Dr. Douglas R. Laurie

Career Timeline

1997:

• Admissions Director and teacher of anatomy, physiology, and biology.

2000:

• Acquired second 40-acre campus in Palm Beach County, Florida.
• Created the first pre-professional pre-medical program at American Heritage Schools, featuring advanced classes taught exclusively by medical doctors.

2001:

• Appointed Science Department Chair.
• Established a rigorous Scientific Research Program, expanding laboratory facilities to include scanning electron microscopes.
• Developed the college guidance program, including additional staff, a college tour program, and a college fair.
• Implemented cross-curriculum and cross-campus administrator meetings to unify standard operating procedures.

2002:

• Expanded course offerings in response to South Florida’s growing population while continuing roles as science teacher, department chair, and admissions director.

2003:

• Developed SAT/ACT preparation programs, which evolved into a video instructional series and app used in 30+ private schools nationwide.
• Created an intensive SAT prep course, increasing average SAT scores from 1200 to 1370 and establishing American Heritage Schools as the top school in Florida for National Merit semi-finalists.
• Founded the pre-law program and competitive mock trial team.
• Joined the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County.
• Joined the Board of the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF).
• Started a charity to benefit underprivileged children who are cancer patients at Broward General Hospital.

2004:

• Promoted to Vice President of American Heritage Schools.
• Created an international homestay program, expanding to 150 students from multiple countries.
• Expanded school transportation services with free express bus routes.
• Established a Technology Innovation department to bridge the gap between educators and IT professionals.

2005:

• Created the pre-engineering and robotics competition programs, designing and renovating facilities to support them.
• Founded the math competition program, now ranked as the top Mu Alpha Theta private school program in the U.S.
• Developed a biomedical engineering program.

2006:

• Expanded extracurricular club offerings to 85 student organizations.
• Became head of programming for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County.

2007:

• Designed and constructed a new dining hall, elementary media center, and junior high building at the Palm Beach campus.

2008:

• Introduced a Mandarin Chinese language program from elementary through AP level.

2009:

• Built a new elementary school at the Broward campus with integrated computer labs.
• Collaborated with the Technology Innovation Director to develop an iPad-integrated curriculum.

2010:

• Established a network in Brazil to streamline enrollment for Brazilian students.

2012:

• Founded the Speech & Debate program, now among the top programs in the U.S.

2013:

• Designed and constructed a one-acre Environmental Education Center at the Broward campus.

2015:

• Became President of American Heritage Schools and American Learning Systems.
• Designed and built a 30,000-square-foot science research, pre-engineering, and robotics facility at the Palm Beach campus.

2016:

• Implemented biannual safety and customer service training for all staff.

2017:

• Strengthened school security post-Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, hiring armed guards, full-time police officers, increasing surveillance, and implementing a clear backpack policy.

2018:

• Developed and launched “Silver Shield,” an in-house visitor management and background check system.

2019:

• Established an in-house marketing team after unsatisfactory results with outside agencies.
• Created an advanced summer education program with over 100 courses, both online and in-person.
• Elected Chairman of the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County.

2020-2022:

• Led American Heritage Schools through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring all staff remained employed. Developed extensive procedures and protocols in collaboration with a team of doctors and epidemiologists to safeguard the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff while maintaining academic excellence.

2022-2023:

• Addressed the teacher shortage and rising rental costs by improving employee benefits, implementing an aggressive recruitment strategy, and purchasing three apartment buildings for staff housing.

2024:

• Developed a comprehensive curriculum to integrate soft skills across all subject areas, ensuring students graduate with strong communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership abilities essential for success in higher education and the workforce.