Grades 4 through 7: above-average growth in reading and language, two years running.1
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3 years
Class of 2026
Our Class of 2026 posted above-average growth in reading and math in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.2
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74th percentile
8th grade reading and language
Our typical 8th grader started this school year at the 74th percentile nationally in reading and language.3
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92nd percentile
5th grade math growth
Last year, our typical 5th grader grew more in math than 92% of academically similar students nationwide. This fall, those students started 6th grade at the 80th percentile.4
- ¹ NWEA MAP Growth (2025 norms). Median growth percentiles for 2024-25 and 2025-26, measured fall to fall, students enrolled both years. 2025-26 results were also above average measured fall to spring.
- ² 6th and 7th grade growth measured fall to fall (2023-24 and 2024-25). 8th grade growth measured Fall 2025 to Spring 2026. 6th grade results include students enrolled through Fall 2025.
- ³ NWEA MAP Growth, Fall 2026. Median national percentile; 14 students tested in each subject.
- ⁴ NWEA MAP Growth, Fall 2025 to Fall 2026. Medians for the 15 students enrolled both years.
Family voices
What our WAKJA family says
Parents, students, teachers, and alumni on faith, academics, and what it feels like to be known by name. Filter by who is speaking, or by what they are talking about.
17 voices Every quote is from a WAKJA family member or staff member
“I knew this was the right school for my daughter the moment I entered. I could feel the vibe; I could see how the teachers interacted with each other and the students. Then my feelings were confirmed at the first quarter when we got her grades. I came in here and talked with her teacher, and he knew everything about her. He knew what her quirks were, how she learned — and more than just helping her (because I saw the improvement compared to the school she was at before), he gave me tips on how to help her at home. This was multilevel education, and I cannot believe more people don’t know about this school yet.”
“I have three kids here, but I wanna tell you about when I knew this was perfect for all three, particularly my son. He’s in fifth grade now, but when he was in first grade, from the beginning, the teachers here have known him personally; they have known his strengths, his weaknesses, and they were able to work with his learning style to help him achieve. They also clearly identified with me the areas where I could help him improve at home. I have always been a fan of Adventist education, but WAKJA has proven to me that it’s not just a feeling — this system works.”
“I knew my goddaughter was in the right school during the most recent Christmas program. She’s usually shy and reserved, and this school has helped her blossom in a way that I didn’t know was actually possible. She shone on that stage and she showed a confidence that I hadn’t seen before, and it just made me even more proud of her.”
“One difference I noticed is that Arie, my son, is more sociable, less angry, and he’s learned so much more about God than he would have anywhere else.”
“I love the teachers here. But the thing I remember the most is when I was really struggling to read — not only did the teachers spend extra time with me, they also gave my mother tips to help me read while I was at home. I can tell they really care about me.”
“I’ve fallen in love with the English classes here and the way that all my Middle School teachers — Mr. Bent, Ms. Webb, and Mrs. Dare — integrate Christian teachings with the academic lessons. I’ve learned how to express myself verbally and in writing, and they’ve taught me perseverance through really tough times, and believe me, I’ve had a lot of rough times. Thank you, WAKJA.”
“I love that it’s a Christian school. I know people say that a lot, but for me, I noticed how my attitude has become a lot stronger while I was here, and I tend to notice more when my actions impact other people — both good and bad. Also, they made me love math here.”
“One of my favorite moments at this school was after I finished a certain test. Ms. Webb gave me some strategies on how to notice what I was actually reading — asking myself some questions before reading the passage so I would get the main points — and then when I took several tests after that, I’ve been able to use the same techniques here and I’ve done quite well on all of them.”
“I’ve gone to the school my whole life so far, and middle school has by far been my favorite part of it. The teachers have helped me take all the knowledge that I gained from my younger years and put it toward things that I really enjoy. I love reading, I love poetry — I love writing and reading it. I just want to thank the teachers here for that.”
“PE class is my favorite because I can actually tell that my body is getting stronger and my balance has improved.”
“Ms. Webb has helped me learn not only the importance of controlling my emotions, but they’ve given me strategies and techniques to actually do that. Christian education means more to me now than it did when I first started here.”
“My favorite memory is Mrs. Cherisol’s class two years ago, where my teacher taught me how to enjoy the lessons, and she actually made the classwork a lot of fun. I still use some of the writing techniques today that she taught me.”
“I know that God wants me here just because of the number of doors that opened to bring me back here. I love working here with the kids, my fellow teachers, and the Administration so much that I know I will retire here. My favorite aspect of the classroom is the interaction with the students. Sometimes I’m tough on them, especially when I know that they have an amazing ability and gift that they don’t yet see in themselves.”
“I like the relationships we all get to build with our students because the school is smaller and has small class sizes. And being a Christian school doesn’t mean much unless you actually have Jesus at the center of it… and we do.”
