This October marks the 100th anniversary of Coral Gables Preparatory Academy, formerly known as Coral Gables Elementary. To celebrate a century of educational excellence in our community, the school will host several events for students, parents, alumni and the community.  The Centennial Gala will kick it all off at the iconic Biltmore Hotel on Sept. 23.

The school was founded in 1923 as the Coral Gables Grammar School with 39 students and just one teacher. It was financed by George Merrick who commissioned the architectural firm Kiehnel and Elliot to design and build a school in the Spanish colonial style. It officially became a Coral Gables landmark in 1982 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places six years later.  

Part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, this institution has laid the educational foundation for thousands of students over the last century. Teachers have devoted their entire careers to the school and just seven principals have led it in its 100-year history. To commemorate the centennial anniversary, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is working on a $5 million renovation of our auditorium, the facade of the school along Ponce de Leon Boulevard, and the surrounding public areas of the building.

Many special events will be planned throughout the school year to celebrate the centennial. The Centennial Gala, an evening of festivities at the Biltmore Hotel on Saturday, Sept. 23, will be hosted by the Eagles Nest Fund, a non-profit organization that supports the school. The goal of the event is to raise $100,000 to be used for outdoor enhancements to the school, including a new gazebo, artificial, and improvements to the Merrick Garden. Sponsored by the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the University of Miami, Jackson Health System, Rua Realty, Florida Power and Light (FPL) and the Office of County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, members of the community, alumni and families are invited to the gala. Tickets to the gala are available online.

The school will also host a rededication of its auditorium for members of the community, among other events for students and their families throughout the year. Dates will be announced through the school and the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). For more information on future events, please visit the school’s website.

For more information on Coral Gables Preparatory Academy’s centennial celebrations or to become a sponsor of any of the events, please contact Luciana L. González at 305-609-2879 or luciana@cgpaptsa.com.