Education
South Florida Fashion Academy provides high school students with traditional and vocational education

As Generation Z redefines what it means to “succeed,” the traditional playbook is being discarded in favor of something rather more dynamic. Continuing to challenge the establishment, a recent study by Walton Family Foundation (WFF) and Gallup found that 43% of students in grades K-12 now have their eyes on a future that doesn’t require a university degree. Despite growing interest in alternative paths, fewer than one in 4 of those students have had productive conversations about options beyond college, leaving many in the dead of night about what lies beyond high school.
“Gen Z students in K-12 feel unprepared for their futures, and with only about a quarter having meaningful conversations about paths beyond college, it’s clear why,” Stephanie Marken, Gallup’s senior partner for U.S. polling, explained in a press release. “While a post-secondary education path makes sense for many, it’s not the right path for everyone right out of high school, and what we’re learning from this research is that students don’t have a complete picture of their options after high school.”
With only 23% of school students reportedly talking about internships, certificates, or skilled programs, the widespread lack of knowledge about non-college futures leaves students feeling not only unprepared but demotivated. After falling victim to the dearth of diverse post-graduation paths early in her profession, former celebrity stylist Taj McGill pledged to bridge the gap between aspiration and information by founding South Florida Fashion Academy (SFFA)In a situation where traditional guidance often fails, SFFA steps in, offering not only education, but additionally a transparent, tangible road map to success in the style and beauty industry.
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What began in 2018 as an after-school program for teens to network and learn from industry experts has expanded right into a full-time, private, dual-enrollment middle and high school offering as much as $7,000 in scholarships to assist students pursue their dreams. Combining the pains of traditional academics with the hands-on training of a vocational school, SFFA provides students with the chance to explore their passions while learning all the elemental skills essential to excel.
Open to all students, the center and high schools offer a traditional curriculum and a vocational program. Once students reach eleventh grade (third yr), they’ll apply to the academy’s dual enrollment program, which allows them to explore electives similar to fashion merchandising, hairdressing, cosmetology, and more. Through the unique program, high school students can work toward diplomas while also working toward state certifications within the industry. Just because the academy invests in on-campus labs and tailoring salons for this system, it emphasizes the importance of core academic subjects for its students.
“They’re still getting the basic academic knowledge. That’s basically the only way they can get into our dual enrollment program,” the academy’s founder and fashion director explained. “We want to send students out into the world who are emotionally and academically healthy and (know how to) develop their creativity.”
In addition to Gen Z’s shift toward a non-college future, the daunting reality of today’s job market further proves the worth of trade schools and profession programs like SFFA. Experts say the present labor market’s difficult circumstances point to a possible “white collar recession” reflecting a surge in full-time jobs that always require more education. While a high school-to-college path can have once guaranteed a lucrative profession, McGill encourages parents to contemplate the worth of trade programs “because there are people (working in) trades who (sometimes) make more money than college graduates.”
While college continues to be a protected option for high school graduates, McGill emphasizes that it shouldn’t be the one path to success. At South Florida Fashion Academy, 42 percent of students pursue entrepreneurship after graduation, while others proceed their education at fashion design schools (31 percent) and traditional four-year colleges (18 percent). No matter where life takes them after graduation, McGill says the academy’s doors are at all times open to support graduates, whether through mentoring or continuing education courses. A portion of the South Florida Fashion Academy campus, committed to nurturing the following generation of creative pioneers and entrepreneurs, is devoted to Innovative Heights Preparatory Academy, private kindergarten and primary school with an emphasis on performing arts.
“We’ve created an environment where they can be themselves in a creative way. I think all kids need guidance (without adults putting obstacles in their way) about what (they) think students should be doing — or what they expect students to do,” McGill said. “We really have to understand that this is a new day, a new time, a new era and definitely a new generation, and we just have to meet them where they are.”
Education
Mark Zuckerberg closes the schools that he launched for colored communities

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta Director, closes its initiative, which launched schools for colored communities, citing problems with financing.
At the starting of this month, the Primary School, a personal school launched by Zuckerberg and his partner Priscilla Chen almost ten years ago, announced that she would close for good next yr, CNN Reported.
“After many considerations, our schools in East Palo Alto and East Bay are closing at the end of the 2025-26 school year,” said school officials in the edition. “It was a very difficult decision and we are involved in ensuring a thoughtful and supportive transition for students and families over the next year. To maintain the heritage of the Primary School (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (czi)) will make an investment of $ 50 million in the next years East Palo Alto, Belle Haven and East Bay.”
Immediate support through this investment includes 529 savings plans for all school students to support future learning and transition specialties to assist families when they struggle to search out other schools.
In 2016, Zuckerberg and his wife, pediatrician Priscilla Chan, opened a primary school, a personal school with no tuition fee, which tried to assist families with low income and folks in color in possession of greater access to education, healthcare and other social services. According to the statement, the school was founded “on the main principle that raising a child is a team effort” and gathered all adults in the child’s life, including healthcare providers to further strengthen the position of families.

