Upper School Resources Directory
Academics & College Prep
Table of Contents
What is STEAM Education?
STEAM is an interdisciplinary area of study to bridge the five areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. By integrating STEAM lessons in the curriculum, students learn and are able to apply understanding of how the world works within and across these five interrelated domains. A STEAM education ensures a new workforce of problem-solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self-reliant and able to succeed in the knowledge-based workplace and community.
In a STEAM classroom, students experience guided inquiry in which they must ask thoughtful questions, discover answers, apply what they learn and problem-solve creatively. STEAM projects involve teamwork and thoughtful dialogue where students are able to exchange ideas and discuss various solutions to a problem. In doing so, students learn how to delegate, compromise, and understand different points of view. This shifts students toward investigating and questioning the interrelated facets of the world.
STEAM projects require students to systematically think through problems, applying the information they learn along the way about technology and engineering to figure out the best solutions. Strategically placing students together in groups can create powerful teams in which students learn how to help each other and figure out how to use their different strengths and skill sets. Cross-curricular projects engage different parts of students’ brains so they are seeing the project through different lenses, focusing on details while also learning to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
At Avant Garde Academy, we believe by providing students digital access and infusing technology across and within the curriculum that our students will become responsible digital participants in our society. We use technology to:
Create Active Listeners
Enhance Group Participation
Engage Learners and Enhance Feedback
Connect Students with Real World Experts
The Leader in Me
Leadership. Culture. Academics.
We are proud to be a school that fully embraces the Leader in Me program.
Students are taught social emotional standards by Broward County Schools:
Self-Awareness and Self-Management
Relationship Skills and Social Awareness
Responsible Decision Making
The Leader in Me Program Fosters:
Growth Mindset
Communication Skills & Manners
Bully Prevention and Conflict & Resolution Skills
Empowerment
Human Connection &
The Leader in Me is Franklin Covey’s whole-child and school transformation process. It is an evidence based, comprehensive school improvement model developed in partnership with educators to empower students. It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.
AGA strives to help students achieve their potential by encouraging all staff, students, and families to use the 7 Habits language regularly. Our mission is to develop active student leaders with creative minds, understanding, compassion, and the courage to act on their personal beliefs.
AGA prides itself on providing opportunities for students to develop their full potential. The Leader in Me is also aligned with many national and state academic standards. The program equips students with the skills needed for academic success in any setting. These skills include critical thinking, goal setting, listening and speaking, self-directed learning, presentation-making, and the ability to work in groups.
Middle School
✓ 3 Credits Language Arts
✓ 3 Credits Mathematics
✓ 3 Credits Science
✓ 3 Credits Social Science
✓ Critical Thinking
✓ STEAM
Grading Scale
High School - STEAM Focus
✓ 4 Credits Science
✓ 4 Credits Technology/Engineering
✓ 4 Credits Art
✓ 4 Credits Mathematics
✓ 2 Credits Leadership
✓ 4 Credits English
✓ 4 Credits Social Studies
✓ 1 Credit PE
✓ 5 Electives
Grading Scale
A
100 - 90
B+
87 - 89
B
80 - 86
C+
77 - 79
C
70 - 76
D
60 - 66
F
0 - 59
Middle School Promotion and High School Graduation Requirements
Athletics
Upper School Athletics
Welcome to the Avant Garde Academy Athletics Department. We are happy to be part of your Middle - High School experience! We offer several Middle School, Junior Varsity and High School sports for our students. We encourage you to try out and be a part of our AGA Athletics winning program!
Our Vision
To reach the highest level of success in our district and become excellent in both the athletic field and the classroom.
Our Mission
To guide student-athletes to build their character through sports by modeling SHARK values:
Self-esteem
Honesty
Attitude
Responsibility
Knowledge
Our Purpose
Participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. The athlete must earn this privilege through dedication, desire, and discipline. In order to achieve athletic excellence, the student-athlete must:
✓ Be a positive role model to peers
✓ Behave appropriately at all times
✓ Demonstrate and maintain academic eligibility
Go Sharks!
Athletic Department Work Plan
For the school year 2025 - 2026, the AGA Athletics Department will offer the following sports for these grades.
Middle School
Volleyball (Boys & Girls)
Basketball (Boys & Girls)
Soccer (Boys & Girls)
Flag Football (Boys & Girls)
Cheerleading
Track & Field (Boys & Girls)
High School
Volleyball (Boys & Girls)
Basketball (Boys & Girls)
Soccer (Boys & Girls)
Flag Football (Girls)
Cheerleading
Weightlifting
All students are required to have a 2.0 GPA and show good behavior and effort in their academics. In addition, students must turn in all of the necessary documents to participate in any sport. Practices are going to be from Monday - Friday in the gym or field, starting at 2:45 PM. Parents will be notified on what time they need to pick up their child.
