About our school

A community where every child is celebrated

We believe every child learns differently, and that’s something to embrace – not overcome. Here, small class sizes, compassionate teachers, and personalized learning plans come together to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. More than a school, we’re a family, and we’re dedicated to helping every child grow with confidence, independence, and joy.

Why we’re here

At Be Unique Academy, we know that traditional schools don’t always fit every child’s needs. That’s why we created an inclusive environment where students with exceptionalities can feel empowered, valued, and inspired to learn.

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Our story

Built from love, inclusion, and possibility

We started Be Unique Academy to build a school where exceptionalities are celebrated, not hidden, and where students can grow into confident, capable individuals. What began as a vision of love and inclusion has grown into a nurturing community for kindergarten through eleventh grade. Here, students learn through hands-on activities, individualized instruction, and age-appropriate classwork designed to highlight their unique abilities. With a balance of academics, therapies, and creative programs like art, music, and physical education, we provide every child with the tools and encouragement to reach their full potential.

Our philosophy

Every child deserves to learn in their own way

We believe in meeting each student exactly where they are: focusing on strengths, supporting challenges, and helping them build independence for the future. Our philosophy is rooted in nurturing the whole child—mind, heart, and soul—while creating an environment where learning feels both safe and inspiring. By fostering close, consistent relationships between teachers and students, we provide the stability and encouragement every child needs to grow with confidence.

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Our Mission

To empower students with exceptionalities through personalized education, life skills, and a supportive community that celebrates every child’s potential.

Our Vision

To create a world where every student, regardless of ability, feels confident, independent, and ready to thrive beyond the classroom.

Our Values

Inclusion, compassion, accountability, and empowerment guide everything we do - both in the classroom and throughout our community.

The Be Unique Approach

01

Personalized Learning

We tailor education to each child’s strengths, needs, and goals so they can succeed at their own pace.

02

Life Skills & Independence

Our students grow through
real-world experiences, learning accountability, social skills, and confidence for life beyond school.

03

Inclusive Community

We foster a safe, supportive environment where every student feels seen, celebrated, and part of a close-knit family.

Meet the Be Unique Team.

Meet the Be Unique Team. 

Co-owner & Principal

Ms. Jo
(Johana Sarmiento)

Ms. Johana Sarmiento, affectionately known as Ms. Jo, is the proud Co-Owner and Principal of Be Unique Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Biology from Florida International University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Though she originally pursued science with the dream of becoming a doctor, her true calling became clear early on—helping children with exceptionalities reach their full potential.

  • Ms. Jo began her journey in the special needs community at just 18 years old. By the age of 24, she was serving as the Special Needs Director at the Alper Jewish Community Center, and at 27, she achieved her dream of opening her own school. With more than two decades of experience, she continues to lead with passion, patience, faith, and perseverance.

    Her philosophy is simple but powerful: “There is no such thing as ‘I can’t.’ With time, effort, and the right mindset, anything can be done.” She believes that every child, regardless of ability, has something unique and valuable to offer their community. For Ms. Jo, each day is an opportunity to learn from her students, her team, and the families she works alongside.

    Beyond her role as a leader and advocate, Ms. Jo treasures spending time with her daughters, Isabella and Carolina. She also enjoys cooking and dreaming up new ideas to enrich the lives of her students and the school community she loves so deeply.

Co-Owner & Principal

Mr. C (Felix Cardenas)

Mr. Felix Cardenas, affectionately known as Mr. C, brings more than 28 years of experience in education and leadership to Be Unique Academy. A graduate of Barry University and a lifelong University of Miami fan, he combines his love of learning with a passion for inspiring students to see their true worth. As the leader of the Inspire Program, he encourages students to recognize their strengths, build independence, and understand the impact they can make in the world.

  • An animal lover and community volunteer, Mr. C has a wealth of knowledge—especially about land and sea life—that sparks curiosity in students. Outside of school, he enjoys football and hockey games, cooking, fishing, and spending time with his daughters, Isabella and Carolina. His mission is to empower every student, regardless of ability, to grow into a confident individual who contributes meaningfully to society.

Founder of BUA’s Best Buddies Chapter

Ms. Isa (Isabella)

Isabella, affectionately known as Ms. Isa, has been a part of Be Unique Academy’s journey since childhood. As the proud daughter of Mr. C and Ms. Jo, she has grown up alongside many of our students, watching them thrive and even cheering them on as they graduated from FIU’s Embrace program. With wisdom and compassion beyond her years, Isabella has been a source of strength and inspiration for her family and our school community.

