{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mast Academy","outOfStateSupporters":8.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9791739,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing \"Bright Walls, Bright Minds\" to life across multiple classrooms! Our students were thrilled by the vibrant new educational posters and immediately noticed how welcoming and encouraging our learning spaces feel.\r\n\r\nWe are already using these visual aids daily. Just this week, instead of getting stuck on complex math problems, students across different classes used the posters to find the formulas they needed and confidently solved the equations on their own.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these posters will serve as vital visual anchors as we prepare for our upcoming end-of-unit assessments. Thank you for turning our blank walls into active teaching tools and bringing so much confidence to our school!","fullyFundedDate":1769764895065,"projectUrl":"project/bright-walls-bright-minds-visual-learn/9791739/","projectTitle":"Bright Walls, Bright Minds: Visual Learning for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9865835,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our project to life! Our school community is full of hardworking students who are eager to learn and grow every day, but they often have to do their best with limited resources when our school runs low on basic supplies like copy paper.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes of paper arrived, it was an incredible relief. Having a reliable supply of paper means I can consistently provide my students with printed handouts, guided notes, and structured practice activities. Instead of spending valuable class time painstakingly copying complex math problems from the board, they can dive right into the actual learning.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting these resources to incredible use. Just this week, I used the new paper to print comprehensive guided notes for our multi-step math lessons. Having these materials meant my students could completely focus on the lesson, actively follow along, and confidently show their work right on the page. Watching them tackle the material so comfortably—knowing they all have the exact same resources in front of them—has been a highlight of my teaching this quarter.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next step is to use this paper to print our upcoming unit review packets and graphing assignments. Because of your generosity, we can ensure that every student has equal access to the materials they need to stay engaged, succeed, and feel proud of their progress in class. Thank you for believing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1768844664751,"projectUrl":"project/paper-for-learning-helping-our-students/9865835/","projectTitle":"Paper for Learning: Helping Our Students Stay Prepared","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9955656,"letterContent":"hey i have internship 6th so i dont think i will be able to but i can do these when i get home today\r\ni'll have them done by 6 is that okay? \r\nThank you for supporting our classroom and helping make this interactive science lab possible. With the materials you helped provide, our students were able to explore important science concepts such as producers and consumers, the flow of energy, and metamorphosis through hands-on activities. One of the highlights of the lesson was a game using cups and pom-poms to model how energy moves through an ecosystem. The cups represented animals or energy storage, while the pom-poms symbolized energy. As students tossed and caught the pom-poms, they were able to clearly see how energy transfers from one organism to another and how some energy is lost along the way.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were extremely excited and eager to begin experimenting. Using Play-Doh and butterfly erasers, they modeled the stages of metamorphosis, which helped them better understand how organisms grow and change. We also ended the lesson with an engaging food chain demonstration where students wore headbands representing the sun, plants, and animals. This activity helped them visualize how energy flows through an ecosystem in a fun and memorable way.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students were able to actively participate in their learning instead of just reading about these concepts in a textbook. Moving forward, we will continue building on these lessons by exploring more about ecosystems, food webs, and how organisms depend on each other for survival. Your support helped create an engaging and meaningful learning experience that our students will remember.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765999274061,"projectUrl":"project/go-with-the-flow-energy-in-action/9955656/","projectTitle":"Go With the Flow: Energy in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9912573,"letterContent":"The \"Adaptation Art: Hands-On Exploration of Animal Adaptations\" project transformed our classroom into an interactive learning environment where students could physically experience how adaptations influence survival. By using tools like spoons, claws, and clothespins to simulate different animal traits, students were able to connect abstract vocabulary such as \"adaptation,\" \"environment,\" and \"survival\" to real, hands-on experiences. The competitive resource-gathering activity encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students analyzed which traits were most effective in different scenarios.\r\n\r\nBeyond content knowledge, this project increased student engagement and confidence. Students were eager to participate, ask questions, and explain their reasoning during discussion. This hands-on approach made the science concepts memorable and meaningful, strengthening both their understanding and enthusiasm for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763996369920,"projectUrl":"project/adaptation-art-hands-on-exploration-of/9912573/","projectTitle":"Adaptation Art: Hands on Exploration of Animal's Adaptations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":6166651,"projectId":9852481,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, my students are now working with tools that truly elevate their learning experience. When the boxes arrived and they saw the tuners, amp stands, strings, picks, and batteries, the room instantly filled with excitement. Several students said it felt like a \"real studio setup,\" and they couldn't wait to start using everything. For many of them, this was the first time they had access to professional-quality accessories, and that moment alone boosted their confidence and pride.