Coaches & Staff
All of our coaches and staff are responsible professionals, evaluated for their knowledge and achievements in sports as well as the great example they will set for your children. Below is the contact information for each sport:
Athletic Director: Harold Pearson, hpearson@agabroward.org
Student Athlete Handbook
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Your child is interested in becoming a member of Avant Garde Academy Middle/High School Athletic Program for the current school year. Before being accepted, there are many specific responsibilities and obligations that they must assume in order to qualify and remain part of the program.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:
✓ Read the entire packet and be sure you fully understand the rules and regulations that govern the AGA Athletic Program and/or have asked the coach to clarify any parts you do not understand.
✓ Discuss the rules and expectations of the AGA Athletic Program with your child.
✓ Be sure your child has a complete understanding of the responsibilities involved. This includes the fact that we are a Leader in Me school. As such, we expect that the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens are demonstrated in academics and athletics.
✓ Make sure each form has been filled out completely and correctly.
✓ If your child does not have a current physical on file with the Athletic Department, make an appointment now (ALL former AGA athletes must have a new physical for this school year which will be good for one year).
✓ If your child was an athlete during the previous school year, make sure all balances are paid and all obligations are cleared before joining an athletic team this year.
Note:
As an active member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and Middle School Athletic Association (MSAA), all forms must be turned into your coach with:
Athletic Application Form
Signed Athletic Handbook Form
Physical (on the Pre-participation Physical Examination Form) with doctor’s stamp and signature
Signed Sudden and Release from Liability Certificate for Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion, and Heat Illness
Signed Consent and Release from Liability Form
Must have a 2.0 GPA at the end of each quarter to participate in any sport
All forms will be available online. Parents/Guardians must create an account on PRIVIT to access forms.
Visit https://aga.e-ppe.com
High School
Boy’s Basketball:
HC TBD
Girl’s Basketball–TBD
Girl’s Volleyball:
HC TBD
Boy’s Volleyball:
HC TBD
Cheerleading:
HC TBD
Girl’s Flag Football:
HC TBD
Boy’s Soccer–TBD
Girl’s Soccer–TBD
Boy’s Weightlifting–TBD
Girl’s Weightlifing–TBD
Middle School
Cheerleading:
HC TBD
Boy’s Soccer:
TBD
Girl’s Soccer–TBD
Boy’s Basketball–TBD
Girl’s Basketball:
HC TBD
Girl’s Volleyball:
HC TBD
Boy’s Volleyball:
HC TBD
Boy’s Flag Football:
HC TBD
Girl’s Flag Football–TBD
Boy’s Track & Field:
HC TBD
Girl’s Track & Field:
HC TBD
The Avant Garde Academy Athletic Handbook outlines all of the rules, regulations, requirements, and guidelines for a student’s participation in extracurricular team sports. This handbook may be reviewed by Avant Garde Academy, and may be changed at any time upon determination of the administration. Parents will be notified of any changes to this handbook through a memorandum.
Please take this opportunity to thoroughly review the contents of this handbook carefully. The rules and regulations contained in this handbook will be enforced for all students participating in any AGA athletic activities. If you have any questions, please contact Harold Pearson, Athletic Director, at hpearson@agabroward.org or call (754) 816-6153. We look forward to a winning year of AGA Athletics!
Go Sharks!
Sportsmanship Policy
Avant Garde Academy is committed to a spirit of good sportsmanship as a means to achieve exemplary citizenship and to enhance the image of our school community among students, patrons, and guests of our district. To enhance and promote our sportsmanship and citizenship goals, all students, sponsors, and fans representing our school are expected to display exemplary levels of sportsmanship during all school-sponsored events and activities.
Lastly, we remind you that interscholastic events are an extension of the classroom, and that lessons are best learned when the proper respect is accorded to all. Please let your good sportsmanship show throughout.
Admission to any interscholastic event is a privilege, and with that privilege comes great responsibility–to conduct oneself in a manner where the game is enjoyable for other fans and participants. Each individual is requested to take personal responsibility for keeping this game at a high level of good sportsmanship.
