Air Base K-8 Center for International Education

Posted: April 28, 2024

This school only cares about being the best on paper. They don’t care about the kids overall health and wellbeing. The amount of stress and pressure on these kids is ridiculous. If you enjoy having family time, vacation, or holidays.. forget about. This school will drain you out. I understand kids get homework but the loads they get is just ridiculous. They don’t care about family time or after school activities. The principal was trying to discourage after school activities but parents fought for it. If you or your child enjoy on having an extra 3 hr of homework each day including weekends, winter break, spring break, and summer breaks; this is the school for you. Not to mention the mandatory projects for ALL grade levels. If your family don’t enjoy family time or don’t care about after school activities like sports, this is the school for you. If don’t care that middle school kids roam free unsupervised and are able to bully 2nd or 3rd graders durning recess or p.e well your kids will fit right in. Go and apply to this school. I have see chats of all the parents complaining on how extreme and ridiculous what the school put on these kids. Good luck and wish all the best.

Posted: April 28, 2024

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Posted: October 5, 2023

My children have attended Air Base for 3 years now. The staff has always been friendly and the administration is accessible. I honestly have been blessed to have great teachers!!! Whenever I had an issue or concern I felt heard and supported by the administration. I've met some amazing like-minded parents. The kids for the most part are friendly and always willing to help eachother. My children love it at Airbase and so far have made some great friends.

Posted: October 5, 2023

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Posted: May 12, 2023

The teachers are horrible, and incredibly irresponsible. Most of the times I have to explain something to others so they understand. People are not punished for swearing, and bullying goes completely unaddressed. I expected much more when we moved to Florida.

Posted: May 12, 2023

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Posted: October 24, 2022

Great school! I would most definitely recommend this school to anyone looking to be challenged academically.

Posted: October 24, 2022

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Posted: October 8, 2021

As a Magnet only school (the school does not serve as a homeschool to any community), its focus is on high achievement. Classes are small. Parents are very involved. Communication between school and parents is superv.

Posted: October 8, 2021

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Posted: August 27, 2021

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I understand that all schools are under an abundance of stress due to covid-19 protocols and opening of school year. Airbase K-8 is no doubt a wonderful school academically, and I commend all involved in its accomplishments. Unfortunately, the way I was spoken to as a stakeholder today in the main office did not reflect the reputation of the school.

Posted: December 13, 2018

I do like the administration from top to bottom; however, in my opinion, most are happy with their approach and therefore, complacent.

Posted: December 13, 2018

In my opinion, there is favoritism for gifted and/or honor roll students.

Posted: December 13, 2018

Posted: December 13, 2018

7 out of 10. I feel like the school is very good at motivating parents to be involved.

Posted: December 13, 2018

Homework should be brief and reinforce the learning from earlier in the day. It does not.

Posted: December 13, 2018

With 20 students to one teacher, it is impossible for a teacher to be effective for all students.

Posted: December 13, 2018

An example of this is their reinforcement of respecting the environment.

Posted: June 7, 2018

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Posted: June 7, 2018

I give this school an A+ in all aspects. This was our first year and we were very impressed since day one. The teachers are great, always available for any questions or concerns. We used Class Dojo throughout the year to share important information and even pictures. Mr. C is wonderful! He always makes you feel like part of a family. The administration ladies are awesome as well. This school had so many cool events this year, and so many parents showed up to every single one! You can really tell this is a community of parents, teachers, administrators, nurses, and support staff who are all very invested in making yours and your child's experience the best. I seriously cannot think of a single negative thing to say about Airbase. Highly recommend it.

Posted: June 7, 2018

Posted: January 10, 2018

Posted: January 10, 2018

Leaderships knows nearly every student by name. Leadership backs its teachers which is great but can sometimes leave parents with less voice.

Posted: January 10, 2018

There is too much emphasis placed on online reading systems such as iready and evaluations. Thankfully most of the teachers use the systems as a guide and not a crutch.

Posted: January 10, 2018

The majority of the teachers are excellent. They are well prepared and communicate with parents.

Posted: January 10, 2018

Posted: January 10, 2018

The homework is great to reinforce what is learned and also helps parents stay informed of what your child is learning, areas for improvement and provides tools so you can assist. Unfortunately, sometimes the load of homework interferes with family time and sports.

