Jose Marti Middle School first opened its doors in 1987 under the direction of long time Miami Lakes resident Jose Enriquez Sr., and has since come full circle into the hands of his son, current principal Jose Enriquez Jr.
Jose Marti transformed from a middle school with a hard reputation to a MAST Academy program for grades 6 through 12 three years ago, joining the other three MAST Academies in Dade County including the Biscayne maritime campus, the Homestead medical campus, and the math and science technology academy at FIU. The MAST program at Jose Marti is for Math and Science Technology.
Since its inception, Jose Marti MAST Academy has been awarded an “A” grade and various accolades for its academic success.
“I'm proud to be part of something new, innovative and hands-on,” said Enriquez Jr.
In the last three years, the administration has been recruiting top-notch students who are eligible for admission into the program provided academic requirements have been met. Prospective incoming 10th graders must have a minimum 2.5 grade-point-average and must have already completed algebra and physical education. A minimum 2.0 grade-point-average is required for incoming middle schoolers.
Beginning in the 7th grade, the program puts students through acceleration courses that culminate into advanced placement and dual enrollment once in high school grade levels. Currently the school has just over 1,000 students, a number the administration prides itself in since it creates a more efficient, intimate setting for students and greater access to one-on-one learning. The founding class for Jose Marti MAST Academy contains 50 students scheduled to graduate in 2015.
Assistant principal Ivette Diaz-Rubio said, “Students here are not just a number. That's one of the beauties of a small school environment.”
The school is still accepting applications for the next school year, however they are not accepting applications for incoming juniors or seniors due to the heavy nature of the coursework assigned without adequate preparation.
The innovative magnet program fully immerses students in a curriculum focused on life science, physical science, mathematics and computer science. The school was recognized in its first year as the City of Hialeah's School of the Year in 2011-2012 and, among other awards, acquired a $90,000 grant from the Business Partnership to Advance STEM Success (B-PASS). The school was also honored with a Magnet School of Excellence Award from the Magnet Schools of America.
Though the school does not currently offer sports, students are still eligible to join the sports teams of their “home” schools or those schools assigned to them according to address. What Jose Marti lacks in sports it makes up for in academic enhancement, clubs and organizations including a hands-on aquaponics research center and a native forest with over 20 different species.
Jose Marti Mast Academy also boasts a long list of business partnerships including ALM Sports, AmericaTeve, Dream in Green, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Rhythm and Pitch School of Performing Arts, Women of Tomorrow, Cleveland Clinic, Ford Motor Company, Junior Achievement, Miami Science Museum, Nascar, NOAA, Yo Soy Hialeah, and Zoo Miami.
Educational partners include Ben Sheppard Elementary, LARC Technology Institute, Miami Dade College, Florida International University, Council for Educational Change and Committee for Economic Development.
For more information visit www.mast3.com or call 305-557-5931. Jose Marti MAST Academy is located at 5701 W. 24 Avenue in Hialeah.