Miami magnet school blends academics with real-world law enforcement training

MIAMI — At a high school next to the Miami Police Department, the sound of a 911 call isn’t cause for alarm — it’s part of the lesson.

Law Enforcement Memorial High School, which is located next to the city’s police headquarters, the police academy and across from the courthouse, is gaining attention for its unusual mission: preparing students for careers in law enforcement and public service while they complete a traditional high school education.

The magnet school enrolls just over 200 students, offering small class sizes and hands-on training that mirrors what many adults encounter later at police academies or in criminal justice programs.

Alongside standard coursework in English, math and science, students receive instruction in forensic science, 911 dispatch operations, law literacy and basic police training.

Classrooms resemble training facilities more than traditional lecture halls.

“The training is very similar,” said Nicholson Morency, the school’s resource officer. “It’s almost like you’re in the academy again when you go in there.”

Students say the environment keeps them engaged.

“They’re not nodding off in class,” Morency said. “It’s the opposite.”

Senior Nathan Reyes said the school aligns directly with his career goals.

“My dream is to pursue law enforcement,” he said. “So I’ve been here. I’ve been doing police explorers as well.”

Discipline and structure stand out to visitors, administrators say, along with strong academic outcomes.

Many seniors graduate with an associate degree, and more than a quarter of graduates go on to serve in some capacity within law enforcement after college.

Senior Isabel Escobar said her motivation stems from seeing injustice in her community.

“I have seen a lot of discrimination and a lot of injustice in our world, especially now,” she said. “So knowing that I can make a change in the future is something that I would definitely want to pursue, which is why this is the only reason I came to the school.”

For others, the calling is deeply personal.

Senior Djanika Pierre said witnessing domestic violence firsthand inspired her to pursue a career focused on helping victims.

“I see a lot of like injustice when it comes to domestic violence, and being that I witnessed domestic violence firsthand, I’ve always wanted to like make a change and help the victims get the right that they do need,” she said.

Despite the specialized training and close proximity to law enforcement agencies, the program comes at no cost to families.

“With this hands-on experience, you can’t find that anywhere else,” said Principal William Aristide.

School officials say there is still room for students interested in enrolling. Information about the application process is available through Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

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