Spotlight On: Claudiane Moraes, Principal, Key Point Academy
April 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Principal Claudiane Moraes of Key Point Academy discussed the school’s expansion, its student-centered approach, and the integration of technology and experiential learning. “Education is evolving rapidly, and we believe in staying ahead of the curve without losing sight of what matters most — the child.”
What factors have driven Key Point Academy’s expansion, and how does it align with broader trends in Miami’s education landscape?
Since our founding in 2013, we have consistently expanded to meet community demand. Parents have long asked us to establish a high school, recognizing the challenges of securing spots in Miami’s elite institutions. However, space constraints limited our ability to grow — until recently. When our current facility was sold, we saw an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
For years, we envisioned expanding to a high school, knowing that families sought continuity in education from preschool through graduation. With Miami’s increasing demand for high-quality private education, particularly from families relocating to the area, we felt it was the right time to move forward. Parents are looking for schools that balance rigorous academics with a strong sense of community and student well-being.
A school that serves students from preschool through high school fosters lifelong friendships, strong parent networks, and a safe environment that minimizes the stress of transitioning to a new school. Our goal has always been to provide a holistic education that prioritizes academic excellence while nurturing each child’s emotional and social development. This expansion is a natural step in fulfilling that mission.
What differentiates Key Point Academy from other institutions, and how does that support long-term sustainability in a competitive market?
Our commitment to holistic, student-centered education sets us apart. We integrate mindfulness into our curriculum, employ a full-time school psychologist, not just a counselor, and ensure our students feel supported academically and emotionally.
Language acquisition is another cornerstone of our program. Beginning in preschool, students are immersed in Spanish, French, and Italian, with Portuguese being added next year. This multilingual approach prepares them for a globalized world and aligns with the preferences of our diverse parent community.
Technology is also a key differentiator. We had been integrating digital tools into learning long before the pandemic. By the time remote learning became necessary, our Google Classroom systems were already in place. Now, we are researching and implementing AI-driven tools in a way that enhances learning while maintaining student safety.
Education is evolving rapidly, and we believe in staying ahead of the curve without losing sight of what matters most — the child. Our focus remains on fostering academic excellence while ensuring students have the emotional and psychological support needed to thrive.
How is Key Point Academy integrating experiential and inquiry-based learning, and what impact have you seen on student engagement?
The shift away from traditional teaching methods is undeniable. Project-based, hands-on learning has proven to be far more effective in engaging students and making lessons relevant. At Key Point Academy, we integrate this approach from preschool through eighth grade.
For example, our preschool curriculum is built around real-world applications, ensuring that even our youngest learners connect their studies to their everyday experiences. As students progress, they engage in interdisciplinary projects that encourage critical thinking and collaboration.
A great example is our annual Key Point Museum project, where each grade researches historical figures, dresses in character, and presents their findings. This immersive learning experience makes history come alive. Another example is our literacy week, where students participate in hands-on activities such as kindness bracelet-making and interactive reading sessions with younger peers. These initiatives make learning enjoyable and meaningful.
Beyond the classroom, our field trips are designed to be more than just outings — they are extensions of learning, reinforcing lessons in real-world settings. Our goal is to ensure that students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their education.
How is Key Point Academy approaching the integration of AI and technology in education?
The introduction of AI in education is one of our biggest areas of reflection right now. While technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning, we must approach it responsibly. We’ve seen the unintended consequences of past technological shifts — such as the impact of social media on youth — and we are committed to integrating AI in a way that prioritizes student safety and well-being.
Recently, I attended a Lunch and Learn session with other educators, where we discussed how to ensure AI is used ethically and effectively in schools. It was reassuring to see that we are not alone in facing these challenges. The key is to strike a balance — leveraging AI for personalized learning and efficiency while maintaining the human connection that is essential to education.
At Key Point Academy, our philosophy has always been to embrace innovation while keeping the student at the center. AI and other emerging technologies will continue to shape education, but our approach will always be intentional, research-driven, and, above all, student-focused.
How does Key Point Academy foster a strong sense of community?
We prioritize small class sizes to maintain the close-knit, personalized experience that defines Key Point Academy. As a boutique institution, we truly know our students, their families, and their unique needs, allowing us to provide tailored support and a strong sense of belonging.
I also have a deep connection with my staff. I see my teachers daily, and my door is always open. Leadership should be accessible, so I make it a point to walk around the school, ensuring students and educators feel supported.
Teaching at Key Point Academy requires passion — it’s more than just a job. I tell my staff that if you’re not passionate about education, this may not be the right fit. Our goal is to have teachers who make a lasting impact and who students remember for their inspiration and guidance. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding profession.
How is Key Point Academy evolving to meet the needs of a growing student community?
We are excited about the future, especially as Downtown Miami continues its rapid development. Our goal is to establish Key Point Academy as a premier private school, offering innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of students and families.
Expanding into high school is just the beginning. We already have space to grow further and are actively planning for that. We are also strengthening our preschool and elementary programs. For example, we opened a new campus in Aventura last fall and are launching a kindergarten program there in response to parent demand.
As we grow, our focus remains the same — creating an environment where students don’t just attend school but truly love being here. We want them to feel a deep sense of belonging in a supportive and dynamic learning community.
How do you see Key Point Academy contributing to Miami’s evolving education landscape?
Miami is becoming an educational hub, attracting families who seek world-class academic programs that emphasize global perspectives and innovation. With our new campus, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of this transformation. Our focus is not just on preparing students for higher education but also for the demands of an ever-evolving global workforce.
The city’s economic growth — driven by new business investments, an influx of international professionals, and a vibrant cultural scene — creates a strong foundation for private education to flourish. We are committed to advancing our curriculum, integrating cutting-edge learning methodologies, and investing in faculty development to ensure our students receive the best education possible.
As we move forward, our mission remains clear: to redefine modern, globally-minded private education while maintaining the warmth and personalized attention that have always set Key Point Academy apart. We want to continue making a lasting impact on our students, their families, and the broader Miami community.
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