We're Proud to Announce Our GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency

At SEED Miami, transparency is one of our core values. That’s why we’re excited and proud to share that we’ve been awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the nonprofit sector’s most trusted source for information and data.

This is the highest level of recognition offered by Candid’s GuideStar platform—and we’re honored to be among the top 15% of nonprofits nationwide who have earned this distinction.

What Does the Platinum Seal Mean?

The Platinum Seal is awarded to nonprofits who go above and beyond in sharing detailed information with the public. This includes not only our financials but also our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress metrics.

It reflects our deep commitment to accountability, trust-building, and meaningful impact.

Why It Matters

In a world where donors, partners, and stakeholders are seeking transparency and tangible outcomes, this recognition is more than just a badge—it's a testament to the hard work we put into being open, honest, and results-driven.

When you support SEED Miami , you can do so with confidence knowing:

• We openly share how funds are used

• We track and report on our progress

• We continuously evaluate and improve our programs

View Our GuideStar Profile

This achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of our incredible community — our supporters, volunteers, staff, and board members. Your ongoing trust and commitment to our mission and our scholars mean the world to us.

From Garden to Plate: The SEED School of Miami Brings Fresh Flavor and Life Lessons to the Kitchen

The SEED School of Miami is known for cultivating bright futures and this week, that mission came to life in the Inside South Florida studio kitchen. We welcomed Chef Danielle Flitter and standout senior Janell Row to show us how students are turning garden-grown produce into fresh, healthy meals.

Chef Danielle has been leading the school’s “Garden to Plate” cooking classes since January.

“We go straight to the garden. The kids ask, “What are we making today?” and I say, “Let’s find out,” she explained. “We see what’s fresh and ready to eat. I have the students harvest different ingredients, then we come up with recipes together, and we eat as a family.”

On today’s menu? Two vibrant salads made with herbs and vegetables straight from the school garden: a herb-packed cabbage salad and a black bean and pigeon pea salad served with tortilla chips.

“You can never use too many spices and herbs. They just make everything taste better,” Chef Danielle smiled.

The only ingredient not from the garden? The chips, though they’re a beloved staple, she admits with a laugh.

From mint and oregano to basil, parsley, and thyme, the garden’s bounty fuels these student creations—proving that nutritious meals can start just steps from the classroom.

Janell, now a senior at the SEED School, isn’t just taking recipes with her when she heads to Xavier University of Louisiana this fall, she’s carrying confidence, independence, and a deep connection to sustainable food.

“I’m most excited to get out of Miami, become more independent, and take the skills I’ve learned in the gardening class with me,” she said. She even plans to bring her culinary know-how to college life, introducing dorm-mates to easy, affordable dishes.

From lemongrass to peppermint and heirloom tomatoes, the SEED School’s thriving garden is more than a source of food. It’s a place where students grow confidence, creativity, and community.

Chef Danielle encourages anyone interested in supporting the program to reach out. “I think they should reach out to the school to see how they can bring value to the students and truly support the community,” she said.

Source: https://www.wsfltv.com/inside-south-florida/franchises/take-a-bite-out-of-this/from-garden-to-plate-the-seed-school-of-miami-brings-fresh-flavor-and-life-lessons-to-the-kitchen

SEED School of Miami Plants a New Future Through Gardening Class

At the SEED School of Miami, a tomato with no arms or legs is more than just a quirky garden mishap—it’s a symbol of growth, care, and the beauty of imperfection.

What began as a humble gardening club has blossomed into a full-fledged accredited class, thanks to the dedication of students and staff who saw the soil as more than dirt—it was a place for learning, healing, and reconnecting with nature. Now in its 11th year, the school has steadily laid its academic foundation and is beginning to branch out into new partnerships, including the development of an expansive school garden.

