SEPTEMBER 2026
LION LIFE
SAGEMONT PREP
30 s r a e y
A VISION THAT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE Celebrating 30 Years of the Goldman Family Legacy at Sagemont Prep
Thirty years ago, before Weston was even incorporated as a city, the Goldman family saw an opportunity to create something different. The rapidly growing area needed educational choices, and for the Goldmans, education was already a family calling. Richard and Renee Goldman devoted their careers to education. Richard began as a fifth-grade teacher and eventually became Dean of Graduate Education at Nova Southeastern University. Renee was a teacher who operated a successful preschool. Their son, Brent Goldman, was teaching in Broward County Public Schools while pursuing his graduate studies. As Weston expanded, the community’s developers approached Renee about opening a private elementary school. She suggested they speak with her son. From conversations in the Goldman family living room in 1994 and 1995, an idea took shape. The family secured a bank loan, purchased the land that would become the Lower Campus, and held its first open house at Weston Hills Country Club. Hundreds attended, signaling that families were searching for what the Goldmans hoped to create. At the heart of their vision was a simple belief: students deserve to be seen. The Goldmans paired that philosophy with a forward-thinking approach Dr. Goldman describes as “high-tech, high-touch.” In 1996 and 1997, when computers were typically confined to labs, Sagemont Prep placed internet-connected computers directly in classrooms. Later, the Upper ......
Students need to be seen. They need to be a name, not a number. DR. BRENT GOLDMAN
Campus became an early adopter of one-to-one student laptops. As the school grew, arts and athletics expanded, creating more opportunities for students to discover where they could thrive. Technology has changed dramatically since then. The philosophy has not. Today, Sagemont Prep continues to evolve through innovation, hands-on learning, and experiences that encourage students to explore, create, solve problems, and find their voices. When Renee Goldman recently returned to tour the school she helped create, she offered perhaps the greatest compliment a founder could give: “Sagemont’s way better than when we were here.” That evolution is part of the Goldman legacy. The school was never intended to stand still. Programs will change and technology will advance, but students remain at the center. They are known as individuals, supported by their teachers, and given opportunities to discover who they can become. As Sagemont Prep celebrates 30 years, we extend tremendous gratitude to Richard, Renee, and Brent Goldman for their vision and the foundation they created for generations of students. Thirty years later, that vision lives on and continues to grow.
30 YEARS OF SAGEMONT PREP
DID YOU KNOW?
1996
The year Sagemont Preparatory School was founded.
DID YOU KNOW? SAGEMONT PREP’S FIRST CLASSROOMS WERE IN A HOTEL! When Sagemont Prep opened in 1996, the new school building was not quite ready. Students spent their first two months attending classes in meeting rooms at the Bonaventure Hotel before moving into the Lower Campus.
DID YOU KNOW? FROM STUDENT #3 TO ATHLETIC DIRECTOR! Did you know that Sagemont Prep Athletic Director Sean Leonardo was the third student enrolled at Sagemont Prep in 1996? Today, Coach Leo is helping shape the next generation of Lions at the very school where his own Sagemont Prep story began. Now that is coming full circle!
30 s r a e y
SAGEMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE SAGEMONT SCHOOL.
DID YOU KNOW? MS. B WAS SAGEMONT PREP’S FIRST UPPER CAMPUS SCHOOL COUNSELOR! When the Upper Campus first opened, Melissa Becerra, affectionately known as Ms. B, served as its first School Counselor, helping support and guide some of Sagemont Prep’s earliest Upper Campus Lions. Today, Ms. B is back at Sagemont Prep, once again caring for and supporting our students. We could not be happier to welcome her back home!
