Fueling Curiosity, Building Readiness, Embracing the Future
Ohana Preparatory School is a private high school in Broward County, opening for the Fall 2027 school year inside the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach, Florida. Ohana Prep trades traditional, isolated learning for real-world application and innovative STEAM electives. We're here to transform education into a deeply engaging, purposeful experience designed for the modern world.
What We Believe
Our Mission
At Ohana Prep, we believe that every student deserves an education tailored to their unique passions, interests, and potential. Our mission is to provide a supportive, engaging, and inspiring environment where students thrive academically and grow socially and emotionally.
Our Approach
We blend rigorous academics with an energetic STEAM focus, immersive real-world experiences, and meaningful mentorship with faculty and business leaders. We believe high school should be active and inspiring. Through multi-disciplinary projects and integrated learning experiences, our students explore their passions and prepare for the future by connecting classroom lessons directly to real-life impact.
Rooted in the Ohana Institute Model
Ohana Prep builds on the educational model Elizabeth "Lettye" Burgtorf founded at the Ohana Institute in Inlet Beach, Florida, in 2011. What began as a program created to support her own children and local families grew into a thriving school known for experiential, project-based learning in a family-like environment.
Ohana Prep brings that established approach to South Florida. Project-based learning here means your child designs, builds, tests, and presents real work alongside teachers and, where possible, working professionals. It's a hands-on complement to a strong academic core, not a replacement for it.
How project-based learning works
Ohana Institute students, Inlet Beach
Backed by Kaplan
As a Kaplan Academy, Ohana Prep is supported by decades of expertise in education. Kaplan's ACT®, SAT® and Advanced Placement® (AP®) preparation is integrated into our academic program, with online classes and independent study options for students carrying a full schedule. Personalized college advising through KapAdvisor™ also helps students build strong, authentic applications for selective colleges. Kaplan's curriculum, technology, and organizational resources let our faculty focus on teaching and mentoring your child.
More on Kaplan's roleTest preparation, built in
ACT, SAT, and AP preparation runs inside the program rather than being sold separately.
College guidance
KapAdvisor™ advising helps each student build an authentic application for selective colleges.
Curriculum and technology
Digital tools, co-curricular modules, and quality assurance from a national education company.
A track record
Kaplan's K through 12 experience includes Ohana Institute, the school whose model Ohana Prep is built on.
A Campus Inside the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA)
The Ohana Prep campus within the DCOTA complex occupies a dedicated and access-controlled space beautifully designed for learning. Located on the ground floor of Building A, with a private entrance, dedicated parking, and a drop-off zone, the school maintains student safety while remaining part of the larger business community. It features custom-built classrooms, multiple common areas for collaborative learning, specialized science, art, and fab-lab spaces, along with a large multi-purpose room that will operate as a cafe and auditorium for large gatherings, all intentionally created to support the academic model and modernize the high school experience. The location sits between Fort Lauderdale and North Miami, serving families looking for a private high school in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Meet Our Team
The educators and leaders guiding your child's Ohana Prep experience.
Jason BedfordSenior Vice President, Kaplan, High School Segment
Elizabeth "Lettye" BurgtorfFounder & Executive Director, Ohana Institute
Andrea HouserExecutive Director of Enrollment, Ohana Preparatory SchoolJason brings more than 20 years of leadership in education technology, spanning strategic planning, product design, and client-facing teams. A former teacher in urban and suburban schools, he is committed to human-centered design and to teams that deliver real impact for students and educators.
Lettye founded the Ohana Institute in Inlet Beach, Florida, in 2011, growing it from a homeschool model built for her own children into a multi-sensory, purpose-built school. Drawing on her international upbringing, she has shaped a learning community where students discover their passions through experiential learning.
Andrea brings 20 years of educational experience spanning classroom teaching, international student recruitment, and admissions and marketing leadership for private K through 12 schools nationwide. Based in South Florida with deep ties to the Broward community, she helps families decide whether Ohana Prep is the right fit for their child's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the questions and answersHow are Ohana Prep, Ohana Institute and Kaplan related?
Ohana Prep is a new school built on the Ohana Institute model and part of the Kaplan Academy network. Kaplan's backing brings academic resources, test preparation, and college guidance, and the Ohana model brings project-based learning in a family-like community.
When does Ohana Prep open, and for which grades?
Ohana Prep opens in Fall 2027 with 9th and 10th graders, growing to a full 9 through 12 program as that class moves through high school.
Where is the campus?
Inside the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) at 1855 Griffin Road, Suite A160, Dania Beach, FL 33004, with a private entrance, parking and a drop-off zone, between Fort Lauderdale and North Miami.
Can we tour the campus?
Classroom construction continues through April 2027. Perimeter tours and consultations with our Admissions team in the Ohana showroom began in October 2026.
How do we apply?
Start by joining the waitlist. Formal applications open December 15, 2026, and families already in touch with our Admissions team receive the application link directly.
Be part of Ohana's founding class.
Applications open December 15, 2026. Join the waitlist to hear first about info sessions, showroom visits, and scholarship guidance.