Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach k-8

7 feet above sea level

On March 10, 2025, Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach K–8 became one of the first K–8 schools in Broward County to participate in the ‘Underwater: Broward’ initiative. With its campus sitting at just 7 feet above sea level, the school now hosts a powerful elevation mural by artist Xavier Cortada, transforming a simple number into a conversation starter and a call to action for climate awareness.

Inspiring the Next Generation

During the school assembly, 100 students students learned how sea level rise is already impacting South Florida—and how understanding elevation can help us build more resilient communities. The session wasn’t just educational—it was hands-on and participatory. Students took part in an interactive art workshop where they created personalized Underwater yard signs to display at home, each one marking their home’s elevation.

Building Awareness, Sparking Action

To bring the learning to life and extend it beyond the assembly, students received:

  • Underwater T-shirts for active participation

  • “HELLO my elevation is” stickers to wear and share

  • Elevation Cards with QR codes, giving students and families tools to look up their home’s elevation and learn more about climate risks in their neighborhood

By integrating public art, science education, and community engagement, The Underwater project helped Gulfstream Academy’s students see their role in shaping a more resilient future—starting right at home.