ACADEMICS
AP EXCELLENCE AT SAGEMONT PREP STUDENTS ACHIEVE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS Advanced learning is thriving at Sagemont Prep. With a 90% overall Advanced Placement* (AP) pass rate, 11 courses achieving a 100% pass rate, growing participation, and exceptional AP Scholar recognition, Sagemont Prep’s Advanced Placement program reflects outstanding student achievement and a school-wide commitment to academic challenge. In the 2025-2026 academic year, our students achieved a 100% pass rate in 11 AP courses: Comparative Government and Politics, Computer Science Principles, English Literature and Composition, 2-D Art and Design, Environmental Science, Precalculus, Research, Seminar, Spanish Language and Culture, United States Government and Politics, and United States History. Our students also earned significant recognition from the College Board. Thirtytwo percent of the Class of 2026 received an AP Scholar designation, including AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, and AP Scholars with Distinction. Additionally, 8% of the graduating class earned the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma. As an AP Capstone School, Sagemont Prep offers AP Seminar and AP Research, providing students with opportunities to investigate complex questions, evaluate multiple perspectives, conduct independent research, and communicate evidence-based ideas. These skills prepare them for college and beyond.
Equally exciting is the continued expansion of access to advanced learning. Since 2022, AP exam participation at Sagemont Prep has increased by 118%, while the percentage of the student body participating in AP exams has grown from 20% to 48%. Sagemont Prep is also building pathways to advanced coursework earlier through its Pre-AP curriculum and a middle school AP pilot. In the first year of the pilot, 100% of participating eighth-grade students passed their AP exam, earning scores of 4 or 5. Our teachers are essential to this success. Faculty engage in specialized Pre-AP and AP professional development, including AP Summer Institutes, and Sagemont Prep educators have been selected as Advanced Placement Readers, contributing their expertise to the national AP scoring process. With more than 25 AP courses offered, Sagemont Prep provides students with a broad range of opportunities to pursue their interests at the highest academic levels. Our AP program continues to grow and evolve, and the addition of AP Cybersecurity and AP Human Geography this year further expands pathways for our students. These achievements tell a powerful story: more students are choosing challenge, more opportunities are available, and Sagemont Prep students are demonstrating they are ready to succeed.
L I O N S
AP 2026 SAGEMONT
PREP
HI GHLI GHTS
90% 11
COURSES HAD A 100% PASS RATE
32%
OF THE CLASS OF 2026 RECEIVED AN AP SCHOLAR DESIGNATION
PILOTED A MIDDLE SCHOOL AP PROGRAM, ENABLING QUALIFYING STUDENTS TO TAKE AN AP COURSE WHILE IN 8TH GRADE.
OVERALL AP PASS RATE
8% 13 7 7
OF THE CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATED WITH AN AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA
AP SCHOLAR STUDENTS AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR
100%
OF THE MS STUDENTS PASSED (EARNING 4S AND 5S)
EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO INNOVATE FOR TOMORROW.
BUILDING BELONGING, LEADERSHIP, AND LEGACY The Story Behind the Lower Campus House System
Every powerful idea starts with a spark. For Sagemont Prep Lower Campus Principal Ms. Monica Vigna, that spark came during a professional development experience where she was introduced to the concept of a House System. She returned inspired not simply to bring the idea to our campus, but to create a House System uniquely Sagemont Prep. From the beginning, the process was collaborative. Faculty, staff, and parents came together to envision what a House System could look like for our Lions. The conversations went beyond names and colors, exploring what each House should represent, how the system could strengthen belonging across grade levels, and how it could bring Sagemont Prep’s Educational Pillars to life. From those conversations emerged four Houses: Axiom, Lumen, Meridian, and Vector, each with its own identity and connection to the qualities we seek to develop in our students. As the ideas took shape, we turned to one of our own to bring them to life visually: Sagemont Prep alumna and graphic designer Gabby Duran. Gabby transformed each House's meaning and personality into the distinctive crests unveiled on the following page, using her talents to create something meaningful for the Lions coming behind her.
LIVE BY THE
HOUSE VALUES At Sagemont Prep, leadership begins long before a student holds a formal title. It develops through everyday choices, the confidence to contribute, and the willingness to support others. The House System gives students opportunities to practice those qualities from Preschool through 5th Grade.