If a guest in the AGA Sports Facilities is using profanity, inciting acts of violence, throwing things into the court/field, or any other act that represents danger to the players, staff, or other guests, they will be removed from the facilities and/or banned from our facilities for future events.
All sports events will charge an entrance fee. For regular season games, the entrance fee is $4. For special events, all-star games, and championships, the entrance fee is $7 for adults and $5 for students. AGA students with their AGA Student ID enter for free.
Academic & School Counseling
Student Support Services
Table of Contents
College, Career & Postsecondary Planning
Mental Health & Wellness
If there is an imminent threat or concern, call 911, the Mobile Crisis Response Team at 954-677-3113, or First Call for Help at 954-357-0211. Additional mental health resources can be found on the District’s overview page and the BCPS Mental Health Hotline at 754-321-HELP.
Student Safety & Reporting
About our department
Student Support Services
Avant Garde Academy’s Student Support Services team supports the whole student, providing guidance in academics, personal and social-emotional development, college and career readiness, and overall student well-being.
School Counseling
Our School Counselors provide individual and small-group counseling, classroom guidance, academic planning, and college and career support.
Their programs align with Florida standards and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.
Appointments
Students: Submit a Guidance Request Form through HERE. Students will be called down during their elective period.
Parents & Guardians: Contact a counselor through the Staff Directory. Team members will respond within 24 hours in most circumstances.
Transcripts
For official transcripts, contact Ms. Arguello, IMT/Registrar, at marguello@agabroward.org.
BRACE
Mrs. Avelina Damonte: BRACE Advisor
Provides assistance with post-secondary planning:
college/university searches
college application processes
scholarship information
financial aid application
internships and summer programs
ACT, SAT, ASVAB registration
letters of recommendation for college
career planning
Useful Links:
Florida Shines https://www.floridashines.org/go-to-college/pay-for-college#
Bright Futures https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPHome/SAPHome?url=home
RaiseMe https://www.raise.me/
College Board https://www.collegeboard.org/
ACT https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents.html
Naviance https://www.naviance.com/solutions/high-schools
Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/
NCAA Eligibility http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future
Dual Enrollment & Acceleration
Acceleration
Students at Avant Garde Academy have access to advanced academic opportunities designed to accelerate college readiness and academic achievement.
- Dual Enrollment — Broward College
- Dual Enrollment — Florida International University
- Advanced Placement coursework across multiple disciplines
- Earn college credit while in high school.
FAFSA, Bright Futures & Scholarships
Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including FAFSA, Bright Futures, and AGA scholarships.
Family Counseling
The family therapists address a variety of family and emotional problems in counseling and provide therapy for individuals and families free of charge. When someone experiences emotional difficulty, they may suffer repercussions that lead to problems in their general daily functioning. For students, this is often evident in the academic arena. Frequently, school-related problems may be symptomatic of those troubles.
Family therapists also address problems related to trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress management, communication skills, personal issues, and many more.
Mental Health Resources
Avant Garde Academy is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of every student. Families can access additional counseling, wellness, crisis, and community resources through Broward County Public Schools and local organizations.
Community Crisis Support:
211 Broward — Free, confidential, 24/7 information and referrals for local health, mental health, family, and community services. Call 211 or text 898211.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support.
NAMI Broward County — Mental health education, support, and community resources.
Mental Health America of Southeast Florida — Mental health education and local resources.
SAMHSA — National resources for mental health and substance use support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate emergency, call 911.
BCPS Resources:
BCPS Mental Health & Wellness Portal — Mental health information, wellness resources, counseling, crisis support, and community services.
BCPS Family Counseling Program — Free counseling services for BCPS students and families. 754-321-1590
BCPS School Counseling — Resources for academic, personal, social-emotional, college, and career support.
BCPS Help Is Here — Connects students with trusted adults and mental health resources.
BCPS Community Resources — Local resources for mental health, crisis support, housing, food security, and family services.
Reporting Abuse
Report Child Abuse
If you know, suspect, or someone tells you about:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Child-on-Child Abuse
Neglect
Abandonment
Child Abuse, Abandonment and Neglect Policy
Section 1006.061(1), Florida Statutes requires each district school, charter school, and private school that accepts scholarship students under section 220.187 or section 1002.39 to post in a prominent place a notice that pursuant to Chapter 39 all employees and agents of the district school board, charter school, or private school have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Read more about reporting child abuse.
Section 1006.061(2), Florida Statutes, requires each district school, charter school, and private school that accepts scholarship students to post at the school site and on the school’s internet site (if available) the policies and procedures for reporting alleged misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. The notices must include the contact person to whom the report is made and the penalties imposed on those instructional personnel or school administrators who fail to report suspected child abuse or misconduct by other instructional personnel or school administrators.