\r\n\r\nWe immediately incorporated the materials into class. During our ensemble unit, students used the Snark tuners to learn how to tune independently and understand pitch accuracy, while the new bass strings allowed our rhythm section to produce a fuller, cleaner tone. The amp stands helped us improve sound projection and posture during rehearsals, and the picks gave every guitarist the consistency they needed for technique exercises. Even the batteries made a difference—no interruptions, no equipment downtime, just continuous music-making.\r\n\r\nNext, we are beginning a collaborative performance project where students will rehearse in small bands, focusing on timing, balance, and stage readiness. With these new resources, they can function like real ensembles, preparing not just for performances, but for future musical opportunities beyond the classroom. Your support didn't just provide supplies—you provided motivation, confidence, and the tools for students to see themselves as real musicians.","fullyFundedDate":1765493718340,"projectUrl":"project/invest-in-the-future-of-music-education/9852481/","projectTitle":"Invest in the Future of Music Education!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luis Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6166651_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x475,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660158314033","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6166651"},{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9791698,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of crochet supplies to our Craft Club. Your contribution has transformed our classroom into a vibrant hub of creativity, where students are not only mastering fine motor skills and artistic expression but it is also an escape from their screens. We have already seen a remarkable shift in our environment as students are more focused and incredibly supportive as they mentor one another through new stitches. This was a great way to have students build stronger friendships with each other. This project has provided a much-needed sensory anchor, offering a calming way for students to regulate stress and build genuine self-esteem while creating something tangible. Your kindness has given these students more than just yarn and hooks; you've given them a lifelong skill and a more mindful, connected classroom experience.","fullyFundedDate":1764681793366,"projectUrl":"project/stitching-success-helping-students-lear/9791698/","projectTitle":"Stitching Success: Helping Students Learn Crochet for Creativity and Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9797210,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the calm corner, their eyes lit up. They were eager to explore the soft weighted plush animals, colorful fidget tools, and positivity posters that make the space feel calm and inviting. It quickly became a favorite spot in the room where students can take a quiet break, refocus, and return to learning ready to participate again. Even some of my past students have asked to come by for a few minutes during their busy schedules just to relax and recharge—proof that this space really makes a difference.\r\n\r\nSince setting up the calm corner, I've noticed real improvements in my students' focus and cooperation. They are learning more effectively, engaging more deeply with lessons, and collaborating better with one another. The calm corner gives them a way to manage stress, reflect on their feelings, and come back to classwork calmer and more confident.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to keep building on these positive habits by connecting the calm corner to lessons about mindfulness and teamwork. Thanks to your generosity, my classroom is now a more peaceful and supportive place where all students can succeed—both emotionally and academically.","fullyFundedDate":1761600513574,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner/9797210/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9841365,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students have been able to turn science into something they can see, touch, laugh about, and truly remember.\r\n\r\nWith the new lab resources, we launched the year with two hands on experiences that allowed curiosity and confidence to occur in the classroom. In our first lab, students explored the human body by rotating through stations focused on organs like the brain, heart, and liver. Guided by mentors, they didn't just learn definitions they modeled how organs work and asked questions that showed real understanding. \r\n\r\nBuilding on that excitement, our next lab took students into the world of plants. Each student planted their own seed, something they'll continue to observe throughout the year, giving them a long term connection to their learning. They then dissected lilies, carefully identifying petals, stamens, pistils, and other key structures. This led naturally into comparing flowering and non-flowering plants and recognizing those differences in everyday life. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions said it all, wide eyes, lots of questions, and an eagerness to jump right in. Many of them had never worked with real lab tools or specimens before, and being able to provide them the resources they needed was very helpful.\r\n\r\nMoving foward, will continue using these materials in future hands-on labs that build on what they've learned, allowing them to test ideas, make observations, and grow more confident in explaining scientific concepts.\r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just fund supplies it created moments of wonder, laughter, and meaningful learning that students will carry with them. Thank you for helping make science unforgettable.","fullyFundedDate":1761132171578,"projectUrl":"project/inside-out-a-journey-through-lifes-des/9841365/","projectTitle":"Inside Out: a Journey Through Life’s Designs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":10299625,"projectId":9788784,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Creativity and Service Through Art. When the craft club members first saw the bracelet-making beads, their excitement was immediately visible. The vibrant colors matched the positive energy flowing through the club meetings, and students were eager to begin crafting. As we started making beaded bracelets with positive affirmations, craft club members initially struggled to keep the bracelets from falling apart but learned how to problem-solve. The purchase of a bracelet holder improved everyone's experience. Members were able to make six to eight bracelets a day, sharing meaningful and positive messages. So far, we have donated 350 bracelets to a local elementary school, and we still have more materials that we plan to use to donate to another school.