Every Lower Campus student and faculty member will belong to one of four Houses, connecting Lions across ages and grade levels. Students will remain with their House throughout their Lower Campus journey, allowing relationships, traditions, and House pride to deepen over time. For our youngest Lions, this means a wider circle of encouragement and positive role models. Older students gain authentic opportunities to mentor, guide, and lead by example. Every student has a place to participate, contribute ideas, celebrate others, and discover that leadership can take many forms. The House System will not replace the traditions that make the Lower Campus special; it will strengthen them. Celebrations, service initiatives, spirit experiences, and signature events will become opportunities to connect beyond individual classrooms as part of something larger. More than school spirit, the House System brings our Educational Pillars to life as students collaborate across ages, reflect on their growth, take responsible risks, solve problems, and develop their voices. As the program grows, students will help plan initiatives, build traditions, and shape their House experiences. Ultimately, the House System is about belonging, leadership, and connection, ensuring every Lion is known, valued, and empowered to contribute. What began as an idea has become distinctly our own: shaped by our educators and families, brought to life by one of our alumni, and ready to be carried forward by the next generation of Lions.
MEET THE FOUR HOUSES FOUR DISTINCT IDENTITIES I ONE SHARED FOUNDATION
AXIOM
AXIOM LUMEN HOUSE OF PROBLEM SOLVING
Axiom represents the foundational truths that guide thoughtful decisionmaking. Students are encouraged to approach challenges with logic, build knowledge through inquiry, and persist when solutions are not immediately clear. The maze within the crest represents complex problems that require strategy, while the key symbolizes the ability to unlock new possibilities.
LUMEN
HOUSE OF CURIOSITY & CREATIVITY
Lumen represents light, illumination, and the power of insight. Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, explore original ideas, and use creativity to inspire new possibilities. The light within the crest symbolizes discovery and vision, while the constellation reflects the connection of ideas across people and areas of learning.
MERIDIAN
MERIDIAN HOUSE OF REFLECTION
Meridian represents a guiding line that provides direction and perspective. Students are encouraged to reflect thoughtfully on their experiences, remain grounded in their values, and use self-awareness to guide their growth. The tree and roots symbolize a strong foundation, while the compass rose represents purposeful direction.
VECTOR
VECTOR HOUSE OF RISK-TAKING
Vector represents direction and energy guided by purpose. Students are encouraged to take thoughtful risks, move forward with confidence, and turn ambition into responsible action. The lightning bolt symbolizes initiative and momentum, while the scale represents fairness and the importance of balancing courage with sound judgment.
Finding the Right Fit
KRISTIN MATHENY COLLEGE COUNSELOR
F
or Kristin Matheny, college counseling is about much more than where a student can get in. It is about helping students discover where they can truly thrive.
As Sagemont Prep’s College Counselor, Ms. Matheny spent part of her summer attending conferences, walking college campuses, and connecting with admissions professionals. With each visit and conversation, one message became increasingly clear for her: finding the right college is about much more than name recognition or prestige. It is about discovering the place where a student’s interests, goals, personality, and potential can thrive. Those experiences also reinforced something Ms. Matheny values deeply about college counseling at Sagemont Prep: it should be personal. Our intentionally small classes allow her to truly know her students and guide them in building thoughtful, balanced college lists, not simply based on where they may be admitted, but where our students can genuinely envision themselves learning, growing, and succeeding. Throughout her conversations with admissions professionals, two words surfaced again and again: growth and authenticity. Colleges want to understand who students are becoming, what genuinely interests them, and how they have invested themselves in what matters to them. Ms. Matheny’s approach is also deeply personal. A first-generation college student, Ms. Matheny attended a large public high school where she largely found her own way through the admissions process. Her parents were incredibly supportive, but navigating college was unfamiliar territory for the family. That experience shaped a goal she ..........
carries into her role today: to be the college counselor she never had. Rather than focusing solely on rankings or reputation, Ms. Matheny encourages students to consider what they truly value in a college. The search becomes a process of self-discovery, helping students understand who they are, what matters to them, and what they want from their next chapter. That preparation begins well before senior year. College Counseling extends throughout the Sagemont Prep experience, from developing strong academic and organizational habits in earlier years to exploring interests, making thoughtful choices, and preparing for the application process in high school. This fall, approximately 25 individual college admissions representative visits are scheduled, along with a College Fair for high school students. For Ms. Matheny, however, the role is about more than applications and acceptances. Her sons have attended Sagemont Prep since kindergarten, and she has experienced the school as a parent, teacher, and now College Counselor. Ultimately, she hopes students leave Sagemont Prep not only with strong college options, but with the confidence to know themselves, advocate for themselves, and take ownership of what comes next.
