Parent Community

mom looking at her son's work in the classroom as her two sons look on

Welcome, Parents!

Family involvement is a fundamental value of the Reggio Emilia approach to education. Parents are welcome participants in the success and growth of each child.

At KLA Academy, community is essential for support, embracing differences, and creating mutual respect. Parents are seen as partners who participate actively in a child’s educational experience, bridging the gap between school and home, and encouraging well-rounded learning and positive child development.

Your support and involvement strengthen our community and are essential to the experience of our students. Whether you have a little or a lot of time to volunteer, we have amazing opportunities for parents to engage on campus and lend their talents and skills in activities and events throughout the year.

parents doting on baby during music class

The Parent Association of KLA Academy, known as the ‘PAK’, is the easiest way to get involved. Read more about the PAK below, and meet the PAK Leadership Team.

For questions about the role of PAK and how to get involved, feel free to reach out to Cristina Quintero, PAK President.

pakpresident@klaacademy.org

About PAK
PAK Leadership Team, 2022-2023

About PAK

All KLA Academy parents and guardians are automatically members of the PAK, the Parent Association of KLA Academy. PAK’s mission is to encourage volunteerism and community engagement by supporting the strategic and operations goals of KLA Academy and its administration.

Through PAK, families can meet and collaborate with fellow parents to plan, host, and volunteer throughout the school year. In addition to the role of Class Parents, there are many opportunities to volunteer within our standing committees. A sampling of our committees include: Book Fair, Care & Concern, Cultural Carnival, Field Day, Holiday & Culture, Founder’s Day, Halloween, New Family Welcome, Field Day, and Teacher Appreciation.

PAK Leadership Team, 2022-2023

Holidays & Traditions

During the holiday season, volunteer parents set up areas within our plazas that represent celebrations for this time of year: Hanukkah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Dia de las Velitas, just to name a few! Parents are also invited to read a book or share more about the holidays they celebrate at home. These make for beautiful and enriching opportunities to explore, share traditions, and learn about other cultures.

Pictured here: volunteer parent Alicia Chemla discusses the history and meaning of Hanukkah with Fourth Grade students.

parent alicia sitting on floor surrounded by elementary students as she shares about hanukkah tradition

Field Day

A popular volunteering event is the annual Field Day for Elementary students. Typically held at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, parents assist with set up, score keeping, and medal sorting at different sports stations such as hurdles, long jump, sprint, and shot put. It is an amazing event to see children in action, participating in healthy competition and learning the true meaning of sportsmanship.

Pictured here: volunteer parent Fernanda Carvalho enjoying Field Day with her First Grade son, Antonio Pedro.

Cultural Carnival

During Cultural Week, we celebrate and learn about the many countries represented in our community. Parents are encouraged to visit classrooms to share more about their heritage, culture, and countries of origin - like reading a book or bringing in traditional music, artifacts, and dishes. Cultural Week culminates in a Cultural Carnival where children "take a trip around the world" as they tour tables representing many nations.

Pictured here: volunteer parents representing Brazil during Cultural Carnival.

What do you love about KLA Academy?

KLA Academy is home to an engaged and active parent community. Learn more from our parents by clicking on each image. Follow us on social to see our community in action!

Preschool Parent

KLA Academy is our dream school! Here we have found a supportive network of teachers and administrators, and our son has grown into a kind, independent, curious, and happy preschooler.

- Alejandro Florez

Lower Elementary Parent

KLA Academy has provided a supportive and encouraging environment for our children to excel, treating them with respect, love, and care.

- Fiona Humphrey

Upper Elementary Parent

KLA Academy gives children the flexibility to approach learning in a way that is appealing and effective, keeping them engaged and encouraged.

- Vicki Blaylock

Alumni Parent

KLA Academy offered structure and guidance, helping my daughter develop strong values and a curiosity for life. For that and so much more, thank you!

- Denise Velez

PRESCHOOL PARENT

Lower Elementary Parent

KLA Academy was recommended to us by our good friends. We wanted to have our children in a school that had an equal balance across EQ and IQ learning, and an environment that treated each child as an individual and could cater to their needs. KLA Academy has provided a supportive and encouraging environment for our children to excel, treating them with respect, love, and care.

Fiona, parent of Eva, 3rd Grade, and Skyla, 1st Grade

Upper Elementary Parent

Alumni Parent

I am grateful to the KLA Family for guiding my daughter through her elementary years. Valentina graduated from her beloved school after a journey filled with experiences that she will carry with her for the rest of her education and personal life. KLA Academy offered structure and guidance which helped Valentina develop strong values and a curiosity for life.

For that and so much more, thank you!

Denise, parent of Valentina, Alumni 2022