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  • More
    • Home
    • Registration forms
    • Apply today!
    • Our School
      • About Next Academy
      • Our Founders
      • Governance
      • Parent Liaison
      • Next Academy Merchandise
      • Apply Today
    • Think EPIC Foundation
    • Students
    • C-STEAM
    • School Information
      • Enrollment Criteria
      • Student Support Services
      • Our Educational Program
      • Parent Contact
      • School Performance
      • Student Performance &Data
      • Independent fiscal audit
      • Annual Budget
      • Management Organization
  • Home
  • Registration forms
  • Apply today!
  • Our School
    • About Next Academy
    • Our Founders
    • Governance
    • Parent Liaison
    • Next Academy Merchandise
    • Apply Today
  • Think EPIC Foundation
  • Students
  • C-STEAM
  • School Information
    • Enrollment Criteria
    • Student Support Services
    • Our Educational Program
    • Parent Contact
    • School Performance
    • Student Performance &Data
    • Independent fiscal audit
    • Annual Budget
    • Management Organization
Next Academy

A C-STEAM Tuition-Free Charter School

A C-STEAM Tuition-Free Charter School A C-STEAM Tuition-Free Charter School A C-STEAM Tuition-Free Charter School

School Governance

Next Academy Governance

Next Academy is governed by an independent Board of Directors responsible for oversight of the school’s academic, financial, and operational performance.

Board responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations 
  • Approving budgets and policies 
  • Supporting the school’s mission and vision 

Board Members:

  • Founder Shaquita Mills – Board President 
  • Nomar Astrain – Secretary 
  • Miguel Martinez – Treasurer

Founding Board Members

Shaquita Mills, Board Chair

Miguel Martinez, Board Treasurer

Miguel Martinez, Board Treasurer

With 20 years of dedicated experience in education, particularly in charter school settings, Shaquita brings her expertise to her role as Board President at Next Academy. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various capacities, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to student success. As an ESE Coordinator, MTSS/RTI Facilitat

With 20 years of dedicated experience in education, particularly in charter school settings, Shaquita brings her expertise to her role as Board President at Next Academy. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various capacities, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to student success. As an ESE Coordinator, MTSS/RTI Facilitator, Assistant Principal, and Educational Consultant, Shaquita has developed a deep understanding of governance and the intricacies of working alongside charter school boards. She actively engages with stakeholders to ensure that the school’s mission and goals align with the community's needs, particularly in promoting C-STEAM education. Her extensive background and expertise in special education, intervention strategies, and school leadership make her a valuable asset to the board members at Next Academy. Shaquita’s leadership is characterized by a profound grasp of the educational landscape and a strong commitment to creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments.

Miguel Martinez, Board Treasurer

Miguel Martinez, Board Treasurer

Miguel Martinez, Board Treasurer

A thriving entrepreneur, Miguel brings over a decade of leadership, business ownership, and community service to the Next Academy Governing Board. As one of the dedicated board members, he holds an EPA License and possesses extensive expertise in mechanical systems, which has allowed him to build a successful company while earning respect

A thriving entrepreneur, Miguel brings over a decade of leadership, business ownership, and community service to the Next Academy Governing Board. As one of the dedicated board members, he holds an EPA License and possesses extensive expertise in mechanical systems, which has allowed him to build a successful company while earning respect as a committed leader in South Florida. Miguel is passionate about giving back, particularly through education. His strong belief in the power of C-STEAM education—integrating creativity, technology, and innovation—drives his commitment to preparing students for the future.

Nomar Astrain, Board Secretary

Miguel Martinez, Board Treasurer

Nomar Astrain, Board Secretary

Currently serving as a Senior Nuclear Power Plant Operator at Florida Power & Light (FPL), Nomar brings a wealth of expertise in nuclear physics, engineering, and leadership to the Next Academy Governing Board. His experience overseeing reactor operations, ensuring safety protocols, and managing complex systems showcases his technical pro

Currently serving as a Senior Nuclear Power Plant Operator at Florida Power & Light (FPL), Nomar brings a wealth of expertise in nuclear physics, engineering, and leadership to the Next Academy Governing Board. His experience overseeing reactor operations, ensuring safety protocols, and managing complex systems showcases his technical proficiency and problem-solving skills essential for effective governance. Passionate about C-STEAM education, Nomar is dedicated to connecting real-world applications of energy, engineering, and technology to the curriculum. His leadership and attention to detail make him an exemplary Board Secretary, while his commitment to innovation and excellence will inspire students to apply STEM principles in meaningful ways.