“I knew WAKJA was the right place for me when I realized I was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about me, not just as a teacher, but as a person. As a new teacher, I’ve been blessed with an administration that has guided me with patience, kindness, and understanding, always making sure I feel supported through both personal and professional challenges. Their encouragement has helped me grow in confidence, build meaningful relationships with my students and their families, and create a classroom where I feel happy, supported, and truly at home.”
“My favorite parts of WAKJA are the experiences you get at the school, and also the teachers. Ever since starting here in kindergarten, every teacher I’ve had has deeply cared for me, and all the other students.”
“One of the biggest impacts WAKJA has had on me has been spiritual. I’ve really gotten to know God and more about His character. The amazing teachers here have shown me so much care, and that helps me see God in action.”
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Your Child's First Step Toward Lifelong Learning
At William A. Kirlew Junior Academy, students receive a Christ-centered education in a nurturing K-8 environment. As a Seventh-day Adventist school in Miami Gardens, WAKJA helps children grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically while building a strong academic foundation for the future.
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What Do We Do Different?
Message from the Principal
Howard Summerbell
“Welcome to William A. Kirlew Junior Academy! It is with immense joy, pride, and a deep sense of purpose that I welcome you into our school family. At WAKJA, we believe that every child is a promise, every mind is full of potential, and every dream deserves the opportunity to become a reality — a belief that inspires our commitment to an education preparing students not just for academic success, but for meaningful, productive lives. Our philosophy is holistic: we nurture character, creativity, and confidence alongside strong academics. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. It’s a responsibility we embrace with gratitude and unwavering dedication.
With pride and warm regards, Howard Summerbell”
Proud to be Christian, American, and servants of God
Your child will have fun learning here!
Non-discrimination Policy
Florida Conference Seventh-day Adventist schools admit students of any race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, and sexual orientation. Our schools do not discriminate on the basis of any of the aforementioned categories in decisions for admission, discipline, or application of education policies. We promote a sharp focus on learning and caring while requiring all students to adhere to behavioral expectations set out in a strict code of conduct supported by the Biblical beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Parent questions
What families ask before they visit
WAKJA is a small Seventh-day Adventist school in Miami Gardens serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Here are the questions parents ask us most often, answered plainly.
Is WAKJA only for Seventh-day Adventist families?
Not at all. We are a Seventh-day Adventist school and we say so plainly, but we are not a school for Adventist families alone. Families from Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, and non-denominational churches are part of this community. If you are looking for a Christ-centered education, you are welcome here, whatever church your family calls home. What we do ask is that you are comfortable with a school where the Bible is taught, chapel meets every Monday, and prayer shapes the day.
What grades does WAKJA serve?
We teach kindergarten through eighth grade. There is no Pre-K and no high school on campus, so your child's time here runs from the first day of kindergarten to eighth-grade graduation. With about 110 students and a teacher for every grade, children grow up beside the same classmates and the same familiar faces. If you are not sure where your child would land, call us at (305) 474-4760 and we will tell you.
How much is tuition, and does WAKJA accept Step Up for Students?
Tuition is $8,900 for kindergarten through third grade and $8,300 for fourth through eighth, paid yearly or monthly. We accept Step Up for Students and AAA Scholarships, and Florida's private school awards currently pay $8,745 for K-3 and $8,140 for grades 4-8 to families living in Miami-Dade. For most of our families that covers the large majority of tuition. Registration, technology, and device fees are separate, and we will give you your full cost in writing before you commit.
Will my child be known here?
That is the reason most families choose us. With about 110 students, our teachers know every child by name, by strength, and by struggle. Your child keeps the same teacher all year and sees the same principal, secretary, and staff every year after that. We also keep track. Students in third through eighth grade take MAP assessments three times a year, and our teachers use those results to adjust what happens in class. On your tour, ask how your child's teacher would follow their growth.
What are the school hours, and is before and after care available?
Before care opens at 6:45 a.m. for $60 a month. After care runs until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 3:30 p.m. on Friday for $120 a month, so plan on an earlier Friday pickup. We serve breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, including free and reduced-price meals for families who qualify. Call us for the exact arrival and dismissal times for your child's grade.
What happens after eighth grade?
Eighth grade is graduation here, and our job is to send your child to high school ready to read well, write clearly, think for themselves, and stand up for what they believe. Our graduates go on to public schools, magnet programs, private schools, and Adventist high schools such as Miami Union Adventist Academy in North Miami. We do not promise a particular placement. We do promise to sit with your family and think it through during the eighth-grade year.
How do I schedule a tour?
Call us at (305) 474-4760 or email wakja@flcoe.org. Tell us your child's grade and what you would like to see, and we will arrange a weekday visit while classes are in session. You will meet the principal, walk the classrooms, and ask us anything about faith, class size, scholarships, or the daily schedule. Nothing is expected of you afterward. Come and see for yourself.
Come see a school day for yourself
Tours are arranged through the school office. Tell us your child's grade and we will find a time that works for your family.
William A. Kirlew Junior Academy, 18900 NW 32nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. A K-8 school of the Florida Conference Office of Education.