School Foundations
Our Ethos
La Piazza was born from a shared dream—a vision of a mindful community coming together with purpose and heart. From the beginning, our mission has been clear: to nurture a generation of thoughtful changemakers, grounded in empathy and equipped to leave a lasting, positive mark on the world.
Grounded in the
Gathering of Global Citizens
Behind the “La Piazza” Name
La Piazza / Italian / “The Square”
Our programs are rooted in a child-led educational philosophy that traces its origins to the Italian town of Reggio Emilia (click to discover more). In Italy, a piazza is a gathering place–an open square that fosters community, welcomes dialogue, hosts events, and invites the exchange of ideas.
At La Piazza, we embrace this spirit by creating a learning environment where every voice is valued and collaboration is at the heart of discovery. Just as a piazza brings people together, our school fosters meaningful relationships between children, educators, and families, nurturing a vibrant, interconnected community of learners.
School Foundations
The Heart and History of La Piazza
Philosophy
We believe children are unique, highly capable beings who develop at their own pace. It is the role of educators to nurture, support, and celebrate each child as an individual.
Mission
At our school, we nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking by creating spaces where children feel valued and inspired to explore. Guided by joy and relationships, we support students in pursuing their interests while developing the skills to thrive as compassionate, engaged citizens ready to shape a better world.
Global Citizenship
The future of our world is woven together by the dreams, actions, and hearts of the children who will shape it. In our classrooms, we nurture a sense of belonging that transcends borders, guiding our learners to connect with the world around them through shared values. It is in this connection that they find the inspiration to become stewards of change, ready to make a difference, big or small, for the planet they call home.
Mindfulness
Our journey begins within, as learners learn to pause and listen to their hearts, becoming aware of their feelings and emotions. We help them discover the power of channeling their energy in positive ways, learning how to nurture their own well-being. From there, we extend our awareness outward—towards our community, where we honor the unique needs and strengths of each individual. Through moments of reflection throughout the day, we focus on values such as empathy, compassion, respect, tolerance, understanding, and gratitude, allowing these seeds to bloom into a collective spirit of care.
Positive Social Impact
Each learner is encouraged to recognize the powerful impact they can have on the world around them. With a strong foundation rooted in core values, they begin to see the challenges faced by both their local communities and the wider world. Together, they collaborate on projects that make a meaningful difference, joining forces with local organizations. These efforts spark a sense of agency, showing them that they can be true advocates for change, one compassionate action at a time.
Environmental Awareness
The kindness, compassion, and respect we cultivate in our learners naturally extend to the world around them—especially to the earth itself. As they grow in their understanding of how our actions affect the environment, they learn to honor and protect all living beings. Through their hands-on participation in initiatives like park and beach cleanups, community gardening, and recycling drives, they discover the power they have to create positive, lasting change: not just for the planet, but for the future of all who share it.
History
La Piazza Academy was born in 2011 from a shared vision—one shaped by the dreams and hopes of two mothers, Jessica Pinto and Nita Yeung. Their distinct journeys intertwined, each bringing their own unique experiences, yet bound by a common desire: to create a place where children could be at the heart of their learning. Together, they crafted a school inspired by the rich, child-centered Reggio Emilia philosophy, the principles of social constructivism, and the vibrant, multi-lingual tapestry of Miami’s community.
With a deep belief that education must evolve to truly serve the needs of every child, La Piazza Academy opened its doors on June 13, 2012, welcoming its first preschoolers. Their journey continued, and in August 2016, the school proudly launched its pioneering elementary program. From the very beginning, La Piazza has been dedicated to transforming education into something more meaningful, more compassionate, and more in tune with the ever-changing world around us.
La Storia of La Piazza Academy
Milestone Moments in Our School’s History
2011
On a quiet street in Coral Gables, La Piazza Academy opened its doors to just 13 children, united by a dream: to create a nurturing space where the magic of early childhood could unfold with intention, joy, and wonder.
2014
The sound of laughter and discovery echoed through our classrooms as our community blossomed and our campus reached maximum capacity. With hearts full and classrooms full, we began to plan for something more – so we could welcome more families into our circle.
2015
A mark of excellence: we proudly achieved the APPLE accreditation, a confirmation that we exceed the minimum state standards to bring the very best to our children.
Since that same year, our students have competed annually in the CLTA Mandarin Chinese Language competitions at institutions like Florida International University and Ransom Everglades School. Year after year, our children shine—consistently earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, competing by level with peers of all ages.
2016
Seeing the spark in our children’s eyes, we knew our journey had only just begun. An extension of our Reggio-inspired vision, our elementary program was born—where curiosity could continue to guide learning beyond the early years.
2017
With a growing community and a shared belief in child-centered education, we opened the doors to our Coconut Grove campus, offering more children the chance to learn in a space that honors their voice and spirit.
Our vision also expanded beyond borders with the founding of the La Piazza Foundation—created to uplift children in impoverished areas, ensuring access to high-quality education, basic needs, and compassionate social support.
2018
When Hurricane Irma swept through Miami, our Coconut Grove campus sustained major damage. But the storm could not shake our foundation. With swift determination and unwavering love for our community, we seamlessly relocated our children to our Coral Gables campus and, in record time, rebuilt Coconut Grove within just three weeks—a testament to our spirit, resilience, and the strength of our commitment.
