American Heritage Schools Celebrate 60 Years of Academic Excellence
American Heritage Schools is proud to celebrate 60 years of fostering academic excellence and shaping future leaders during its 2024-2025 school year. Since 1965, American Heritage Schools has evolved into the nation’s premier private college preparatory institution, consistently recognized for its commitment to academic achievement, innovation and community service.
Over the past six decades, American Heritage Schools have consistently set a benchmark for excellence, with recent notable achievements including:
- No. 1 school in Florida and the No. 2 private school in the U.S. for the highest number of National Merit Scholars for the class of 2025.
- No. 1 school in Florida for the highest number of Presidential Scholars.
- No. 1 private school in the nation for Math Competition
- #1 high school in Florida at state-level Science Fair competition
- Top 1% in the nation for Speech & Debate, Top 3 Model UN Team in the nation
- 96% AP Pass Rate on All AP Exams surpassing state (61%) and global (66%) average
- No. 16 in Corporate Philanthropy in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal
These achievements reflect the school’s unwavering dedication to nurturing every student’s intellectual and creative potential. At American Heritage Schools, education extends beyond traditional academics; it’s about cultivating a sense of belonging, inspiration, and limitless potential within a supportive, family-oriented community.
“We are honored to celebrate this significant milestone of 60 years of excellence in education at American Heritage Schools,” said Dr. Douglas Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “From our founding, we have been dedicated to our mission of knowledge, integrity and compassion to nurture young minds and prepare students for success. As we commemorate the past six decades, we celebrate our past, present and future while continuing to inspire and develop the leaders of tomorrow.”
American Heritage Schools plans to have a year filled with special events, celebrations and heartfelt reflections. American Heritage Schools has begun celebrations for its 60th anniversary with the following celebrations:
Palm Beach Campus Field Dedication (April 29, 2024)
American Heritage Schools’ Palm Beach campus kicked off its 60th anniversary celebrations with the grand dedication of the newly named William R. Laurie Field. The event featured a parade and presentation. Special guests included Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney and Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Sachs delivering heartfelt remarks on Mr. William R. Laurie’s impact on the community. The dedication ceremony highlighted the field’s new name, honoring William R. Laurie, and set the tone for a year-long celebration of American Heritage Schools’ remarkable legacy and future.
Broward Campus Victory Bridge (May 2, 2024)
American Heritage Schools hosted a special event at its Broward campus, featuring the dedication of the Victory Bridge. The ceremony included inspiring presentations by former Mayor of Plantation Rae Carole Armstrong and City of Plantation Council Member Denise Horland, who delivered a special proclamation of the Victory Bridge. The event also celebrated the Class of 2024 with a commemorative brick paver ceremony, symbolizing the enduring legacy of American Heritage students. Special remarks were given by American Heritage Schools President Dr. Douglas Laurie, High School Principal Osmel Rodriguez, former American Academy Principal Pete Gulotta and American Heritage Schools Vice President Leslie Laurie Wood, who reflected on the school’s remarkable journey and commitment to excellence in education over the past 60 years. The event set the stage for a year of celebration, honoring the school’s rich history and looking ahead to its bright future.
Broward Campus Stadium Dedication (August 30, 2024)
American Heritage Schools continues its 60th-anniversary events with the dedication of the newly named Bill Laurie Stadium at the Broward Campus. The festivities included a tailgate party, complete with live music, and continued with a grand ceremony. Former American Academy Principal Pete Gulotta delivered an inspiring address, and the stadium was officially revealed by William R. Laurie, President Dr. Doug Laurie and Vice President Leslie Laurie Wood, who waved to the cheering crowd. The celebration also included performances by the cheerleaders, the marching band and American Heritage dancers, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. The evening concluded with a thrilling football game, marking a memorable start to the 2024-25 school year and commemorating the school’s distinguished 60-year legacy.
For more information about American Heritage Schools and its history of academic excellence, please visit https://www.ahschool.com/60th-anniversary.
