Jacksonville, December 23, 2025
Minds of the Future Academy, a private STEAM school in Jacksonville, faces a significant setback after over $200,000 worth of technology was stolen from their new building under construction. Burglars took essential equipment, including laptops and smart TVs, leaving the school community devastated. Despite the incident, the school remains determined to recover and continue its mission of providing quality education to students, while seeking support from the community to replace the stolen items.
Jacksonville Private School Faces Setback After $200K in Technology Stolen
Jacksonville, Florida – Minds of the Future Academy, a private STEAM-focused school in Jacksonville, has experienced a significant setback after burglars stole over $200,000 worth of technology from their new building under construction. The theft occurred over the weekend, leaving the school community devastated.
Details of the Theft
According to Principal Dr. Cynthia Smith, the burglars took essential equipment, including laptops, tablets, monitors, and smart TVs. The school had been preparing to move into the new 25,000-square-foot facility on Carmichael Avenue, a location they had secured in August after years of searching. The break-in was discovered when workers arrived on Friday to find a shattered glass door and missing contractor’s equipment. At the time of the incident, security cameras had not yet been installed, as they were scheduled for installation this week. A report has been filed with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the school is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
Impact on the School Community
The theft has deeply affected the school’s staff, students, and parents. Teacher Tiaira Howard expressed disbelief over the incident, stating, “I can’t believe that somebody would do something like that.” Parent Sherika added, “I just hope that whoever did this that you just have a heart and give it back. You’re hurting the children at the end of the day.” Despite the setback, Dr. Smith emphasized the school’s determination to recover and continue serving their students, stating, “We are going to have to readjust.” The school is seeking support from the community to replace the stolen items and move forward with their plans to open the new facility in the spring semester.
Background on Minds of the Future Academy
Minds of the Future Academy is a private school in Jacksonville that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. The school has been operating out of a temporary space at the Boys and Girls Club on West 25th Street and had been eagerly anticipating the move to their new location. The theft has posed a significant challenge, but the school remains committed to its mission of providing quality education to its students.
FAQ
What happened at Minds of the Future Academy?
Over the weekend, burglars stole over $200,000 worth of technology from the school’s new building under construction in Jacksonville, Florida. The stolen items included laptops, tablets, monitors, and smart TVs. A report has been filed with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the school is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
How has the school community been affected?
The theft has deeply affected the school’s staff, students, and parents. Teachers and parents have expressed disbelief and concern over the incident. Despite the setback, the school remains determined to recover and continue serving their students, seeking support from the community to replace the stolen items and move forward with their plans to open the new facility in the spring semester.
What is the background of Minds of the Future Academy?
Minds of the Future Academy is a private school in Jacksonville that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. The school has been operating out of a temporary space at the Boys and Girls Club on West 25th Street and had been eagerly anticipating the move to their new 25,000-square-foot facility on Carmichael Avenue. The theft has posed a significant challenge, but the school remains committed to its mission of providing quality education to its students.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Burglary at Minds of the Future Academy’s new building under construction in Jacksonville, Florida, resulting in the theft of over $200,000 worth of technology. |
| Stolen Items | Laptops, tablets, monitors, and smart TVs. |
| Impact | Significant setback for the school community, including staff, students, and parents, with plans to seek community support to replace the stolen items and proceed with the opening of the new facility in the spring semester. |
| Background | Minds of the Future Academy is a private STEAM-focused school in Jacksonville, operating out of a temporary space at the Boys and Girls Club on West 25th Street, with plans to move into a new 25,000-square-foot facility on Carmichael Avenue. |
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