students move forward based on mastery, not age.
including options like martial arts, dance, theatre, and more.
“Every child deserves an education that honors who they are, how they learn, and what they can become”
Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis
With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis brings a powerful blend of expertise, innovation, and heart to her role as the founding principal of DOTT Academy.
Her journey spans work as a speech-language pathologist, classroom teacher, school administrator, and nationally recognized educational consultant. Dr. Bellande-Francis has successfully partnered with more than 15 school districts to drive academic achievement and implement transformational instructional practices.
We’re proud to offer the only true competency-based education model in Palm Beach County. Here, students move forward based on mastery—not seat time—allowing personalized progress at every step. Our innovative approach ensures every learner is supported according to their needs, strengths, and pace.
To empower every student through personalized, mastery-based learning that meets their unique needs.
We believe learning should adapt to the student—not the other way around.
No Grade-Levels – Every learner follows a customized path, guided by their interests, pace, and strengths—never a one-size-fits-all model.
Students move forward by mastering skills, not by age or grade.
Students and parents track progress using clear success criteria.
Critical thinking, collaboration, and independence built daily.
Engaging, cross-disciplinary work prepares students for life.
We believe learning should be as unique as each student. Our personalized learning model adapts to individual strengths, needs, and pace—offering flexibility without compromising academic quality. Whether full-time or transitioning from homeschool, students receive targeted instruction, meaningful support, and the freedom to grow on their own terms.
Every learner follows a customized path, guided by their interests, pace, and strengths—never a one-sizefits-all model.
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The Step Up for Students program is a Florida-based nonprofit initiative that provides scholarships to K–12 students
DOTT Academy uses a competency-based education model where students progress based on mastery—not age or grade level. We eliminate traditional grades so students can grow at their own pace with personalized learning and clear success criteria.
Instead of grouping students strictly by age, we use multi-age pods based on each child’s skills and readiness. This ensures students aren’t held back or pushed ahead too fast—they’re always learning at the right level for them.
Progress is tracked through success criteria, formative assessments, projects, and learning portfolios. Students and parents can clearly see what has been mastered and what goals are next.
By focusing on independence, self-monitoring, and critical thinking, our students graduate with the skills and habits that top high schools and colleges look for. They also build portfolios to showcase what they’ve learned.
You’ll have regular updates, progress reports, and access to your child’s digital learning dashboard. Parents are key partners at DOTT Academy.
Our founding campus will be in West Palm Beach. We’ll keep all applicants updated as soon as our location is confirmed.
Questions:
Call us at (772) 202-8082 or email us at kbellandefrancis@dottacademy.com.
We’re here to help—just fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you with the answers you need.
Building Community Through Creativity at DOTT Academy We’re thrilled to be part of the vibrant Palm Beach County community and even more excited to begin
The Dream is Becoming Reality: DOTT Academy Opens September 2025! I can hardly put into words how excited I am to finally share this: DOTT
A Parent’s Perspective: How Michael Found His Voice at a Competency-Based School When Michael’s mom first came to us, she said something that stayed with
“We’re not here to reform the old system—we’re here to build the one our children truly need.”
Dr. Bellande-Francis has successfully partnered with more than 15 school districts to drive academic achievement and implement transformational instructional practices.
Every child deserves an education that honors who they are, how they learn, and what they can become.
Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis
United States
(+1) 772 202 8082
kbellandefrancis@dottacademy.com
