History
Our Roots
“When we started along this path I just hoped that our children would be able to attend the school.” Says Rod Mandelstam, co-founder. “I never imagined that it would come to touch so many lives.”
The Mandelstam School began as a bold idea. It was a vision for a school where academics, movement, and the arts worked together to nurture the whole child. That vision came to life through Carol Mandelstam, whose graduate research at the University of Miami focused on the connection between physical education and academic success. She found that gymnastics, which lies at the core of all sports, was a powerful tool for early childhood development.
Together with her husband, Rod Mandelstam, a former professional tennis player from South Africa with degrees from both the University of Miami and Wharton, Carol set out to build a school that reflected her philosophy. Their dream was to create a small, vibrant learning community where children would thrive intellectually, physically, and creatively.
The Mandelstam family brought not only a passion for education and athletics but also a deep appreciation for the arts. These values continue to shape the school’s unique, whole-child approach today.
What began as an idea became a mission, and ultimately, a legacy.
Family Legacy
Education and the arts are woven into the Mandelstam family story. Carol and Rod’s three daughters, Allen Sousa, Deon Mandelstam, and Deen Camacho, are all University of Miami graduates who have helped shape the heart of TMS since day one.
Allen Sousa, a former professional ballerina and top graduate in Occupational Therapy, focused her thesis on sensory integration through gymnastics.
Deon Mandelstam holds a master’s in Educational Leadership and studied glassblowing at prestigious institutions across the country.
Deen Camacho, who graduated cum laude in American Studies with a minor in Theater, performed with Miami City Ballet and the Royal Ballet in England.
All three bring decades of experience in child development and the performing arts to our school. Their leadership helps create the dynamic, joyful learning environment we offer today.
The creative energy doesn’t stop there. Jim Camacho, Deen’s husband and a celebrated singer and songwriter, writes and produces the original musicals performed by TMS students each year. His work brings our students’ creativity to life on stage and is a beloved part of the school’s tradition.
Together, the family continues to infuse The Mandelstam School with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to nurturing the whole child.
Building TMS
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s |
The Spark |
| Late 1980s | Laying the Groundwork Carol and Rod Mandelstam purchase land in South Miami and begin planning a school that blends strong academics, movement, and the arts. |
| 1989–1999 | A Decade of Determination After the city commission denies their proposal, the Mandelstams enter a 10-year legal battle. With unwavering commitment and growing community support, they persevere. |
| 1993 | Breaking Ground Construction begins. The building becomes more than a structure. It becomes a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets persistence. |
| 1994–2010 |
A Foundation Through Partnership |
| 2011 | The Dream Realized The Mandelstam School opens as a fully independent elementary school that is small by design, rich in purpose, and rooted in the original vision. |
| Today | A Thriving Legacy TMS celebrates over 30 years of educational impact and more than a decade as an independent school. What began as a bold vision now stands as a beloved community. It is a place where generations have grown in knowledge, confidence, creativity, and joy. The story is still unfolding, as each new student becomes part of a future shaped by purpose, passion, and possibility. |
South Miami Gymnastics
At the heart of The Mandelstam School is South Miami Gymnastics (SMG), a sister program created by the Mandelstam family to bring Carol Mandelstam’s core philosophy to life. Movement fuels learning.
Founded in 1995, South Miami Gymnastics has provided a dynamic space for athletic skill-building and confidence for over 30 years. It powers our daily movement-based curriculum and also offers enriching after-school and summer programs to students of all ages.
Whether they are beginners or advanced athletes, every child benefits from precise, age-appropriate coaching. This helps them grow physically and develop valuable qualities like discipline and resilience.
SMG offers the following:
-
After-school gymnastics classes for all levels
-
Competitive gymnastics teams
-
Summer camp programs
We are proud to be affiliated with AAU. We are also recognized as a USA Gymnastics Club Subscriber and participate actively in the Elite Coaches Association. These partnerships ensure our students receive high-quality instruction in a supportive community.