8 Memorable Moments of 2021

As we get ready for another great year in 2022, we want to remember all of the good times that 2021 brought us. From all of the fun field trips to moving into our new school building, 2021 had a lot to offer the Divine Academy Family. Here are some of our favorite events and activities from 2021:

New School in Pembroke Pines

Mrs. Garcia in front of the new school in Pembroke Pines

One of the most memorable moments of 2021 was moving from our school in Hollywood, FL to Pembroke Pines, FL. With being at the Hollywood location for over a decade, we have many great memories from the old school. It wasn't easy to say goodbye, but the new location has quickly grown on us. The new building is a huge upgrade from the one in Hollywood and it also has a significant story to the Divine Academy family. Before Divine Academy moved in, the building was owned by a different school for children with learning disabilities.

Nearly 20 years ago, two teachers who worked there had a connection and eventually became best friends. Both women had a passion for helping children with special needs. They decided to quit their jobs and open their own school in 2005. They started out with only three students in the opening year, but their strong dedication and effective teaching methods caused that number to progressively grow year after year. The positive impact that their education program had on the students was undeniable. Many children, who were told by doctors that they would never be able to read or write, went on to receive high school diplomas. Others were told that they would be dependent on their parents for their entire lives, but were eventually able to live independently by using the life skills and knowledge that they had gained from the school.

Due to their continuous growth, they needed to expand to a bigger and better location. They moved to a school building that they were already very familiar with, as it was the same place where they first met as teachers. In less than twenty years, they went from having a single room with only three students to buying the exemplary building from the same people who they used to work for. These two women, who have dedicated their lives to helping as many people in the special needs community as possible, are Ingrid Garcia and Pamela Vogelsang. As you've probably figured out by now, the name of Ingrid and Pam's school is Divine Academy.

Ingrid Garcia (left), Pamela Vogelsang (right)

Divine Academy Fall Festival

The Divine Academy family celebrated the Fall season in 2021 with festive decorations, fun projects, and pumpkin cookies!

Halloween Celebration

Our first Halloween at the new school was a great day! Everyone had a great time dressing up in costumes and doing fun Halloween activities. We're already looking forward to Halloween 2022!

Field Trip to the Nature Preserve

The Divine Academy family had an amazing day during our field trip to the Nature Preserve. With all of the isolating and staying inside for the past couple of years, it was refreshing to enjoy some time outside. It was a beautiful day and we definitely plan on coming back soon.

Field Trip to the Broward County Library

The Divine Academy students had an opportunity to learn some important life skills and social skills during their field trip to the Broward County Library!

Divine Academy Pajama Day

Pajama Day at Divine Academy was a fun event for everyone! The celebration took place during the Holidays, which is always one of the most joyful times of the year. The day was filled with love and happiness. It was definitely a great time for the entire Divine Academy family and it was one of our fondest memories of 2021.

Divine Academy Holiday Breakfast

The Divine Academy Holiday Breakfast was a memorable time for both our students and their parents! We want to especially remember the effort Ms. Tania and Ms. Kelly gave to host the event and make it enjoyable for everyone who attended.

Last School Day of 2021

There's no better way to finish off the last school day of the year than with a speech from our beloved school director, Mrs. Garcia! What made the day even better was that the Divine Academy family sang Holiday songs together before heading home for Winter break!

2021 was a fantastic year for the Divine Academy family and we can't wait to see what 2022 has to offer! To learn more about our school or enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year, call us now at (954) 499-4638.