Spotlight On: Claudiane Moraes, Founding Principal, Key Point Academy

Key points:

• • Key Point Academy combines personalized learning with strong support for student well-being and character development.
• • Students gain hands-on experience through STEAM, entrepreneurship, and project-based learning.
• • A new campus will expand innovation-focused learning with upgraded labs, studios, and athletic facilities.

June 2026 —Invest: sat down with Claudiane Moraes, founding principal of Key Point Academy, to discuss how the school is building a boutique learning experience rooted in individualized instruction, character development, and hands-on learning. As Key Point Academy expands into high school and prepares for a new campus, Moraes shared how the school designs programs around each learner’s strengths and aspirations. Moraes said, “Everything begins with their mental health, their social-emotional, their early-stage development.” She also outlined how innovation, family partnership, and global collaboration are shaping the school’s next chapter.

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How would you describe the core educational philosophy that guides Key Point Academy’s approach to early childhood and K–12 learning?

Key Point Academy is built around individualized attention. Even though we are not necessarily a small school, we call ourselves a boutique school because we tailor the experience for each student. Our goal is to understand who our students are, what they need, and where they want to go.

We do have an entrance exam, but it is not meant to decide whether a student belongs here or not. It helps us understand academic levels and learning needs so we can design the right support. If a student needs ESL instruction, academic leveling, or enrichment in a specific area, we build that into their experience. We also want to recognize students’ talents, whether in academics, the arts, music, or athletics, and create opportunities for growth.

This personalization becomes even more important as students get older. This year, we launched high school for the first time with ninth- and 10th-grade students. We are already helping students explore interests and career paths, including entrepreneurship. Through partnerships like Junior Achievement, students have participated in challenges such as the Stock Market Challenge and launched small business projects tied to real-world problem-solving.

From early childhood through high school, our focus remains the same. We want students to feel known, supported, and challenged in ways that make learning meaningful.

Key Point Academy emphasizes character and leadership development from an early age. How is this reflected in daily classroom experiences?

In early childhood, learning is hands-on and experiential, but values are just as important as academics. We have a structured values program where each month focuses on a specific principle, such as kindness or respect. These values are reinforced through everyday moments, not just lessons, so students learn how to apply them in real situations.

Mental health and emotional well-being are also central to our approach. We offer mindfulness classes and have both a school counselor and a school psychologist. Our psychologist works with students weekly on topics that help them understand emotions, relationships, and how to approach challenges. Children absorb so much from their environment, and they need tools to process those experiences in healthy ways.

This support also extends to families, particularly those who are new to the United States. Transitioning into a new school system can be difficult, and we want students to feel a strong sense of belonging. Everything begins with their mental health, their social-emotional, their early-stage development. When that foundation is strong, students are better prepared to grow academically and personally.

How does Key Point Academy integrate STEAM, the arts, and physical education into a balanced curriculum?

We are an interdisciplinary school, so STEAM is not treated as a separate subject that students turn on and off. While we do offer dedicated STEAM instruction, our primary focus is on integrating hands-on, student-led learning across disciplines.

We want students to take ownership of their learning. That means less lecture-based instruction and more opportunities for experimentation, collaboration, and problem-solving. Teachers guide the process, but students are active participants.

Physical education is also a priority. Students participate four times a week because movement supports focus, health, and overall development. Next year, we are introducing LU, an interactive system that combines physical activity with academic learning. Students can solve math problems or collaborate on challenges while moving, which reinforces learning in a dynamic way.

The arts follow the same philosophy. Art is not isolated from academics. Students often connect art with language arts, science, or social studies through projects like creating illustrated class books. These projects also build presentation skills and confidence, which are essential for long-term success.

What strategies do you use to engage families and build strong partnerships with parents?

We describe our model as a triangle of success. Students, families, and the school must work together. Open communication is essential, and we encourage feedback through surveys and ongoing dialogue with parents.

We also create many opportunities for parents to be involved in school life. Families participate in classroom activities, events, and volunteer opportunities. These experiences help students feel supported, and help families feel connected to the school community.

Beyond academics, we focus on building trust and relationships. Parents need to feel confident that this is the right environment for their child. Regular communication with teachers ensures families understand where students are excelling and where additional support may be needed. Success happens when everyone is aligned.

How does the academy foster inclusivity and community among students from diverse backgrounds?

Inclusivity is a core value for us. We serve students from many cultural and academic backgrounds, and we want every child to feel welcome and supported. That means embracing diversity not only academically, but socially and culturally.

One of the ways we do this is through Culture Week, which takes place each January. Throughout the week, students share music, books, artifacts, and traditions connected to their backgrounds. One of the most meaningful moments is our Flag Parade, where students celebrate their countries together.

We also involve families through Cuisine Day, where parents share food from their cultures. Students experience new foods and traditions, and those experiences spark curiosity and respect. These moments teach students to embrace differences and build empathy, lessons they will carry well beyond school.

Looking ahead, what innovations or initiatives are you most excited about?

Student-led and project-based learning continues to be a major focus. We have encouraged teachers to design more opportunities for students to lead, present, and think critically. As a result, we are seeing greater creativity, confidence, and engagement.

We are also excited about our partnership with Affinitas. Being part of a global network of schools allows us to collaborate with educational leaders around the world and share best practices. That exchange of ideas strengthens what we can offer our students.

Finally, our move to a new campus in August marks an important milestone. The new space will include innovation labs for STEM and robotics, a recording studio, a TV studio, science and chemistry labs, and upgraded athletic facilities. What matters most is not just the space itself, but how we use it to create meaningful learning experiences.

This next chapter represents growth, collaboration, and opportunity, and we are excited about what it will mean for our students and families.

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