About Us
BrightStar Learning Center is led by two highly accomplished and experienced educational leaders.
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Lourdes Isla-Marrero is the former Assistant Principal of Mater East Elementary, a school nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence—the highest honor a school can receive for academic achievement.
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She went on to become the founding Principal of Mater Gardens Academy, a highly successful K–8 charter school in Florida. Under her leadership, the school was once again honored as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2014 for its outstanding academic performance.
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With over 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Isla-Marrero also serves on multiple boards for Academica Schools, including Somerset Academy, where her leadership and insight help shape innovative educational strategies across the network. Her commitment to advancing quality education extends beyond her school, making a lasting impact on the broader academic community.
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She has a proven track record of leading schools to excellence and mentoring future educators.
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She is joined by Mr. Douglas Rodriguez, Principal of Mater Brickell Middle High School. Mr. Rodriguez is a distinguished and visionary leader, renowned for his dedication to academic excellence and his ability to inspire both students and staff. His leadership at Mater Brickell has continued to build on his legacy of success, fostering a culture of high achievement and innovation.
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Previously, Mr. Rodriguez was Principal of Doral Academy Charter School, one of the top-performing charter schools in the nation. During his time as a school administrator, he received three National Blue Ribbon Awards and was named Miami-Dade County and Florida Principal of the Year in 2008. He has served as Principal at multiple schools across Miami-Dade County and also held the role of President at Doral College, which provides dual enrollment courses to over 10,000 students annually across the state.
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Together, these two visionary leaders are committed to providing a rigorous, STEM-focused education at BrightStar Pre-K/Mater Pre-K Learning Center for students in Pre-K 3 and 4. Their combined expertise and passion for excellence foster an environment rooted in high academic expectations, strong character development, and meaningful opportunities for advanced learning.