Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Academic Excellence in K-12 Education
Founded in 1965, American Heritage School has established itself as a leader in private education for students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade. With two expansive 40-acre campuses in Plantation and Delray Beach, Florida, the institution emphasizes academic excellence, college preparation, and character development. Our mission of knowledge, integrity, and compassion guides a holistic approach to education, fostering students' intellectual, creative, and social growth. Over six decades, we have maintained a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship. Our curriculum includes 192 AP/Honors courses, 130+ student-run clubs, and 6 pre-professional programs, preparing students for top-tier universities. Recognized as the #1 private K-12 school in Florida by Niche, we consistently achieve a 95% pass rate on AP exams and have secured $127 million in college scholarships for recent graduates.Our campuses in South Florida serve families in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach, offering both day and boarding options. With 488 nationally recognized scholars in the Class of 2026 and 16 Presidential Scholars in 2025, we combine rigorous academics with community service, requiring 662,000 hours of service annually. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with leading educational institutions, ensuring students receive unparalleled preparation for higher education and beyond.
Services
College Preparation
Pre-Professional Programs
Fine Arts Courses
AP/Honors Courses
Student-Run Clubs
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- Ranked #1 private K-12 school in Florida by Niche for 2025
- Maintain a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio for personalized learning
- Awarded $127 million in college scholarships to recent graduates
- 95% pass rate on all AP exams across 192 AP/Honors courses
- Offer 6 pre-professional programs for specialized career preparation
Services
College Preparation
Our comprehensive college counseling program includes personalized guidance, application workshops, and test preparation. With 95% AP exam pass rates and $127 million in scholarships awarded, we ensure students gain admission to top universities. The program combines academic rigor with strategic planning for competitive college applications.
Pre-Professional Programs
Six specialized programs prepare students for medical, legal, engineering, and other professional fields. Curriculum includes industry certifications, internships, and mentorship from practicing professionals. These programs bridge high school education with real-world career requirements through hands-on learning experiences.
AP/Honors Courses
Offering 192 AP and Honors courses, our curriculum challenges students with college-level material. The 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures individualized support while maintaining Florida's highest AP exam pass rates. Courses align with college admission requirements and academic competition standards.
Student-Run Clubs
With 100+ student organizations, we foster leadership through clubs in STEM, arts, and community service. These programs develop organizational skills while contributing to the 662,000 annual service hours requirement. Activities complement academic learning through practical application.
Fine Arts Courses
Our 130+ fine arts courses cover visual arts, performing arts, and music with state-of-the-art facilities. Programs emphasize creative expression and technical skill development. Students showcase work in regional competitions and exhibitions, integrating arts into college portfolios.
People
Dr. Eric J. Kaplan
Superintendent
Dr. Kaplan leads academic strategy with 30+ years in education, holding degrees from Harvard and Columbia. He oversees curriculum innovation and faculty development across both campuses.
Dr. Paul A. Estes
Head of School
Dr. Estes directs daily operations with expertise in college preparatory education, previously serving as principal at top-ranked institutions. He focuses on maintaining academic excellence and student support systems.
Mrs. Jennifer L. Smith
Director of Admissions
Mrs. Smith manages admissions with 20 years of experience in private education, specializing in international student integration and family outreach programs.
Mr. Robert C. Chen
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Chen oversees financial operations with an MBA from Wharton, ensuring resource allocation for academic programs and campus development while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Dr. Maria G. Lopez
Dean of Faculty
Dr. Lopez leads faculty development with doctorates in education, implementing teacher training programs that support the 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and academic excellence standards.
Questions
What grade levels does American Heritage Schools serve?
We serve students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade across our two Florida campuses.
How do I apply for admission?
Applications are accepted year-round through our online portal with priority given to early submissions.
What academic programs are offered?
We offer 192 AP/Honors courses, 6 pre-professional programs, and 130+ student-run clubs for comprehensive learning.
Are there boarding options available?
Yes, we offer international boarding programs at both our Broward and Palm Beach campuses.
What college preparation resources exist?
Our college counseling team has secured $127 million in scholarships and 95% AP exam pass rates.
How are community service hours incorporated?
Students complete 662,000 community service hours annually as part of our character development curriculum.
Reviews (6)
Sandy Lopez
Jan 24, 2019
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I am proud to say I have been a part of the American Heritage family for 18 years. My three children had the privilege of graduating from an amazing school. They offer an environment that is academically challenging, diverse, caring and so much more. Every student should have the opportunity to be the best. That's what American Heritage school does, prepares your child for their best future.
Anita LaTorre
Jan 18, 2019
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I have worked at this school for almost 23 years. I have been a teacher, a dean, and I am now a principal. I just cannot imagine a school with more options in whatever field a student could possibly choose. It makes me want to start all over again. If you want to know more about our amazing school, please come and see for yourself.
Carol Gedan
Dec 04, 2018
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As a parent of a graduate, and a soon to be graduate, I cannot recommend this school any higher than 5 stars. My youngest has attended this school since Kindergarten and has received a world-class education. This school takes its academics seriously, and student safety even more seriously. This school is constantly on top of the most current technology and brings it to the student level. Both of my kids were/are prepared for college and the next level of their lives. If you live anywhere in South Florida and have school-aged children, you MUST tour this school for your kids. A ten-star school
Binqian Chenjiang
Sep 12, 2018
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Cypress bay has as good education as AHS, but it seems like a nice school and some of my friends go to American Heritage, so it still seems like you will enjoy coming here.
Alexis Lok
Aug 09, 2018
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This review is based off of a lower school experience.
Does American Heritage have some down sides? Of course it does! Is the enrollment process incredible? No. Is the customer service top notch? Not really. Although no one can deny that American Heritage puts out some descent pupils into the real world. Keep in mind this is a private school and more economical than a few others in the area. We pay for safety, education, and piece of mind. Enrolling your little one into lower school you can rest assure, knowing that the teachers will be preparing the children to be about two grade levels ahead
Does American Heritage have some down sides? Of course it does! Is the enrollment process incredible? No. Is the customer service top notch? Not really. Although no one can deny that American Heritage puts out some descent pupils into the real world. Keep in mind this is a private school and more economical than a few others in the area. We pay for safety, education, and piece of mind. Enrolling your little one into lower school you can rest assure, knowing that the teachers will be preparing the children to be about two grade levels ahead
Yesi Hill
Nov 09, 2017
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Wonderful experience! I am proud to say that my son graduated from AHS in 2016 after spending seven amazing years there. We loved every year, every teacher and every opportunity. It is a challenging school, but my son entered university with amazing scholarship funds, and without any sort of a learning curve. Not only was he academically prepared, but because of the school's diversity and many travel opportunities via robotics (highly recommended robotics program!), he never felt homesick and instead looked forward to starting his new chapter in life. He's now starting his sophomore year in college