2020
The world shifted. The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to many, but our children continued to learn, create, and connect. Thanks to the thoughtful integration of technology and our adaptive approach, La Piazza remained a place of growth—even from afar. After 10 weeks, we safely re-opened our doors, stronger and more united than ever before.
2021
A milestone year. We proudly graduated our very first class of fifth graders, each one a symbol of resilience, creativity, and heart. Over the years, these young changemakers moved on to some of Miami’s most respected schools: Ransom Everglades, Palmer Trinity, Gulliver, Riviera, and others.
2023
A circle completes itself. A group of our dedicated educators journeyed to Reggio Emilia, Italy, the birthplace of the philosophy that inspires us daily. There, at the Loris Malaguzzi Center, they walked the very paths that shaped our vision and returned filled with renewed purpose, ready to share their experience with the entire La Piazza community.
That same year, our elementary students were awarded three grants by the EPA—recognition of their heartfelt and rigorous project-based work focused on protecting nature, enhancing green spaces, and improving the environment within our community.
2025
and
beyond
We unveiled a fresh look for the legacy of learning that’s ever growing and deepening at LPA. We can’t wait to see what the future holds—and how your child will help shape it!
La Storia of La Piazza Academy
Milestone Moments in Our School’s History
On a quiet street in Coral Gables, La Piazza Academy opened its doors to just 13 children, united by a dream: to create a nurturing space where the magic of early childhood could unfold with intention, joy, and wonder.
2011
The sound of laughter and discovery echoed through our classrooms as our community blossomed and our campus reached maximum capacity. With hearts full and classrooms full, we began to plan for something more – so we could welcome more families into our circle.
2014
A mark of excellence: we proudly achieved the APPLE accreditation, a confirmation that we exceed the minimum state standards to bring the very best to our children.
Since that same year, our students have competed annually in the CLTA Mandarin Chinese Language competitions at institutions like Florida International University and Ransom Everglades School. Year after year, our children shine—consistently earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, competing by level with peers of all ages.
2015
Seeing the spark in our children’s eyes, we knew our journey had only just begun. An extension of our Reggio-inspired vision, our elementary program was born—where curiosity could continue to guide learning beyond the early years.
2016
With a growing community and a shared belief in child-centered education, we opened the doors to our Coconut Grove campus, offering more children the chance to learn in a space that honors their voice and spirit.
Our vision also expanded beyond borders with the founding of the La Piazza Foundation—created to uplift children in impoverished areas, ensuring access to high-quality education, basic needs, and compassionate social support.
2017
When Hurricane Irma swept through Miami, our Coconut Grove campus sustained major damage. But the storm could not shake our foundation. With swift determination and unwavering love for our community, we seamlessly relocated our children to our Coral Gables campus and, in record time, rebuilt Coconut Grove within just three weeks—a testament to our spirit, resilience, and the strength of our commitment.
2018
The world shifted. The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to many, but our children continued to learn, create, and connect. Thanks to the thoughtful integration of technology and our adaptive approach, La Piazza remained a place of growth—even from afar. After 10 weeks, we safely re-opened our doors, stronger and more united than ever before.
2020
A milestone year. We proudly graduated our very first class of fifth graders, each one a symbol of resilience, creativity, and heart. Over the years, these young changemakers moved on to some of Miami’s most respected schools: Ransom Everglades, Palmer Trinity, Gulliver, Riviera, and others.
2021
A circle completes itself. A group of our dedicated educators journeyed to Reggio Emilia, Italy, the birthplace of the philosophy that inspires us daily. There, at the Loris Malaguzzi Center, they walked the very paths that shaped our vision and returned filled with renewed purpose, ready to share their experience with the entire La Piazza community.
That same year, our elementary students were awarded three grants by the EPA—recognition of their heartfelt and rigorous project-based work focused on protecting nature, enhancing green spaces, and improving the environment within our community.
2023
We unveiled a fresh look for the legacy of learning that’s ever growing and deepening at LPA. We can’t wait to see what the future holds—and how your child will help shape it!
2025
La Piazza Academy Pledge
by kids for peace
I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way.
I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day.
I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands.
I pledge to respect people in each and every land.
I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small.
I pledge to do my part to create peace for one and all.
Accreditations
APPLE Accreditation
La Piazza is accredited by the Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE), one of the largest national accrediting agencies for early learning centers. With over 1,000 accredited programs across the country, APPLE ensures that our school consistently exceeds state standards in early care and education, affirming our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our program.
Early Learning Coalition
of Miami-Dade County
We are honored to have been recognized by the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Miami-Dade County in 2015. The ELC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a comprehensive and integrated early learning system that serves families and children from birth to age five. Their mission—to ensure all children enter school ready to learn and succeed in life—aligns closely with our own.
Gold Seal Quality Care
La Piazza also participates in Florida’s prestigious Gold Seal Quality Care Program, established by the state legislature in 1996. This designation is awarded to child care centers that are accredited by approved agencies and demonstrate a superior level of care, including enhanced staff education and ongoing commitment to quality standards.
Experience the La Piazza Difference for Yourself.
