← David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center
Miami-Dade CountyPublic K-8 center

David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center

Home of the Dolphins

North Miami, Florida · Taking part in PTA Restaurant Week™, November 2–15, 2026

PK-8
Grades
Dolphins
Mascot
2006
Opened
At a glance

David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center is a Miami-Dade County Public Schools K-8 center in North Miami, home of the Dolphins, which opened in 2006 across from the north campus of Florida International University and is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026-2027. It is named for former Miami Herald publisher and early-childhood advocate David Lawrence Jr. Students in Pre-K and kindergarten attend the PLC campus on NE 12th Court, and grades 1-8 attend the main campus on Bay Vista Boulevard. The school's mission is to support students academically, socially and emotionally so they can take on academic challenges and become productive members of society.

Mission

The educational mission of David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center is to provide an environment that supports students academically, socially, and emotionally so that they are equipped to tackle academic challenges and become productive members of society.

Vision

The staff and community of David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center will provide students with a foundation that will empower them to be successful and productive global citizens.

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Principal Alicia Costa-DeVito welcomes families to a special year, "Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence, Community, and Dolphin Pride!" She describes the school as "a beacon of learning, growth, and community" for two decades and credits its educators, families and students, telling new and returning families they are part of a legacy of excellence.
From the principal, Alicia Costa-DeVito

Programs & academics

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

VPK is offered through the district's online lottery, with priority for families in the school's attendance boundary; a fee-supported afternoon VPK program is also available.

Upper Academy (Grades 6-8)

Middle school students follow an odd-day/even-day block schedule with three 113-minute blocks.

Before Care, Story Hour and After Care

An on-campus program offering homework assistance, indoor and outdoor games, music, and arts and crafts, led by district-screened activity leaders.

Student life

Clubs & activities

Chess (Elementary)ChessGarden ClubJournalismMinecraft GamingNational Elementary Honor SocietyNational Junior Honor SocietyOrchestra

Athletics

Boys BasketballGirls BasketballTrack and Field

Good to know

Before & after care
The school's own program offers Before School care 7:00-8:25 AM ($30/week), Story Hour 2:00-3:00 PM ($30/week) and After School care 2:00-6:00 PM ($60/week regular, $55/week free/reduced lunch rate); a one-time $16 student accident insurance charge is required.
Dress code
Mandatory uniform school: PK-5 wear navy or khaki bottoms with navy blue, light blue or white logo polos; Upper Academy (6-8) wears solid khaki, black or navy pants with solid grey or royal blue logo polos; no jeans or leggings, closed-toe shoes, and IDs required.
Anniversary
20th anniversary year, 2026-2027
Named for
David Lawrence Jr., former publisher of The Miami Herald and early-childhood advocate
Campuses
Main Campus (Grades 1-8) and PLC Campus (Pre-K-K)
Location
Across from the north campus of Florida International University

Compiled from the school’s official website (dljk8.com) and its district’s page for the school, September 2026. Schools update their sites often — if something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.