In the heart of Florida’s Space Coast, where rockets rise and innovation thrives, Brevard Public Schools is launching a bold new initiative that promises to reshape how students connect with the future: The AFEX Academy—Astronautics and Flight Exploration—at Merritt Island High School.
This isn’t just a new program. It’s a movement.
A Vision Born from Opportunity
AFEX Academy was born from a simple but powerful idea: what if our students didn’t have to wait until college—or even graduation—to begin shaping the future of aviation and space exploration?
What if the next generation of aerospace engineers, pilots, and mission specialists could start their journey right here, in Brevard County?
That vision is now reality.
Learning That Lifts Off
Inside the AFEX Academy, students won’t just learn—they’ll launch. The curriculum is built around immersive, hands-on experiences that mirror real-world aerospace challenges:
Flight simulators and virtual reality space missions that train students in navigation and decision-making.
Drone technology and high-altitude balloon launches that teach aerodynamics and atmospheric science.
Mars rover robotics projects that challenge students to think like NASA engineers.
Field trips and guest lectures from industry leaders who are shaping the future of flight.
Every lesson is designed to spark curiosity, build technical skill, and connect students to careers that are not only in demand—but in orbit.
Powered by Partnerships
AFEX Academy is not going it alone. It’s backed by a coalition of visionary partners who believe in the power of education to drive innovation:
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)
Structural Composites
Space Tec
Patton Consulting Firm
The Aldrin Foundation
These organizations are more than supporters—they’re collaborators. They’re helping shape the curriculum, mentor students, and open doors to internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways.
A Strategic Investment in Brevard’s Future
For stakeholders, AFEX Academy represents a strategic investment in workforce development, STEM education, and regional economic growth. It aligns with Brevard’s identity as a hub of aerospace innovation and ensures that our students are not just prepared for the future—they’re leading it.
As Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell said during the ribbon cutting ceremony, “AFEX Academy is where education meets aspiration. It’s where students begin to see themselves not just in the classroom, but in the cockpit, the control room, and the launch pad.”
The Mission Has Begun
AFEX Academy is more than a classroom. It’s a launchpad. And the countdown has already started.