She is the founder of BUA’s Best Buddies chapter, where she championed inclusivity, friendship, and compassion.

  • A 2025 graduate of Terra Environmental High School, Isabella earned summa cum laude distinction and is now a Proud Panther at Florida International University, pursuing a major in Biology with a minor in French. Multilingual in English, Spanish, and French. Isabella uses her voice to connect with others and promote inclusion across cultures.

    Beyond academics, Isabella enjoys drawing, painting, listening to music, reading, and hopes to one day own her own library. Her dream is to become a veterinarian and to expand her love for animals—something she practices daily with her Labradoodle, Arlo. Her mission is to carry the spirit of inclusion forward by working toward establishing a Best Buddies Program at FIU, offering friendship and support to her fellow students in the Embrace program.

  • Ms. S

    Language Arts Teacher

    Alexandra Saavedra, known to students as Ms. S, has been in education for three years and has worked with children for more than eight. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a social worker, an experience that inspired her passion for supporting children in positive, hands-on ways. Fluent in Spanish, English, and German, she also spends her summers in Colombia. Ms. S’s teaching style centers on meeting students where they are and helping them grow with confidence. Outside of school, she enjoys painting, hiking, walking trails, exploring new places, and cheering on her favorite soccer teams.

  • Ms. Feliz

    Language Arts Teacher’s Assistant

    Kaytlynn Feliz, or Ms. Feliz in the classroom, serves as Be Unique Academy’s Language Arts Teacher’s Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education from Florida International University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Speech Pathology. With eight years of experience in various educational settings, she is passionate about creating safe, respectful spaces where students feel free to make mistakes and grow into confident individuals. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys kayaking, biking, traveling, and baking.

  • Ms. Clem

    ASL Teacher /Math Assistant

    Clementina Rodriguez, known as Ms. Clem, is passionate about fostering inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive. With a background in content creation and engagement, she brings creativity, collaboration, and fun to her teaching. She has experience working with students of all abilities and is dedicated to building strong, supportive relationships with families. Outside of school, Ms. Clem enjoys exploring new ideas, working with others, and continuing to grow as both a teacher and a lifelong learner.

  • Ms. Brenda

    Math Teacher

    Ms. Brenda is beginning her fourth year teaching at Be Unique Academy. A proud graduate of Florida International University, she is dedicated to supporting her students and celebrating their growth. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys shopping, spending time at the beach, and being with family. She is also a proud dog mom to a four-year-old long-haired dachshund.

  • Mr. Mauricio

    Digital Learning Coach

    Mr. Mauricio has been part of Be Unique Academy since its beginning, inspiring its creation and shaping its culture with over 25 years of teaching experience. A graduate of Sunset High School with a Computer Science certificate from Robert Morgan, he brings wisdom, patience, and a love of technology to his classes in coding and keyboarding, as well as to the beloved game room where he’s known as the gatekeeper. Admired for his kindness, creativity, and dependability, he’s also celebrated for his love of chocolate and his famous brownies.

  • Mr. Max Mendez

    Yoga Instructor & PE Assistant Coach

    Max is a proud graduate of Be Unique Academy and the Embrace Program at Florida International University (2025), where he explored his passion for the culinary and hospitality field. He gained experience through hands-on training, including studying in Italy and participating in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Max is now working toward opening his own bake shop, starting with his famous alfajores.

    Always full of positivity, Max enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports, and bringing his energy to Be Unique Academy. His mission is to inspire students to reach their full potential by promoting health, wellness, and fitness through exercise and yoga.

Chief Officer of Tail Wags

Abigail (Abby)

Abby, the school’s beloved three-year-old goldendoodle, is the heart of Be Unique Academy. She spends her days greeting students at morning carpool, visiting classrooms, and even joining field trips—her favorite being Berry Farms. Known for her famous door-opening trick, Abby also loves midday treats, games of catch, and participating in the annual dog pageant, where she proudly earned second place in 2024–2025.

Frequently asked questions

  • We serve children with exceptionalities, often high-functioning special needs, who thrive in a more individualized, supportive environment than traditional schools provide.

  • We don’t rely on one-to-one therapists in the classroom. Instead, students learn accountability, consistency, and confidence by engaging with peers, role models, and team-building experiences.

  • Yes! Through our Whitmore Program, students can pursue an accredited online high school diploma at their own pace with one-to-one teacher support.

  • Inspire is designed for 11th–12th graders preparing to transition beyond high school. It focuses on job skills, community involvement, and real-world experiences.

  • Most families discover Be Unique Academy through word of mouth, recommendations from other schools, and our active social media presence.