Key Biscayne Community Church & Day School KBCC Day School The heart of Key Biscayne

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Part of Key Biscayne from the beginning

Key Biscayne Community Church was the island’s first church, and in 1954 its Day School opened. For more than seventy years, generations of Key Biscayne families have walked through these doors.

The island has grown and changed around us. What has stayed constant is simple: a small school where the same families return year after year, and where a child’s first years away from home are spent with people who have been caring for Key Biscayne’s children from the beginning.

DAY SCHOOL OPENED
1954A ministry of the church, founded 1951
AGES SERVED
14 months – PreK4After-school care through 2nd grade
SCHOOL DAY
8:30 – 2:30After school 2:30 – 5:30
FLORIDA LICENSE
C11MD0522Licensed child care facility
Key Biscayne Community Church on Glenridge Road, photographed for a 1960s Islander News feature

Rooted in the island’s history

1951
Fifty-three residents gather for the island’s first church service, held in a coconut-crushing shed on the Matheson Plantation. Later services move to the porch of Mashta House.
1953
The church building opens on Glenridge Road, the island’s first, on land donated by the Mackle Company. It becomes a meeting place for Key Biscayne organizations.
1954
KBCC Day School opens its doors.
Today
Still on Glenridge Road, still serving the island’s children and families.

What we believe

Before a child can thrive academically, socially or spiritually, they need to feel that they belong — that they are known, loved and safe. That sense of belonging is where learning begins, and everything here grows from it.

From that foundation come curiosity, character, compassion and confidence. Our curriculum, The Island Classroom, takes its name from the place we call home, helping children grow rooted in who they are, connected to their community and deeply loved by God.

See how the curriculum works

Faith, and every family

Key Biscayne Community Church on Glenridge Road today, cross on the white facade and the steeple behind

KBCC Day School is a ministry of Key Biscayne Community Church. Faith is woven naturally through the life of our school through weekly chapel, prayer, Bible stories and the way we care for one another. Families of every faith and background are warmly welcomed here.

Read our non-discrimination policy

Character, one trait at a time

Each month the whole school explores one shared character trait through its books, art and the ordinary moments of the day.

Chapel, every week

Warm, musical and age-appropriate, giving children a shared moment of reflection, gratitude and community.

A partnership with you

Formal conferences twice a year, daily messages and photos through Brightwheel, and a teacher you can reach whenever something is on your mind.

What families can expect here

  • Every child will be known by name from the first day.
  • Every family will be welcomed with warmth and respect, regardless of faith background.
  • Every classroom will be a safe, consistent and joyful place to learn.
  • We will communicate with you regularly and honestly.
  • We will partner with you. You know your child best.

The people here

You will meet them on your tour, and your child will know them by name within a week.

Carolina Pena-Labrador, Principal of KBCC Day School

Carolina Pena-Labrador

PRINCIPAL

Carolina grew up on Key Biscayne and came back to raise her own family here. She spent fourteen years volunteering at the Day School before she was asked to lead it, which means she knew this place as a parent long before she ran it.

In 2025 she was named Principal of the Year by the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce, the Principals’ Coalition for the Good of the Children, and the Key Biscayne Community Foundation — an award chosen by Key Biscayne’s own schools.

The KBCC Day School teaching team

Our Teachers

THE CLASSROOM TEAM

Our teachers came to this work from lives already full: law, psychology, human resources, and years of caring for children before they ever led a classroom here.

What they share is a way of paying attention. They notice which child needs a minute before joining the circle and which one is ready for a harder puzzle, and they shape the day around what they see.

One community, growing together

The Day School is a ministry of Key Biscayne Community Church, and the two have grown together as part of the life of the island for generations. That connection is woven naturally into the children’s experience through chapel, the garden, service and the wider community that gathers here throughout the week.

The Key Biscayne Community Church Farmers Market is one of those community traditions, bringing neighbors together on Saturdays while supporting the work of the church.

Drop-in tours, first and third Saturday of every month During the market, on the church grounds at 355 Glenridge Road. No appointment needed.
Saturday morning at the Key Biscayne Community Church Farmers Market

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Keeping children safe

Arrival and pickup

Parents sign in and out through Brightwheel daily. Children are released only to individuals named as authorized on the enrollment form, and photo ID or a parent PIN may be requested. Custody orders affecting pickup are kept on file.

Emergency preparedness

Fire drills monthly and regular emergency practice. In an emergency you are notified through Brightwheel, WhatsApp and email.

Mandatory reporting

All staff are mandatory reporters under Florida law and are required to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Guidance and behavior

We guide children through relationship, consistency and positive redirection. We do not use punishment, shame or any form of physical discipline.

Full health, safety and behavior policies are set out in the Parent & Family Handbook.

Come and see for yourself

Spend thirty minutes with us during the school day. See the classrooms, walk the garden and meet the teachers who will get to know your child.

Request a tour
Call the school Request a tour