Posted: January 10, 2018

Thank you Airbase for providing the residents of Homestead an excellent school for our children. This school is ideal for students with parents committed to education excellence. Yes, your child will receive lots of homework, projects and there are plenty of events and activities to attend. It is refreshing to attend a school encompassed with dedicated parents who volunteer, participate and are involved. Airbase expects nothing less and the administration communicates this to parents during orientation. I will say any school in South Florida will be a bit of culture shock for someone attending from out-of -state. The grammar of some of the Spanish speaking teachers needs improvement, the office staff is a little relaxed, parents are constantly in the building (safety hazard) etc. however, it is a part of the school’s culture. You will eventually come to see that the school is small and has a family atmosphere and the concept of “it takes a village” is truly at work. Airbase truly focuses on education and challenges your children to ensure they are prepared for the future.

Posted: October 10, 2017

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Posted: October 10, 2017

This is an excellent school with wonderful teachers. One of the best principle I have ever experienced in all of my life. School is very hands on. My two daughters attend currently. Pre-k is not great at all I haven't seen any improvement but upper academy is very good. Highly recommend for Kindergarten and up.

Posted: July 30, 2017

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Posted: July 30, 2017

Excellent school. The director and the teachers work together to prepare our kids very strong.

Posted: October 21, 2016

If you don't agree that this school doesn't allow bullying.. you might be half of the problem! If you have a problem.. you figure it out! You take it to administration! There isn't a problem they can't solve and this school does NOT deal with bully's!! You will be BOOTED! OUTED! You'll have a warning and then your out! And if you lay your hands on another individual, your OUT!! They don't put up with it!

Posted: October 21, 2016

Posted: October 21, 2016

Mr.C is BY FAR the BEST leader I have ever encountered in a school environment! Leadership is where it all starts! If you have ANY problem at this school or have something bad to say about it.. I'm sure you never took it as far as Mr.C. There isn't a problem he can't solve! He is fair, honest, good hearted, and calm. Yet, he demands respect as it should be. When I say that I don't mean directly towards himself he demands respect, I mean for every individual to have respect and compassion for the other. And with his staff of administrators, there isn't a problem you can't solve with them! They value your word and your feelings. You just don't get leadership like this ANYWHERE ELSE!

Posted: October 21, 2016

Airbase runs on all three of these things! RESPECT, COMPASSION, and INTEGRITY are three things that ALL schools should run on and demand! Not only from the students but the parents and staff combined!

Posted: October 21, 2016

The teachers at Airbase are some of the most amazing, caring, inspiring people I have ever met! They truly care about the children even years after they have left the classroom!

Posted: October 21, 2016

While there is a lot of homework at this school, what more do you expect when sending your child to a Magnet/Cambridge school. If you don't have the time with your hold to help with homework then don't even apply. At Airbase, it's all about parent/teacher relationships keeping the students progressing. The children are held to a high standard then schools like keys gate. So YES THEY DO HAVE MORE HOMEWORK!

Posted: October 21, 2016

Airbase is the most amazing school I have EVER been apart of! If you want your child to have the best education surrounded by the most inspiring and caring educators there is.. APPLY! When you have a GREAT administration.. you have GREAT KIDS! I have yet to meet a teacher at Airbase that doesn't go above and beyond expectations of their job. EVERYDAY when walking through the halls of airbase you will be greeted by the principal and assistant principals. They know most by name and not because of bad behavior. Airbase is very focused on the POSITIVES!! They have a STRICT "0" tolerance for bullying and when a problem between two children arises they are quick to put a stop to it. At Airbase, we are a "family", and I am so PROUD of our school and all of the children in it for their hard work and outstanding achievements!

Posted: October 20, 2016

Posted: October 20, 2016

The homework is ridiculous. BUT, it is worth every minute. My daughters just graduated from this school and everything is easy sailing after Air Base. They know how to prepare our kids for their future.

Posted: October 12, 2016

my kids went to Keys gate last year nothing is really different Students and TEAHERS swear, bullying is acceptable, I think it's part of the culture of Miami or something.

Posted: October 12, 2016

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Posted: October 12, 2016

they have a TON of homework each night...and I do mean each night. If it's a holiday, expect homework... a day off expect homework.... vacation days, expect homework. At this point I feel I'm teaching my own children we get 5 to 7 items to do each night plus projects each week. This year I had to drop extracurricular activities for my kids....at this point all we do is live for school. The amount of work is EXCESSIVE...THERE IS NO BALANCE!!!

