Mater Academy Charter School

Performing Arts Pavilion

The Performing Arts Pavilion, adjacent to the main campus, was completed in February 2007 and initiated in April 2007. The building provides classroom and multimedia support for the main campus. Classes such as Guitar and Beginning Band are held in the building. It is also used to host presentations by guests — one notable example being Pitbull — faculty meetings, and administrative functions. The Pavilion also includes space for outdoors eating and vending machines.

Other building additions

Since its opening in 2002, the school's campus has been substantially expanded, with one of the earliest of additions being a new building to the north of the main one. Early in the 2014–2015 school year, two new buildings were opened on campus, one of which was dedicated to Mater Academy's sister school, Mater Academy Charter Elementary School. Further expansions continue to take place, primarily to the main building. Including the addition of the new building, the STEM Building.

Recognitions

Mater Academy won the Silver Medal from U.S. News & World Report's America's Best High Schools two years in a row, and the College Board's 2011 Inspiration Award. In the 2008–2009 school year, the Middle School, High School, and Performing Arts and Entertainment Academy divisions all received an "A" rating in the state's FCAT examination.

Notable events

In September 2021 Conor McGregor paid the school a surprise visit to Mater where students cheered as he entered "The Lion Den."

Shedeur Sanders visited Mater Academy to work out with his Colorado teammates in preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft and to engage with students. During his visit in March 2025, he shared his experiences and the importance of hard work, provided pizza for the students, and hosted a Q&A session

Notable alumni==

• Albert Almora, MLB outfielder for the Chicago Cubs
• Julio Horrego, Honduran swimmer and Olympic representative
• Zack Moss, NFL running back for the Buffalo Bills

References

References

1. "Mater Academy Charter High". National Center for Education Statistics.
2. Miami Herald - April 29, 2007 - NW8
3. "School Designs".
4. "Cornell and MIT Presentation Photo Gallery".
5. [http://www.hispanicprwire.com/News/in/10282/6/two-predominantly-hispanic-charter-schools-named-among-americas-best-high-schools/ Two predominantly Hispanic charter schools named among America's best high schools] {{webarchive. link. (2012-09-07 December 17, 2007 Hispanic Wire)
6. [http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/ FDOE Grades Site] {{webarchive. link. (2012-01-03 [http://materacademyhigh.dadeschools.net/Report%20Card/6012.pdf] {{Webarchive). link. (July 22, 2011 [http://materacademyhigh.dadeschools.net/Report%20Card/7160.pdf] {{Webarchive). link. (July 22, 2011 [http://materacademyhigh.dadeschools.net/Report%20Card/7014.pdf] {{Webarchive). link. (July 22, 2011)
7. Sharma, Puneet. (24 September 2021). "Watch: Conor McGregor pays a surprise visit to the students at Mater Academy in Miami". Sportskeeda.
8. "Mater Academy's Albert Almora goes to Chicago Cubs on 6th pick {{!}} Miami Herald".