Closing each locations, currently raising the lives of families that consisted of faculty and its resources, is supposedly brought on by Financing problems. After a donation of $ 50 million to assist families in the transition, Chi ultimately draws funds.
The school also appears during the Trump administration attack on all the things that is taken into account diversity, equality and inclusion, especially amongst schools and universities. The Trump administration took an aggressive position on the elimination of Dei in the science of K-12, the government, at university campus and business sector. At the starting of the yr, Zuckerberg announced that the finish would end the DEI initiatives.
Although he doesn’t play a proper role in Trump’s administration in any character, the general director of the technology clearly expects more time in Washington He recently bought a house in the capital of the country.
“Although the primary school that exists today will come to an end, we honestly hope that what we have learned and turned out to be possible will live,” the school’s statement continued. “We will tell our partners in this work – both our direct colleagues and our compatriots in the field of education and health – wearing torches for all families, but especially the most sensitive. Our faith in our guiding principle did not hesitate, and we know that everyone will take care of the future in which our children and families can develop, learn and suffer regardless of the circumstances.”

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Education
Dilemma, dilemma: The 4-day school week is a problem for parents with 5-day work schedules


The growing variety of American school districts goes to 4 -day school weeks, aimed toward solving teachers’ problems, reducing operational costs and alleviating burnout of scholars. Although this model offers some benefits, it also presents challenges, especially for working parents, whose schedules aren’t in line with the shortened school week.
According to The Associated Press, from 2024 almost 900 school districts throughout the country adopted a 4 -day week, which is a significant increase from just over 100 in 1999. This change is The most widespread in rural areas, Where districts are aimed toward reducing transport costs and attracting teachers by offering a more flexible schedule.
In Floresville, Texas, an independent school district will implement a hybrid 4 -day week from the 2025-2026 academic yr. The decision concerns a survey, which showed that 68% of employees, parents and students supported the change, provided that childcare was available on an extra day. The district plans to supply childcare and meals in most Fridays When the school is not within the session.
The district also reduced students ‘days from 169 to 164 and teachers’ days from 187 to 178. Officials said that this movement goals to extend the balance between skilled and personal life for teachers while maintaining instructional hours by extending other school days.
However, the transition is difficulties for parents working in traditional five -day weeks. Child care management on an extra time without work might be difficult and expensive. While some districts provide subsidies, availability and price accessibility differ.
Despite these fears, many parents appreciate the advantages of a 4 -day week, comparable to increased family time and reduced stress for students. Surveys indicate that 70% to 80% of parents in districts with a 4 -day week support the model, citing higher morale and attendance.
Nevertheless, some districts, comparable to Middletown, Connecticut, decided to keep up a five -day schedule, citing concerns about childcare, Extracting activities and a potential impact on students’ learning. Officials emphasize the importance of stability and challenges that a shortened week might be for families and academic results.
As the controversy continues, the 4 -day school week stays a complex problem, balancing educational advantages with the sensible needs of families and community.
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Education
School or 2ncy is for a special connection with students

“Sometimes I don’t feel that I deserve to work in such a great place”
Ann White, a longtime worker of Saint James School in Montgomery in Alabama, is considered not only because the role of the director of care services, but in addition as warm and care, which he shows every day to each students and lecturers.
White, affectionately known on the campus as “bye Buggy Driver”, leads preschoolers through corridors in prams every morning. The nickname reflects a special connection, which she built with the youngest students, a lot of whom are escaping to welcome it originally of the college day.
“I love children and I love this school. Everyone here is a family,” said White WSFA. “Sometimes I don’t feel that I deserve to work in such a great place.”
White joined Saint James School about eight years ago. Since then, she has change into a well -known and comforting presence throughout the campus. According to WSFA, White and her team Come early every morning To ensure that the college is flawless before students and employees start the day.
“I proudly hear parents and children appear in the morning and say:” It smells so good here! ” – said White.
But her role goes far beyond keeping school clean. He remembers the name of each child, their favorite snacks and small things about their families. Teachers say that its positivity gives the tone of the entire school.
Saint James School, a private institution serving the kindergarten as much as the twelfth grade, emphasizes the character, courage and commitment. According to the college’s mission, these values are crucial for his educational model – the values that White claims that he is attempting to embody each day.
“We really believe what we teach here,” she said.
Because schools all around the country still recognize the essential roles that support staff play, White’s history reminds that the impact doesn’t at all times measure titles or degrees, but relationships inbuilt on a regular basis moments.
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