Next Academy Governance

1. Meeting Minute September 22, 2022 (pdf)

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2. Meeting Minute Oct 20, 2022 (pdf)

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3. Meeting Minute December 2, 2022.docx (pdf)

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4. Meeting Minute January 9, 2023.docx (pdf)

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5. Meeting Min for March 1 2023.docx (pdf)

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7. Meeting Minute May 30, 2023.docx (pdf)

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8. Meeting Minute October 23, 2023 .docx (pdf)

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9. Meeting Minute January 5, 2024.docx (pdf)

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10. Meeting Minute April 5, 2024 (pdf)

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11. Meeting Minute June 10, 2024 (pdf)

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12. Meeting Minute December 5, 2024 (pdf)

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13. Meeting Minute February 10, 2025 (pdf)

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14. Meeting Minute April 15, 2025 (pdf)

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Discover a New Way of Learning with Next Academy

Our Why

Our Partnerships

Our History

Next Academy was founded on a simple belief: every child deserves to be empowered to lead, create, and thrive. Too often, schools focus on memorization rather than innovation, on compliance rather than character. We knew there had to be a better way. 


That’s why we built Next Academy around our mission and vision of EPIC Students—driven by excellence, fueled by passion, grounded in integrity, and guided by strong character. Our C-STEAM education model (Character, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) brings learning to life through inquiry, collaboration, and creativity. This approach not only prepares students for the next test but also equips them for the next challenge, the next opportunity, and the next stage of life. Our dedicated board members support this vision, ensuring effective governance that prioritizes character development and innovative learning at Next Academy.

Learn More About Our History

Our History

Our Partnerships

Our History

The concept for Next Academy originated from a collaborative effort among board members, educators, parents, and community leaders who identified a need for a school that transcends traditional academics. They envisioned a learning environment where character development and 21st-century skills are equally emphasized, encouraging students to ask questions, solve problems, and think critically. 


Inspired by the Leader in Me framework and the Ron Clark Academy House System, Next Academy was designed to integrate leadership, responsibility, and teamwork into the daily fabric of learning. Our C-STEAM education model ensures that every subject—be it math, reading, science, or the arts—is taught through the lens of inquiry, creativity, and innovation. 


From the outset, our mission has been clear: to establish a place where students are celebrated for who they are, challenged to reach their full potential, and supported as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow, all under the governance of dedicated board members.

Meet Our Faculty

Our Partnerships

Our Partnerships

Our Partnerships

At Next Academy, we believe that preparing students for the future means connecting them with the world beyond the classroom. That’s why we are developing partnerships with board members and organizations that will provide students with access to cutting-edge technology tools, hands-on learning opportunities, and real-world experiences that bring C-STEAM education to life.


These partnerships, spanning education, technology, business, and community organizations, are designed to expand what students can see, touch, and do. Whether it’s coding with innovative tools, engaging in creative design challenges, or learning directly from industry leaders, students will have opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways, reinforcing the principles of effective governance.


This is only the beginning. As we continue to grow, more partnerships will be announced, each one crafted to give students new experiences that fuel their curiosity, strengthen their skills, and inspire them to become the EPIC leaders of tomorrow.

Explore Our Partnerships

Connect With Us

Think EPIC. Be EPIC

Copyright © 2024 Next Academy - All Rights Reserved.   No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this school, except as provided by law.


Next Academy is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying relevant accessibility standards.

We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. If you experience any difficulty accessing content on this website, please contact us:

📧 Email: nextacademyboardchair@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 954-224-7987

We will make every effort to respond promptly and provide the information you need in an accessible format.

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