M-DCPS Celebrates Completion of Planetarium, Law Academy, and Modernized Learning Spaces at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School

Center, Rafael A. Villalobos, M-DCPS Superintendent of Schools, joins school administrators, community representatives, elected officials and students during an immersive presentation inside the newly renovated Ken Mattingly Planetarium at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School, one of several enhancements unveiled as part of a $3.2 million General Obligation Bond (GOB) Program project that also includes a new Law Academy and renovated learning spaces across the campus.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) celebrated the completion of a $3.2 million General Obligation Bond (GOB) Program project at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School (HML), further advancing the District's commitment to innovation, educational excellence, and expanded opportunities for students. The project includes the transformation of the historic Ken Mattingly Planetarium into a state-of-the-art SpaceHUB learning environment, the addition of a new Law Academy courtroom and instructional complex, and renovations to classrooms, laboratories, and student support spaces designed to prepare students for college, careers, and life.

"Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School students and the surrounding community have something they can be truly proud of because we are providing opportunities that are not being offered anywhere else," said Romulo M. Espinosa, principal of Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School. "Through SpaceHUB and our Law Academy, students can pursue distinct educational pathways that prepare them for employment in highly competitive fields, including aerospace technology, electrical engineering and law."

District leaders, School Board members, elected officials, school administrators, students, faculty, alumni, project partners, and community stakeholders gathered to commemorate the completion of the project and celebrate a new chapter in the school's history.

Named in honor of astronaut Thomas Kenneth "Ken" Mattingly II, a South Florida native whose contributions helped make the successful return of Apollo 13 possible, the renovated planetarium serves as the centerpiece of HML's SpaceHUB initiative and provides students with immersive learning experiences in aerospace, engineering, robotics, and emerging technologies.

 The project features a new 30-foot projection dome, seating for 52 visitors, advanced digital projection systems, immersive sound technology, and gallery space that allows students to engage with science and space exploration through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

"We are offering students something that is not available anywhere else in the District," said Yesenia Aponte, North Region superintendent. "By giving them access to advanced technology and unique learning experiences, we are helping develop the next generation of innovators while strengthening the future of our community."

A key component of the investment is the new Law Academy courtroom and learning complex, which includes a judge's bench, jury box, witness stand, attorney tables, and collaborative instructional spaces. The facility allows students to participate in mock trials, legal simulations, and career-focused instruction that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences.

The School Board commissioned Wolfberg Alvarez and Partners as the architect of record and Carivon Construction as the project contractor. Funded through the voter-approved General Obligation Bond (GOB) Program, the $3.2 million investment transformed and modernized learning spaces at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School, including the Ken Mattingly Planetarium and SpaceHUB, a new Law Academy, and renovations to classrooms, laboratories, and support spaces.

Beyond the Planetarium and Law Academy, approximately 6,500 square feet of classroom, laboratory, and student support spaces were renovated to enhance teaching and learning across the campus. The improvements create flexible, modern environments that support academic success and foster student engagement.

Students from Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School participate in hands-on learning experiences using advanced aerospace, engineering and technology equipment within the school's new SpaceHUB.

The completion of these projects demonstrates how the GOB Program continues to transform schools through investments in innovative, state-of-the-art facilities. The enhancements expand opportunities in STEM, aerospace education, and legal studies while providing engaging academic spaces that prepare students for college, careers, and life, reinforcing why Miami-Dade County Public Schools is Your Best Choice for educational excellence, innovation, and opportunity. 

For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device. Follow us on X @MDCPS and @MiamiSupt, on Instagram @miamischools and @MiamiSupt, and on Facebook at @MiamiSchools and @MiamiSupt.