The longest-running nonprofit provider of early childhood education in Broward County, Jack & Jill Center, is currently accepting vouchers for its new state-of-the-art Madelaine Halmos Academy (MHA) private elementary school campus.
Under the newly instated Florida school voucher program, parents receive state-funded scholarships for the tuition of high-quality private elementary schools, including Jack & Jill Center’s MHA. The new legislation makes all Florida students eligible for taxpayer-financed vouchers to attend private schools – an approximate $8,500 award. MHA will accept the voucher amount provided for the full tuition payment per student. Although the vouchers won’t be available to families until July 2023, MHA currently enrolls students for the 2023-24 school year.
MHA is an expansion of Jack & Jill Center’s Early Education Center and debuted its new building in June 2021. MHA’s unique features include the following:
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) curriculum with small class sizes
- Engaging enrichment activities
- Integrated classroom technology, including smart boards and individual devices for each student
- Individualized instructional approaches
- Interactive, educational field trips
- Extended day programming (before- and after-school care and camps)
- A Florida pre-paid college scholarship for all graduates
- Family wraparound support programs
- Health services
- Two on-campus therapy-assisted dogs
Since its establishment in 1942, Jack & Jill Center has remained committed to strengthening children and families through innovative education, supportive programming and community engagement. The nonprofit has served over 26,000 children and families in South Florida. It supports children of high-need working families through quality early childhood education, elementary education and family strengthening programs to ensure every child and family has the tools they need to be successful.
“We welcome families to bring their vouchers to our Madelaine Halmos Academy through the Florida school voucher program,” Heather Siskind says, CEO of Jack & Jill Center. “We recognize that families have a choice, and we are confident that we are the best choice through our commitment to ensuring every child and family has the tools they need to be successful with our education and family strengthening programs.”
The Jack & Jill education program MHA offers caters to students from high-need families in kindergarten through fifth grade. Currently, the program serves 126 students, including those in early education and elementary school. MHA can help 220 students and is expected to reach this target by 2024.
At MHA, learners can enjoy an academically sound, socially supportive, and safe environment. The school’s new building has significantly expanded its offerings by incorporating research-based best practices into an accredited program. MHA boasts a technology-driven STEAM curriculum, dedicated and highly-skilled staff and educators with low student-to-teacher ratios, and an extended school day. Students are also provided with daily healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks, and extracurricular activities that promote healthy social-emotional growth and personal development. Educational field trips, after-school programming, summer camp experiences, and on-site counseling and therapeutic services are also available at MHA.
If they complete their high school education, each student will receive a Florida pre-paid college scholarship from the Jack & Jill Center Opportunity Scholarship Fund. This sponsorship has been made possible by Steve and Madelaine Halmos.
At the Jack & Jill Center, children and families can use the school’s HEALTH Program without any restrictions. The program includes an on-site School Nurse, an essential part of the center’s comprehensive and holistic approach to service. With comprehensive health assessments, provision of health services, preventative healthcare, and community partnerships, the HEALTH program significantly impacts the health and wellness of students, families, and the community.
To learn more about MHA and enrollment opportunities, please visit Mdelainehalmosacademy.org.