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From papaya trees and jalapeño peppers to scallions and fennel, the school’s garden is a thriving ecosystem nurtured entirely by students. And with each planting season comes new lessons—some academic, some emotional. “For the first two years, it was a sweet club,” shared Andi Potamkin, garden and resilience teacher. “We were learning how to build garden beds and what are the things that are in a tool box, and also using nature as a metaphor to better understand yourself and the world around you.”

Now, gardening is a structured part of the curriculum. Students get their hands dirty harvesting crops, fertilizing the soil, and even studying the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs like fennel. “It’s also healthier,” one student pointed out while demonstrating how to harvest the delicate bulb.

For seniors preparing to graduate like Janell Rowe, the lessons extend well beyond the garden. “This taught me how to be more in tune with myself in the garden. Everything is free out here. I can just be doing this in my own mind and harvesting,” she said. “I would definitely take the tools–like using different herds and teas–to help with common things that most people don't know about.”

The garden is also a tool for emotional regulation and behavioral transformation. “When you step into the garden space, you’ll see the kids in their overalls and in the dirt. They’re regulating their emotions and valuing that space and being invested–there are no behavioral issues in that space because kids are so invested. If we could have all spaces like that, it would truly transform education,” said head of the school, Theresa Thomas.

At the SEED School of Miami, the growth isn’t just in the plants—it’s in the students, too.

Source: https://www.wsfltv.com/inside-south-florida/seed-school-of-miami-plants-a-new-future-through-gardening-class

Fourth Annual Legacy Ceremony

On the evening of Thursday, March 13th, we gathered for the 4th annual Legacy Ceremony, a night where the spirit of community, love, and inspiration illuminated the Kaseya Center. SEED Champions, staff, friends, and families united in celebration of the Class of 2025, their accomplishments, and the promise of all that lies ahead. If you were fortunate enough to be present, you could feel the air buzzing with a rare and beautiful energy—a magical thread of connection weaving through the crowd.

In a moment that felt like poetry in motion, Coach Rothstein, our very first Legacy Ceremony honoree, was there to pass the torch to this year's distinguished honoree, Bam Adebayo. A full-circle moment, rich with meaning, that captured the essence of legacy itself.

The evening was brought to life by Channel 10’s Will Manso, whose boundless energy was matched by the infectious enthusiasm of 6th-grade scholar Nikinely. Together, they led us through a night of laughter, joy, and heartfelt celebration for the future of SEED Miami.

A gift of wonder awaited our seniors: a trip to Walt Disney World, made possible by SEED Miami Board Member Dorothy Terrell, in partnership with Bam Adebayo and Brightline. Our scholars, too, shone with style and grace, outfitted in generous donations from Ugg's and Centric Brands, a reflection of the care and community that surrounds them.

The evening was one that surpassed the boundaries of time, where legacy was not merely honored, but embodied. A defining moment came when Senior Jayden Murray-Cruz spoke from the heart, sharing his truth and the legacy he leaves within the SEED community. His words will resonate for a lifetime. Jayden reflected on his journey to and through SEED, and the lasting impact he hopes to have on future generations, including the five siblings who now follow in his footsteps as underclass scholars at our institution

Lens of Love Garden Art Walk

On Wednesday night, under an energetic full moon, our SEED Miami community came together for our first ever Lens

of Love Garden Art Walk —a celebration of art, connection and purpose. Guests were guided through the Israelson Family Foundation Courtyard, where the garden— full of vibrant herbs, tomatoes, yuca, and more —flourishes thanks to the dedication of Andi Potamkin's Garden & Resilience class scholars and Little River Cooperative.

SEED scholars and staff warmly welcomed guests, sharing more about our mission while offering thoughtful bites and drinks inspired by the garden, curated by City Chef Catering. Stunning portraits of our students by Chantal Lawrie captured the heart of the evening, bringing the experience to life.

We came together, we connected, and we left inspired —by the power of community and the bright future ahead. We invite you to stay connected with us!

SEED Miami Dream Ceremony - Honoring our 6th Grade Scholars

Last night's Dream Ceremony marked a significant milestone for our 6th grade scholars.