\r\n This project had a wonderful impact because it encouraged students' kindness, engagement, and creativity. It was a great first project for the craft club because it introduced members to crafting and highlighted the meaning of our club: to stay positive and spread positivity. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with one another through the beaded bracelet project. Our next project is crocheting; we are currently stitching at an entry level, but are working our way toward making animals. We are grateful to have donors because they give members a chance to explore their creative skills and grow their confidence. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759748323523,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-and-service-through-art/9788784/","projectTitle":"Creativity and Service Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10299625_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759597412440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgarnett"},{"teacherId":6166651,"projectId":9715804,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown through this donation campaign and the meaningful impact it has had on our students. The drum throne has provided our percussionists with proper posture and comfort, allowing them to focus on technique, endurance, and musical expression during rehearsals and performances. The electric power strips have helped us safely organize and power our classroom equipment, creating a more efficient and secure learning environment. Additionally, the guitar strings have allowed our guitar students to practice and perform with properly maintained instruments, improving tone quality, confidence, and motivation. These resources may seem simple, but they directly support student engagement, creativity, and growth. Your support has strengthened our program and empowered students to take pride in their musicianship. Thank you for investing in their artistic development and helping make music education accessible and inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1758837864374,"projectUrl":"project/gear-up-for-sound/9715804/","projectTitle":"Gear Up for Sound","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luis Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6166651_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x475,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660158314033","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6166651"},{"teacherId":10328572,"projectId":9855928,"letterContent":"A heartfelt thank you to Maria Holmes from Horace Mann for making this project possible. At MAST Academy in Key Biscayne — a school uniquely surrounded by the ocean and located near the Miami Seaquarium—we transformed an empty room into a vibrant, ocean-themed space. This design beautifully reflects our coastal environment and strengthens the connection between our students and the marine world that defines our community.\r\nI am truly excited to continue improving the learning environment for my students and look forward to what's ahead. None of this would have been possible without your support. Thank you for helping us turn this vision into reality!","fullyFundedDate":1761600647451,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-ap-stats/9855928/","projectTitle":"Interactive AP Stats","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fernandez Azcuy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10328572_orig.jpg?crop=1645,1645,x1641,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761252648124","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10328572"},{"teacherId":6166651,"projectId":9352212,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation of the Fender Mustang amp, my students have been able to experience music in a completely new way.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, this amp has become more than just equipment—it's a teaching tool. Students are learning how to control sound levels, shape tone, and understand how professional musicians use technology to bring their performances to life. It has given them an authentic experience of what it feels like to prepare and perform in a real musical setting.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the chance to hear their instruments come alive with professional-quality sound. For many of them, this was the first time they could clearly hear the blend of their music in a way that resembled a live performance. It's motivating them to practice harder, listen more carefully, and take pride in their progress.\r\n\r\nYour gift has not only improved the quality of our music program but has also inspired my students to dream bigger and believe in their potential. Thank you for making such an impact in their learning and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1748625662709,"projectUrl":"project/what-an-awesome-guitar-amp/9352212/","projectTitle":"What an Awesome Guitar Amp","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luis Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6166651_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x475,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660158314033","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6166651"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56317","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1571,"numTeachers":75,"percentFrplEligible":13,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":73,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"20.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":91.5,"schoolId":56317,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mast Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mast Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/miami-dade-county-public-schools/maritime-science-tech-acad/56317"}
Join the 390 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Mast Academy is
a suburban public school
in Miami, Florida that is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
It serves 1,571 students
in grades 6 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.9:1.
Its teachers have had 71 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
75%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Mast Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Mar 27, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Mast Academy
$48,393
raised using DonorsChoose
71
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
390
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
22
projects for
technology
1
project for
books
9
projects
for
art supplies
Mast Academy has received support from
357 individuals from Florida and
33 individuals out-of-state.