Report Educator Misconduct
If you know, or someone tells you about:
Obscene language
Drug and alcohol use
Disparaging comments
Prejudice or bigotry
Sexual innuendo
Cheating
Testing violations
Physical aggression
Accept or offer favors
All employees and agents of a public school district, charter school, or private school, have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators, which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student.
Failure to report misconduct may result in penalties up to termination of employment and revocation of educator misconduct.
School Counseling
Our School Counselors provide a comprehensive counseling program focused on academic success, personal growth, mental health and well-being, and college and career readiness.
Counseling services may include individual counseling, small-group sessions, classroom lessons, academic planning, college and career guidance, and referrals to additional resources.
Counselors use student data to guide their programs and align their work with Florida standards and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.
Parents and guardians are always welcome to contact the school for support, resources, or guidance.
Service Hours
Service Hours are required!
A minimum of 40 community service learning hours is required to earn a high school diploma. Hours must be logged on the appropriate forms, and any volunteer location must be a non-profit organization. Keep in mind that 40 hours is the minimum and, as with anything academic, going above and beyond is always better. Earning additional volunteer hours will not only assist a student’s “well-roundedness”, but will also create more scholarship opportunities and make a student’s academic resume stand out amongst the crowd.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14 and the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022). Awareness is one of the most critical steps to prevention. This starts by talking about suicide with our youth, recognizing warning signs, and understanding risk factors. The National Association for School Psychologists (NASP) offers tips for parents and educators on risk factors, warning signs, what to do, and reminders. Together, families, educators, and community partners can support our students and save thousands of lives.
Suicide Prevention Quick Links
Tutoring Information
Additional academic support is available to Upper School students through scheduled tutoring sessions. Students can access subject-specific support from teachers during designated tutoring hours.
2026–2027 Tutoring Schedule
View the current tutoring schedule, including available teachers, subjects, and tutoring hours HERE
Support Services & Programs
Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
No more than 20% pull-out from General Education class.
ESOL Program
English Language Learners
K-5 Gifted program and 6-12 Advanced Coursework
FAST Scores and End of the Year Assessment
End of the Year assessments
Extended Learning Opportunities
Tutoring ELL Camp
Afterschool help
School Counseling
Personalized and Individualized attention
College and Career Readiness
Life Skills and wellness
Progress Monitoring
Student Life
Table of Contents
Upper School Clubs
6 - 12
High School SGA
Males Explorers
Spanish Honor Society
High School National Honor Society
Middle School National Junior Honor Society
Science National Honor Society
Tri-M
National Art Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta
Middle School Art Club
Office Aid Club
National English Honor Society
Middle School SGA
ISA Leadership Encounter
Silver Knight
Chess Club
Middle School Debate
Drama Club
Daily Private Victory
Daily Private Victory (DPV) — Daily Private Victory is a student development initiative that incorporates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Life Management, and personal growth to support students’ emotional wellness, decision-making, and overall success. Folder HERE
Service Learning Academies
Service Learning at Avant Garde Academy includes hands-on experiences addressing real life problems in the community through local, national, and global perspectives.
6 - 12
Community Outreach Academy
Senior Connections Academy
Elementary Mentorship Academy
Family Support Academy
Cultural Awareness & Inclusion Academy
Community Service Academies
Peer Tutoring Academy
Literacy Leaders Academy
STEM Help Desk Academy
College & Career Readiness Academy
Academic Support Academies
Campus Beautification
Environmental Action Team
Urban Gardening / Hydroponics Academy
Sustainability Awareness Campaign Team
Environmental & Sustainability
Drama for Community Academy
Music Outreach Academy
Visual Arts for Service
Media Production Academy
Arts & Performance Service
Student Leadership Team
Public Relations / School Ambassadors
Podcast / News Team
Event Planning Academy
Leadership & Communication
Tech Support Academy
Coding for Kids Academy
Digital Literacy Academy
Robotics Outreach Team
Innovation & Technology
Fitness & Wellness Leaders
Mental Health Awareness Team
Nutrition & Healthy Living Academy
Adaptive PE Support
Peer Mentoring
Mental Wellness Activities/Events
Health & Wellness
Student Government / Advocacy Academy
Law & Justice Academy
Community Problem Solvers
Voter Awareness / Civic Responsibility (HS)
Civic Engagement
High School Spirit Shirts
