{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Academy for Innovative Education","outOfStateSupporters":16.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8638202,"projectId":9710890,"letterContent":"When our gel electrophoresis equipment arrived, it immediately transformed our biotechnology unit from a theoretical discussion into a real-world scientific experience. Instead of simply reading about DNA analysis, my students are now actively performing the same techniques used in forensic labs, medical diagnostics, and genetic research.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the gel electrophoresis kits during our biotechnology investigation on DNA fingerprinting. Students prepared agarose gels, loaded samples into wells, and carefully monitored how DNA fragments separated based on size. One powerful classroom moment occurred when students compared their results and realized they could visually identify matching DNA band patterns. The room filled with excitement as they made connections between what they were seeing on the gel and how scientists solve crimes or diagnose genetic disorders. Concepts that once felt abstract suddenly became tangible and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials set up in the lab, they were genuinely excited. Many expressed that they felt like \"real scientists.\" For several of them, this was their first time using professional-level laboratory equipment. That sense of authenticity boosted their confidence and curiosity, especially for those interested in pursuing careers in medicine, research, or biotechnology.\r\n\r\nThe next steps in our biotechnology unit involve designing their own mini-investigations. Students will analyze simulated patient samples to determine genetic traits and explore how mutations alter DNA fragment patterns. We will also connect gel electrophoresis to broader applications such as CRISPR gene editing, genetic counseling, and personalized medicine. By continuing to build on this hands-on experience, students are not only learning content—they are developing critical thinking skills, data analysis abilities, and a deeper appreciation for how biotechnology impacts society.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has allowed my classroom to move beyond textbooks and into authentic scientific discovery. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to experience biotechnology in action.","fullyFundedDate":1763649166621,"projectUrl":"project/investigating-dna-like-a-scientist/9710890/","projectTitle":"Investigating DNA Like a Scientist","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Iser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638202_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757702367045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8638202"},{"teacherId":2108725,"projectId":9570885,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generation donations. My students have been able to print their essays and have been able to publish writings in their classroom library. \r\n\r\nThe students also have the availability to print their assessments to take home to their parents to show how they do and what areas to work on with their families at home. Many of our students are visual learners and work best when their work is on paper rather than on a device. In addition, students tend to perform better when they are able to use rest taking strategies such as underlining and circling main parts of the question stems. Thank you again for your kind donations.","fullyFundedDate":1755729838313,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-stay-inkspired/9570885/","projectTitle":"Help Us Stay Inkspired!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curbelo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2108725_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534360555882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-curbelo"},{"teacherId":5716832,"projectId":9563629,"letterContent":"When my students saw the new chairs that were added to our classroom they flipped! These chairs are used as an incentive in my room for students who want to sit in them to complete their work if they have enough class dojo points. With the addition of the chairs, students are super motivated to do their work, behave, and earn points to earn the opportunity to use them! They have brought a lot of excitement to our class. \r\n\r\nStudents were also very curious about the tennis balls that were added to the bottoms of the chairs and desks. They asked why they were there and we discussed what the benefits of them are. Together, students came to the conclusion that when they glide along the floor there is a lot less noise. Others also pointed out that they even sort of clean the floor as they slide along because the fuzzy texture helps sweep away the dirt. The floors have looked spectacular! Everyone from custodians to administrators who have come by the classroom have remarked about how nice they look and how nice they keep the floor looking. \r\n\r\nI am excited and so thankful for these donations to my classroom. Just these few small changes are already making a world of difference in creating a great learning atmosphere. We have a quiet, clean, and welcoming space that really lays the foundation for how I want my students to feel when they come to school. I could not have done this without those of you who donated and I want to once again say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1754876772593,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-seats-focused-minds-a-classroom/9563629/","projectTitle":"Quiet Seats, Focused Minds: A Classroom Makeover","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dean","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5716832_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534550503640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5716832"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_103140","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1063,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":56,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"22.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":83.4,"schoolId":103140,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Academy for Innovative Education on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Academy for Innovative Education","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/miami-dade-county-public-schools/aie-charter-schoolmiami-springs/103140"}
Join the 169 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Academy for Innovative Education is
a suburban public school
in Miami Springs, Florida that is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
It serves 1,063 students
in grades K - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 22.1:1.
Its teachers have had 55 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Academy for Innovative Education
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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
94%
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.
Academy for Innovative Education Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 20, 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.
Academy for Innovative Education
$29,542
raised using DonorsChoose
55
projects
funded
20
teachers
funded
169
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
12
projects for
technology
13
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Academy for Innovative Education has received support from
141 individuals from Florida and
28 individuals out-of-state.