It is only the beginning for them, and I am honored to play a small part in their adventures.
SAGEMONT PREP ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Maria Moncaliano CLASS OF 2014
UNDERGRADUATE Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology
MEDICAL SCHOOL Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine I Doctor of Medicine CURRENTLY
Second-Year Pediatric Resident Boston Combined Residency Program
AFFILIATIONS Harvard Medical School I Boston University
LIFE AFTER SAGEMONT PREP:
SAGEMONT PREP STAFF INSPIRATION:
Since graduating from Sagemont Prep, I have pursued my passion for medicine, advocacy, and education in ways I could not have imagined as a student. During medical school, I became deeply involved in research, medical education, and initiatives supporting health equity and underserved communities. I served as National Diversity Chair for the Latino Medical Student Association and became a published researcher focused on medical education and health disparities. Today, I am a pediatric resident caring for children and families while continuing my work in research, advocacy, and mentorship. I serve in leadership roles within the American Academy of Pediatrics and will soon become Chief Resident as I work toward becoming a Pediatric Pulmonologist.
There were many teachers at Sagemont Prep who inspired me, both inside and outside the classroom. While my science teachers nurtured my interest in medicine, my English teachers also had a profound impact on me. In middle school, I dreamed of becoming a writer, and Ms. Simmonds played an especially important role in encouraging that passion. She consistently provided thoughtful feedback on my work and even took the time to read stories I wrote on my own, offering guidance and encouragement that helped me grow as a writer. Her support gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, ultimately leading to my first job as a high school student writing for a local newspaper and winning a writing award through the Cappies Critics and Awards Program. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the teachers at Sagemont Prep who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my interests with confidence and ambition.
SAGEMONT PREP’S IMPACT I discovered my passion for medicine in Ms. Safont’s high school biology class at Sagemont Prep. As we learned about human cells and how the body functions, I became fascinated by the connection between science and disease. I wanted to understand how medicine could improve people’s lives, and it was in that classroom that I first realized I wanted to become a doctor. That passion has since grown into a career as a pediatrician, researcher, and advocate for children’s health. I am grateful to the teachers and advisors who encouraged me to aim high and proud that my journey at Sagemont Prep led me to become a Harvard-trained pediatrician.
WORDS OF ADVICE: My advice to Sagemont Prep students is to never let setbacks define you. There is no single path to achieving your dreams, and challenges are part of every journey. I faced many obstacles before becoming a doctor and continue to be challenged in the hospital. Keep moving forward, believe in yourself, and never let anyone tell you what you cannot achieve.
SAGEMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
ATHLETICS HOME OF THE SAGEMONT PREP LIONS
The Next Chapter of Sagemont Prep Athletics Sean Leonardo, Athletic Director
EXPANDING ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS As the new school year begins, Sagemont Prep Athletics enters its first full year competing in the SSAL at both the elementary and middle school levels. This expansion strengthens our programs and increases athletic offerings to nine sports at each level. Middle school students will also continue to have opportunities to compete at the high school level in swimming and tennis. Our high school programs are entering the year with ambitious goals. Varsity Girls Volleyball will pursue its third consecutive district championship, which would mark a program first. We also have several talented high school swimmers preparing to compete for the opportunity to advance to the regional and state championships. These growing opportunities reflect our commitment to providing student-athletes at every level with meaningful experiences that develop their skills, confidence, teamwork, and love of competition.
