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Dr. Velazquez is a seasoned educator with a background in teaching and mentoring prekindergarten to 12th grade and college students.
- Educational leadership;
- Community, national and international projects;
- Medical research with top tier universities.
Her focus is to serve the community with high quality programs such as our Achievement Heights STUDIO and signature STEAM prekindergarten to 12th grade school model framed in project based learning and social emotional learning.
Moreover, Dr. Velazquez actively collaborates with stakeholders in the community in a leadership capacity to improve learning and career opportunities for students and to engage and support:
- Struggling learners;
- Advanced students;
- Outstanding young artists across all genres.
Her focus is to serve the community with high quality programs
Dr. N'Quavah R. Velazquez
Headmaster
Caring Theory
Students learn under the Caring Theory as developed by Nel Noddings, formerly with Stanford. They are given the support to help them excel.
K-12 School
Live classes, project-based learning, and whole-child support.
Elementary, middle school and high school.
Enrollment
Online application process incudes a reading and math assessment, parent/student interview, and a written essay by candidate.
Achievement Heights Academy
Mission
To serve as a beacon of light for the 21st century learner and target students with high quality STEAM schools framed in project based and social emotional learning in a caring and encouraging environment.
Proven Leadership Model
Great schools start with great leadership. Beginning with our founder and governing board, AHA is framed on a proven leadership model for an outstanding private school.
We strongly believe that all students can learn. To maximize learning opportunities, our STEAM model coupled with project based learning and social emotional learning offers students different ways to learn and reinforce content.
We are intentional about our school culture and subscribe to a caring and encouraging culture where students and faculty flourish.
AHA is also committed to provide transformational leadership, effective professional development and mentoring to help faculty self-actualize and become masters of the art of teaching. Moreover, our program reaches parents and key stakeholders to engage them as active partners in our school community.
We know children are powerful and are confident that they will flourish and successfully learn deep critical thinking and problem solving skills coupled with age appropriate social emotional skills in a caring and encouraging environment using our 21st century model.
Testimonials
A seasoned educator and transformational leader, Dr. Velazquez brings more than 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, educational leadership, community and international projects, and medical research with top-tier universities. Her work is grounded in the belief that all students can learn deeply when they are challenged, supported, and seen. Under her leadership, Achievement Heights Academy has become a beacon for 21st‑century learners—particularly struggling learners, advanced students, and young artists—offering multiple pathways to master critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity within a caring and encouraging school culture.
Beyond her role at Achievement Heights Academy, Dr. Velazquez is widely recognized as a thought leader in education. She is a published author in peer‑reviewed journals and has presented nationally on topics ranging from character education and college readiness to medical decision‑making in neonatology and health equity. Her dissertation, Effective Secondary Character Education: Impact on Secondary Students’ Social Skills and Reinforcing Character Strengths, reflects her enduring commitment to developing students’ character alongside academic excellence. Our daughter loves AHA and is flourishing!
Mr. and Mrs. R. Nelson, Florida
Parents of Bryleigh, 5th Grade Student
Thank you for sharing Shantell’s recorded video of her singing. Her father and I just listened to it and we have goosebumps, and in tears... Such an unexplainable joy! She has really grown in the AHA Voice Studio and with the support of the AHA team. We are so proud of what she has accomplished especially in achieving her dream of singing. Shantell has always wanted to share her voice with the world. Thanks again to AHA instructors. No words can describe our joy.
Mr. & Mrs. S. Wamoja, Kenya
Parents of Shantell, 12 Grade Student
Over the past two years, our family has had an incredibly positive experience at Achievement Heights Academy. From the very beginning, the teachers and staff have created a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment where our son, Levi has been encouraged to grow academically and personally. We’ve watched his confidence blossom as he developed a genuine love for learning, strengthened foundational skills, and made meaningful progress in writing, math, and social development. It has been a joy to see him excited to go to school each day and proud of all he has accomplished.
As we prepare for another school year, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. We are confident that our son will continue to thrive with the guidance and encouragement of such a dedicated team. Thank you for your commitment to helping each student reach their full potential. We look forward to another year of learning, growth, and wonderful memories.