The introduction of our 31 new students was heartfelt and inspiring as we officially welcomed them into the SEED family. Each student shared their dreams and aspirations for the future, and we were moved by the unique and ambitious paths they envision for themselves.

As part of the program, each student was presented with their official SEED school pin, symbolically welcoming them into the SEED family. This gesture represents SEED Miami's commitment to supporting and guiding them as they embark on this exciting journey.

Our first guest speaker, Dr. Marvin Dunn, a retired professor and former chair of the Department of Psychology at Florida International University, widely recognized as an expert on race and ethnic issues. Dr. Dunn captivated the audience with his personal insights and stories from his experiences living during the Jim Crow era. He also shared the significant challenges he faced in his pursuit of education and success.

We also had the privilege of hearing from Hayana Velazquez, a SEED alumna from the class of 2024, whose inspiring words left a lasting impact. Hayana reflected on her time at SEED, including her personal dream of becoming a doctor and the steps she's taking to make that dream a reality. Now in her first semester at FAMU, Hayana is majoring in Psychology and has plans to pursue a doctorate program in Forensic Psychology.

The three-string orchestra, led by Dr. Rufus Jones, performed for the first time this year. Just a few months ago, the orchestra had neither instruments nor music books and now look at them go! They wowed the audience with their talents, playing violins, cellos, and a variety of beautifully tuned instruments. We are so proud of their commitment and discipline to master their instruments. 

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Holiday Hallway Middle School Serenade

This week, our orchestra trio, led by Dr. Rufus Jones, brought holiday cheer to the halls with a delightful performance of festive tunes. Their music filled the air, spreading warmth and joy to all who passed by.

Check out their performance, recorded and edited by Bulldog Pack Productions.

Meet an Author / Build a Library Series with the Books & Books Literary Foundation

NBA ALL-STAR AND MIAMI HEAT ASSISTANT COACH CARON BUTLER & ACCLAIMED AUTHOR JUSTIN REYNOLDS VISIT THE SEED SCHOOL OF MIAMI, LAUNCH NEW BOOK AND CONNECT WITH STUDENTS THANKS TO BOOKS & BOOKS

Miami, FL – On September 9, 2024, The SEED School of Miami middle and high school scholars kicked off their school week with a special visit from NBA All-Star and Miami Heat Assistant Coach Caron Butler and acclaimed author Justin Reynolds.  Their visit was part of the Books & Books Literary Foundation’s new program, Meet an Author / Build a Library, which invites authors into schools to bring stories to life.  

During the event, students had the opportunity to hear about the writing process for their new book CLUTCH TIME and received a free autographed copy of the book that could be used to start or grow their own home library.  Students also participated in a Q&A session with the authors where they heard about the inspiration for their work and some of their impactful life experiences.  

“As a college prep school, it’s important for us to be able to connect our scholars with individuals that represent different types of careers and walks of life.  Today’s career inspiration came from two authors whose background and personal stories truly resonated with our scholars. Through this event we hope to inspire future authors among our SEED Miami scholars and spark in them an enhanced love for reading” commented Dr. Leah Skinner, Head of School at The SEED School of Miami.

Miami Heat Back to School Event

The Miami HEAT teamed up with Girls, Inc. and Project UP-START to ring in the school year with a back-to-school shopping spree for 10 students presented by Netspend. Each received a $500 gift card to shop at the Target in Midtown Miami for school necessities such as notebooks, writing utensils, backpacks, clothing, and more. HEAT player, Haywood Highsmith, was also in attendance to assist the students with their shopping experience.

Additionally, Papa Johns provided the families in attendance with pizza for lunch and vouchers for future use.

Girls, Inc. of Greater Miami provides free after-school programs with mentoring, research-based activities, and an environment to help girls graduate high school and pursue careers in STEM. Project UP-START, under Miami-Dade’s Title I Administration, helps identify, enroll, and support students in unstable housing to ensure their academic success.

Source: https://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat-back-to-school-event-2