Posted: October 12, 2016

This school is not what everyone said it would be. My kids are straight A students they were at their last school too. This is our first year here, my kids went to Keys gate last year nothing is really different Students and TEAHERS swear, bullying is acceptable, I think it's part of the culture of Miami or something. Homework is ridiculous!!! My kids get don't PE. Spanish class is a joke, all levels of Spanish are in the class there is no division students just copy of each other...my children don't speak an ounce of Spanish, have never been exposed and are given whole Spanish sentences with grammar...they are doing the same thing as Spanish speakers.
But worse of all they have a TON of homework each night...and I do mean each night. If it's a holiday, expect homework... a day off expect homework.... vacation days, expect homework. At this point I feel I'm teaching my own children we get 5 to 7 items to do each night plus projects each week. This year I had to drop extracurricular activities for my kids....at this point all we do is live for school. The amount of work is EXCESSIVE...THERE IS NO BALANCE!!!

Posted: July 26, 2016

This is the best school in Homestead!! Absolutely no competition! My child transferred from a charter school with "excellence grades" yet immediately upon school starting, testing results showed reading deficiency, I was shock! Nonetheless, the strong dedication provided by the teacher and all other resources, my child succeeded and as a parent I see a major difference! Again Airbase is our Top A school in our community! Blessed to have been given the opportunity for my child!

Posted: July 26, 2016

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Posted: May 3, 2016

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Posted: May 3, 2016

This is the top public school in Homestead. It's very hard to get into. But it is worth the wait.

Posted: February 16, 2016

My daughter is attending AirBase Ms. Monge PreK class. I must say this is one of the greatest experiences we've had in this country. The PreK class has 20 kids, all kind of ethnicity and origins. The program is amazing, every day my child comes with new thinks she learned (things I don't even knew) about science, literature, patriotism... She enjoys going to school every single day (she doesn't look back to me when doors open). Both Ms. Monge and Ms. Summers are extremely good and caring teachers. They don't only teach the kids, they educate them. My family and I are very proud and thankful for the opportunity of being part of the Air Base family. Thanks to all!

Posted: February 16, 2016

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Posted: December 8, 2015

Posted: December 8, 2015

Posted: December 8, 2015

I've been a part of the AirBase family since 2004. the school offers an intense program and they prepare the kids for middle school very effectively. The school is now a full k-8 as of this year. It is going through many change.

Posted: December 8, 2015

There's just too many projects that conflict with other assignments. It makes it very challenging to have any kind of family time or even play time. Assignment roll over into weekend time and especially when we have any days off school. It's too much!

Posted: September 6, 2015

The passion for teaching, and the caring nature of both of my child's teachers has been so comforting to me. Not only are they supportive but also motivating my child to continue to learn new things as well as foster key social schools that will help my daughter throughout her life. The level of teachers is one of the reasons that I have sought to have my child at this school, first in the VPK preschool class and now in kindergarten!

Posted: September 6, 2015

I did like the fact that the teacher provided a week for the assignments to be done. I enjoyed working on the various projects, it was a good experience for both of us!

Posted: September 6, 2015

The school's counselor did outline the "Student of the Month" program, which highlights a student in each class for these as well as other character traits. The school also participates in program "Do the Right Thing", which rewards students for their good choices. With respect to the classroom teachers, last year my child's teacher did talk about the importance of character on a number of different settings as well as my interactions with her, she did instill these traits in her curriculum as well as the children's social interactions with one another. This year, her teacher has sent home several papers indicating her perspective as well as the orientation and the meet and greet, she gave her viewpoints on developing these traits for her students.

Posted: September 6, 2015

This is the beginning of my child's second year at Air Base. I was very impressed with my child's preschool experience! Not only was the curriculum excellent, I was impressed with the social skills and support my child received both by the teacher and her assistant. I also found the participation in the Rodeo Parade a great opportunity for my child. Finally, the end of the year activities were wonderful! I was so grateful that my child was accepted for kindergarten. The orientation was helpful and informative, and it meant a great deal to my child to meet the teacher, prior to beginning school. Although the school year has just begun, all is going well! I am very pleased with the care and concern her teacher has shown as well as the willingness and promptness to respond to my questions. I would highly recommend this school as it stresses not only curriculum but also family involvement both at the school as well as in the community.

Posted: August 30, 2015

My children have attended this school for 2 years, this will be their 3rd year. I am completely disappointed in the curriculum they have. I teach for one of the local charter schools and I do have to say that with all the praise that goes on for this school I am completely disappointed. The curriculum is exactly the same, the requirements the same. The comment made by the "community member" on June 1 is completely misleading.... A magnet school has the same governance structure as any other public school or charter school in the Homestead area to include the same enrollment requirements to be financially viable. It follows the same laws and regulations, and its teachers, administrators and other staff are required to have state certification.
Just like the school ratings, and community recommendations this school is completely misleading for new military arrivals...everyone falls over themselves trying to get tier kids in just to be disappointed.

