide Support, Compliance, and Operations
Arlene Valdes
Sr. Director of International Innovations and Solutions and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
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
June 30, 2026 Avant Garde Academy of Broward
June 30, 2026 Avant Garde Academy Foundation K - 8
June 30, 2026 Avant Garde Academy K - 5
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Annual
Budget
2025 - 2026 5017
2025 - 2026 5015
2025 - 2026 5791
School Grade &
Academic Performance
School Profile
2026 School Profile
Janitorial RFP
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.