CLASS 1A SPORTSMANSHIP RUNNER-UP While Sagemont Prep Athletics has celebrated strong competitive success, one of this year’s most meaningful recognitions came beyond the scoreboard. Sagemont Prep was named the Class 1A runner-up for the Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for the 2025–2026 school year. The Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award recognizes athletic programs that exemplify sportsmanship through the actions of administrators, coaches, studentathletes, and spectators. This recognition reflects .... ....
the culture of Sagemont Prep Athletics and how our Lions represent the school. Championships will always be celebrated, but the character our student-athletes demonstrate along the way is even more meaningful. This accolade reflects our commitment to developing young people who lead with integrity, respect others, and carry those values far beyond the world of sports.
LOOKING AHEAD: ENHANCING THE SAGEMONT PREP EXPERIENCE The next chapter of Sagemont Prep Athletics is also taking shape through facility improvements across both campuses. The Goldman Athletic Center recently unveiled new flooring, with additional upgrades planned, including new scoreboards and athletic equipment. Our new turf space will provide a consistent, high-quality area for physical education classes and outdoor athletic teams. The Lower Campus pool has also received several improvements as we work toward our long-term goal of hosting swim meets on campus. These projects will benefit far more than our athletic teams. They represent an investment in our entire student population by creating spaces that promote wellness, school spirit, competition, and community. We are incredibly grateful to the Sagemont Prep community for helping make these improvements possible. Your continued support expands opportunities for our students and strengthens the Lion experience.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
PEDRO FERREIRA
THE COURAGE TO START Pedro first discovered table tennis at his elementary school in Brazil, where he and his friends played during lunch simply because they enjoyed it. He could not have imagined that those informal games would lead him to national competitions or inspire him to introduce the sport to students at Sagemont Prep. After placing in his school’s internal tournament, Pedro began training seriously. Only five months later, he competed in the 2024 Jogos da Juventude, his first national competition, finishing 17th in Brazil’s U-15 category and ranking among the top 20 players in the country. He later competed in Copa Brasil against some of Brazil’s leading young table tennis players. After moving to Florida, Pedro continued pursuing the sport and won a South Florida tournament while representing Sagemont Prep. Pedro is especially proud that an activity he first tried for fun became such an important part of his life. Table tennis brought him friendships and opportunities he had never anticipated, and he wanted other students to experience that same possibility. Soon after arriving at Sagemont Prep, Pedro developed a proposal for a Table Tennis Club. He outlined his idea, created a budget for equipment, and explained how the club could benefit students. Sagemont Prep supported the proposal by providing the necessary equipment, identifying an appropriate space, and helping Pedro promote the initiative. For Pedro, that support confirmed what can happen when a student prepares carefully and has the courage to speak with purpose.
Through the club, Pedro hopes students discover more than the mechanics of table tennis. He wants beginners to feel comfortable learning and continuing, even when progress does not come immediately. “The hardest part of any journey is taking the first step,” Pedro says. Presenting his proposal helped Pedro become a more confident communicator. He later spoke to more than 50 students at his former school in Brazil about studying abroad and pursuing opportunities despite uncertainty. His advice to other Sagemont Prep students is to give their ideas a genuine opportunity to become something larger. They do not need to know exactly where the journey will lead. They simply need to prepare, put themselves forward, and begin.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
KAILANI WHITE
A SUMMER OF DISCOVERY Kailani has imagined a future in science for nearly as long as she can remember. By the age of four or five, she was already telling people that she planned to become a doctor or scientist. Living with a chronic illness meant spending significant time in hospitals, where she began wondering how medicine works and how scientific discoveries can improve people’s lives. Ms. Weber, her Lower Campus science teacher, also helped nurture that early curiosity. This summer, Kailani began transforming her curiosity into meaningful experience. Through the National Society of Black Engineers Summer Engineering Experience for Kids, known as NSBE SEEK, she explored STEM through building and coding. She discovered that coding was not intimidating, but something she genuinely enjoyed. When her classmates voted her “Tech Genius,” Kailani realized that her creativity and interest in technology stood out to those around her. After attending math camp to prepare for sixthgrade honors math, Kailani traveled to Maryland for the CDC Data Detectives program. Hundreds of students from across the country apply each year, with only approximately 30 to 36 selected. At the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, she learned how data science can help protect public health and discovered that she could understand complex concepts more quickly than she had expected. “I realized I could take something complicated and figure it out,” she says.