Posted: August 30, 2015

For the most part teachers at this school are effective in reaching their students. But also depends on the teacher. Its always the teacher that makes the difference and we have gotten some I don't ever what to repeat EVER again.

Posted: August 30, 2015

Compared to the amount of work my school (the school I work in) gives out it is comparable.

Posted: August 30, 2015

The school does foster a sense of community but it does play favorites, I myself teach for another local competitive school and I keep that to myself. Last year when I mentioned it to a teacher my child was constantly picked on by the teacher.

Posted: August 30, 2015

Giving the unaddressed bullying going on with my daughter. I am completely disappointed in this school and the way they manage things.

Posted: August 30, 2015

Teachers do not need to be constantly yelling to get their points across. I see yelling as ineffective an da major distraction.

Posted: August 30, 2015

The homework is a bit slacking but it is the beginning of the year so I am guessing they start them off slow.

Posted: August 30, 2015

This is our first week at this school, my daughter is gifted, she is kind and very respectful, she has always gotten straight As, she is very shy and does not make friends easy. We came here from New York and managed to get in. Everyone recommended this school. This has been a horrible week for us. The teachers are constantly YELLING, all of them. My daughter lost recess this week twice this week for not pushing in her chair. Also there is a boy in her class that pulled her hair, swore at her and pushed her. The teacher just told her to let it go. I talked to the teacher and she said "boys will be boys" but she would keep an eye on it and that she was not aware of this happening. When I told my daughter that if he touched her again to push him back and she did she ended up at the principals office. Later found out the teacher is friends with the boys family. If things don't get better I'm homeschooling.

Posted: June 1, 2015

Air Base is a wonderful school. I think the most recent reviews do not truly represent what an amazing, nurturing place it truly is. The reviews below were most likely written by parents whose children could not work up to the expectations of the school and they are choosing to blame the school. Bullying, "swearing", or anything that hinders the learning environment for their students, has never been tolerated. Administration is very strict when it comes to this. I know this because I've witnessed it with my child and I've heard the same from other parents. Their curriculum is not a "joke". They follow the same curriculum as the rest of Dade County Public Schools while incorporating many enriching opportunities for our children. The majority of the children enrolled have been there since kindergarten, my children included, and their scores are a result of the investment from their teachers at Air Base. It has absolutely nothing to do with "the military children who have received training from other schools", as someone stated below.
As for those who choose to pull their children out and take them to charter, I have met many parents who had their children in Charter for many years, where their children received Honor Roll, As and Bs on the report card, etc. but when pulled out of Charter and tested, their children were performing below grade level. Keep in mind, charter schools are funded based on the number of students enrolled. In order to keep their enrollment high, and their school running, they need to keep their families happy. How do they keep their families happy? By giving their students the grades that their parents want to see on their report card. (Not necessarily earned).
I am a teacher for the public school system and I have had both of my children in Air Base. I love it and highly recommend it. Don't be mislead by the reviews of those whose children were asked to leave the school. That just shows you how meticulous they are with the quality of child they maintain in their school.

Posted: April 26, 2015

As a military family we tried to get our children into this school, everyone swears by it. Unfortunately we only encountered unprofessional and irresponsible behavior from administration. Behavior included annoyed frustrated adults, loosing paperwork to include loosing scanned documents on e-mail attachments and then blaming each other or technical issues. If this behavior filters down to the classrooms I don't even want to know what it would be like. We decided to seek enrollment in a more professional and responsible environment.

Posted: April 23, 2015

I wish I could give this school a 0 but it does not allow me to. First of all this school is suppose to be an Airbase school. Yet its very difficult to get in because 30 percent of the population is from the local community. Is it an airbase school or a community school? It took us 2 years to get in and now I am so disappointed. Swearing is not addressed, teachers and administration have their favorite if you are a working mom and did not volunteer you and your kids are considered black sheep. Their curriculum is a joke, they focus on the state tests. But of course their ratings are going to be higher then the average community since 70% of the population are military that have received academic training at other schools which pulls their ratings up. Next year my children are going back to Sommerset Silverpalms!!

