About
BrightStar Learning Center Academy at Mater Biscayne Campus offers an academic program where children manipulate materials, choose activities, solve problems, and use both small and large muscles during the school day. Scholars take part in a variety of developmentally appropriate educational activities that include the Wonders Early Learning Literacy Program, the STEAM Program, and the Leader in Me Program. The program is committed to a rigorous, STEM-focused education in an environment rooted in high academic expectations, strong character development, and meaningful opportunities for advanced learning.
• Ages: 3–4 years old
The academic program at BrightStar is designed to develop the whole child, with the understanding that learning for children ages 3–4 often takes place through play, and it uses a holistic approach to education that redefines how schools measure success. The environment is described as one of high expectations, opportunities for advanced education, and character- and value-based education.
BrightStar Learning Center is led by two highly accomplished and experienced educational leaders, Lourdes Isla-Marrero and Douglas Rodriguez, who together have over 60 years of experience in education. Lourdes Isla-Marrero has over 20 years of experience in education and has served as Assistant Principal of Mater East Elementary and founding Principal of Mater Gardens Academy, and she serves on multiple boards for Academica Schools, including Somerset Academy. Mr. Douglas Rodriguez is Principal of Mater Brickell Middle High School, previously served as Principal of Doral Academy Charter School, and is a former President at Doral College; he is described as a distinguished and visionary leader, renowned for his dedication to academic excellence and his ability to inspire both students and staff.
Mater East Elementary is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and Mater Gardens Academy was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2014 for its outstanding academic performance. During his time as a school administrator, Mr. Rodriguez received three National Blue Ribbon Awards and was named Miami-Dade County and Florida Principal of the Year in 2008. The STEAM learning component is described as encouraging innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, while the Leader in Me Program provides scholars with a model and process that addresses common challenges unique to students and helps them develop mindsets, behaviors, and skills to be effective lifelong leaders.
Last updated February 12, 2026.
• Ages: 3–4 years old
The academic program at BrightStar is designed to develop the whole child, with the understanding that learning for children ages 3–4 often takes place through play, and it uses a holistic approach to education that redefines how schools measure success. The environment is described as one of high expectations, opportunities for advanced education, and character- and value-based education.
BrightStar Learning Center is led by two highly accomplished and experienced educational leaders, Lourdes Isla-Marrero and Douglas Rodriguez, who together have over 60 years of experience in education. Lourdes Isla-Marrero has over 20 years of experience in education and has served as Assistant Principal of Mater East Elementary and founding Principal of Mater Gardens Academy, and she serves on multiple boards for Academica Schools, including Somerset Academy. Mr. Douglas Rodriguez is Principal of Mater Brickell Middle High School, previously served as Principal of Doral Academy Charter School, and is a former President at Doral College; he is described as a distinguished and visionary leader, renowned for his dedication to academic excellence and his ability to inspire both students and staff.
Mater East Elementary is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and Mater Gardens Academy was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2014 for its outstanding academic performance. During his time as a school administrator, Mr. Rodriguez received three National Blue Ribbon Awards and was named Miami-Dade County and Florida Principal of the Year in 2008. The STEAM learning component is described as encouraging innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, while the Leader in Me Program provides scholars with a model and process that addresses common challenges unique to students and helps them develop mindsets, behaviors, and skills to be effective lifelong leaders.
Last updated February 12, 2026.
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