Service was also an important part of Kailani’s summer. Inspired by her older brother, who has autism, she raised more than $500 to support adults with autism spectrum disorder. She also volunteered to support young people experiencing mental health challenges. These experiences showed her that even a thoughtful action can help another person feel supported. Outside the classroom, Kailani earned a place on a travel soccer team while continuing to draw and use her imagination. Although she has visited more than 20 countries, this was the first summer she did not travel somewhere new. Instead, she chose to pursue experiences connected to her future, demonstrating how curiosity can grow into confidence and purpose.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
BARON HILL
CREATING FROM WITHIN For Baron, abstract art is more than a creative style. It is a way to explore what exists beneath the surface and invite others to do the same. His artistic journey began in kindergarten when a still life assignment took an unexpected turn. Rather than drawing the objects before him, Baron followed his own ideas. His teacher recognized his instinct for abstraction and encouraged him. That moment introduced Baron to what he continues to value most about creating art: freedom. As he grew older, Baron experimented with sketchbooks, markers, and paint while developing a visual language of his own. That language eventually became The Internal Gallery, a body of work inspired by the emotions and memories people carry within themselves. Baron describes those emotions as layered experiences that can create what he calls emotional “static.” Through lines and arcs, he gives that static a visible form, allowing viewers to recognize something within themselves, confront it, and leave feeling lighter.
After completing five AP courses and taking three more during his senior year, he uses short breaks to draw and develop his skills. For him, discipline includes preserving time for work that matters deeply. Sharing that work requires courage, particularly when an artist is revealing something personal. Although Baron understands that rejection is possible, he believes creativity cannot grow if it remains hidden. His advice to other student artists is clear: do not allow comparison to silence what is uniquely yours. Beyond visual art, Baron writes poetry and has competed with The Mane Idea since tenth grade. Through each form of expression, he continues building an internal gallery that asks others not only to look, but also to reflect.
“My message is the thing that keeps me confident in my own work,” he explains. Learning to trust that message has been an important part of Baron’s growth. Surrounded by artists working in realism, he sometimes questioned whether abstract linework was enough. Returning to the purpose behind his work helped him understand that creativity does not need to resemble someone else’s to have value. Baron has also learned to protect his creative life while managing a demanding academic schedule. ...
Explore Baron’s Internal Gallery Scan to discover more of his artwork.
Back to School
Sagemont Prep Splash
Upper Campus Advisory Program
Life at Sagemont Prep
THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
SAGEMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL IS
Celebrating
O F E XC E L L E N C E
T H R E E D E C A D E S . O N E L E G A C Y.
Sagemont Preparatory School inspires academic excellence through intellectual exploration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students are encouraged to take responsible risks and develop a deep understanding of social responsibility as active agents of change.
Intellectual Curiosity & Creativity
Eagerly connecting existing knowledge to unique ideas absorbed from beyond the classroom leads to the exploration of imaginative solutions through critical thinking, and the development of resilience.
Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
Building the ability to cut through noise to assess issues, and efficiently and effectively tackle complex problems, making informed decisions and finding innovative solutions.
Collaboration
Supporting and sharing ideas, wisdom, and approaches of others to jointly discover solutions or uncover untapped opportunities.
Responsible Risk-Taking
Breaking traditional grades-driven approaches by exploring ideas, partnerships or leadership roles, exposing individuals to vulnerability, and leading to student-powered confidence, new skills, knowledge, and success.
Reflection
Challenging oneself by thoughtfully examining results and experiences, and striving for continual improvement, developing confidence, and selfawareness.
SAGEMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL RESOURCES Sagemont Prep Calendar of Events
Upper Campus Resources
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Kristin Sorokin Lion Life, Editor-in-Chief