Special Olympics shine spotlight on Pembroke Pines Elementary School. Here’s why
Pembroke Pines Elementary School has been dubbed one of Florida’s top schools for inclusivity by the Special Olympics, sharing the achievement with one other Broward County school.
The home of the grade-school Pirates will be awarded the 2025 National Unified Champion Schools banner for meeting “the highest standards of inclusion, unity and whole-school engagement,” according to a statement from the county’s school district announcing the win.
Eleven Florida schools earned recognition, with Weston’s Manatee Bay Elementary School being the only other Broward public school that qualified.
“We congratulate Manatee Bay Elementary and Pembroke Pines Elementary for earning this prestigious recognition and thank Special Olympics for helping us promote an environment of unity, respect and belonging,” BCPS superintendent Howard Hepburn said in the statement.
The Pirates were quick to celebrate the achievement on social media, hailing on Facebook “the unwavering dedication and diligent efforts” that went toward creating an inclusive environment worthy of the title.
Schools that want the Special Olympics distinction must apply to its National Recognition Program and meet 10 standards of excellence in sports, youth leadership and whole-school engagement, according to the nonprofit’s website.
It details that an inclusive sports program, opportunities to lead advocacy efforts through clubs and workshops, and awareness activities for the whole student body must be available for those with and without intellectual disabilities to be considered.
To make the final cut, the school needs to provide proof of sustainability, whether that’s through fundraising, forming booster clubs or accounting for inclusion efforts in the school budget.
For Pembroke Pines Elementary, that looks like opening its clubs — such as cheer, Latin dance, yearbook and several sports teams — to all, not making a distinction between those with and without intellectual disabilities.
The school also participates in the Special Olympics’ Young Athletes program and created the Pirate Pals initiative, a weekly program that pairs its Exceptional Student Learners with kids in general education for homework help and mentorship opportunities.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of our teachers and staff to make sure all students are included,” principal Natasha Bell said. “Every student feels welcome and appreciated at our school.”
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 1:48 PM.