Posted: April 14, 2015

Very good school however, some teachers are very unprofessional. They lack classroom management and blame it on student behavior. If you ever have a complaint or concern and address it, your child becomes an immediate target. My child loves the school, but has been subject to teacher ridicule and derogatory comments. I am hoping for a better year next year, but if it begins in the same manner this whole year has been I will be removing my child.

Posted: February 25, 2015

What a wonderful environment for children to learn and grow! The teachers are caring and amazing at what they do. The children are always engaged and learning through experiences. Our son transferred here from charter, and we discovered that the education provided from this unnamed charter school was insufficient, to say the least. They were basically giving away As, and my child wasn't learning the necessary skills in order to move on. The 6th grade teachers zoned in on my son's deficiencies right away and have brought him to where he needs to be. I now have an amazing team of teachers truly pushing my son to achieve. The principal is another amazing individual. He is wonderful with the kids, easy to talk to, and is obviously doing an incredible job at running the school. Overall I have to say that Air Base is a priceless gem tucked away in Homestead.

Posted: October 6, 2014

It took me 2 years to get my daughters into this school. The teachers are knowledgeable and go out of their way to help the kids. The staff is also just as amazing. Lots of parent participation. Mr. Calzadilla greets parents and students, some by name, every morning!! Lots of activities for kids. Best decision I ever made was to transfer my kids to this school!! Work load is intense at times, but well worth it. I've compared the level of education to other schools/students and Air Base strives to teach the kids more. PTA is also very involved.

Posted: April 1, 2014

Our school is an amazing school. The environment is outstanding. My kids have learned so much over the years at ABE. The teachers are Friendly and caring. The principal is so involved and can be seen at the school on a regular basis. Our green team always has fun activities. We have well kept and maintained gardens for growing Herbs, veggies and tomatoes. I am honored to be an ABE parent. Because of the outstanding quality of learning at ABE, I am happy with the success my children have had at the school. Best A school in town.

Posted: February 19, 2014

I just had to take a minute to write about the main office staff at Air Base. Wow! My children have attended since Kindergarten and now are in fourth and fifth grade. I walked in to apply for VPK for next year since I heard that those applications are available through February 27th. I was pleasantly surprised with the office staff. There are two new ladies in the front, Ms. Lockee and Ms. Serrano. Ms. Lockee helped me out with the application. What an amazing lady! I was so pleased with her service. She answered all of my questions and was patient with me. She was so knowledgeable, quick, attentive...I am so happy she is part of the main office staff. I won't leave Ms. Serrano out either. She has helped me in the past and I can tell you, I don't ever mind dealing with her. She's always so nice and willing to help. What a team! Thank you Air Base for finding these two great ladies!

Posted: December 31, 2013

We missed this school so much!! Me (the parent) and my three children. It's such a diverse well rounded school. We transferred to Tennessee for work and though the school is well staffed by decent teacher where they now attend...(forgive me, but I must tell the truth)...my children have been called the N-word over here three times already since being here. (sobbing)..never in my life have my children been exposed to such racism and such nonsense in their lives...never!! The principle at the school have handled it diligently and was kind enough to called me at home and told me what happen as my little ones went (8 yr old twins) went to the office crying. Miss the diversity, no bullying standards, the curriculum and "second language" this school offered my kids. Should have never left..(but as a supporting wife to the hubby I agreed to pick up and move. Tell you what though...MY FOOT is down, (oh yeah!) and we're moving back! Airbase....here we come!

Posted: November 25, 2013

Recently, I transferred my daughter to Air Base from another top rated elementary school with an IB program. However, I am thrilled with Air Base. The school is extremely diverse and representative of the country. She is in full-time Gifted and the teacher is amazing! As a teacher within the MDCPS system, I am so impressed with her level of compassion and excitement for learning. My only reservation for parents considering this school is the amount of hoomework. It borders on ridiculous. That withstanding, it tops our parochial school and IB school experiences.

Posted: August 27, 2013

My son recently transferred to Air Base Elementary as part of the first sixth grade class. I have already been so impressed with the caring and professional attitude of the staff and teachers. I am thrilled that this school will now go through eighth grade. The foreign language component is such an asset to my son. I am looking forward to what this year has to offer. Air Base is truly a hidden treasure!!

Posted: August 11, 2013

this school is amazing and the teachers are kind, funny loving towards their students i love air base elementary

Posted: August 10, 2013

Air Base Elementary School is now a K-8!! We are currently accepting applications for our Sixth grade for the 2013-2014 school year. Please contact the Magnet Office at 305-258-3676 for further information. Join this award winning Magnet Program in Homestead now known as Air Base K-8 Academy.