AACS Honors 2025 Golden School Award Winners at Annual Conference in Miami Beach

AACS Honors 2025 Golden School Award Winners at Annual Conference in Miami Beach 

Miami Beach, FL — October 26, 2025 — The American Association of Career Schools (AACS) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Golden School Awards during a special Awards Luncheon at the AACS Annual Conference, held October 23–26 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in beauty, barber, and wellness schools across the nation. 

This year’s winners were recognized for their achievements in categories that highlight the core values of AACS member schools, including student success, community impact, creativity, and institutional excellence. 

2025 Golden School Award Winners Include: 

• School of the Year: Paul Mitchell the School Esani – Roswell, GA 

• Advocacy: Paul Mitchell the School Esani – Roswell, GA 

• Community Involvement: Paul Mitchell the School Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV 

• Facilities: Penrose Academy – Scottsdale, AZ 

• Legacy Alumni: Penrose Academy – Scottsdale, AZ 

• Student Salon & Spa: Penrose Academy – Scottsdale, AZ 

• Marketing Innovation: Aveda Institute – Columbus, OH 

• Placement: Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design – Greenville, NC 

• School Culture: Pivot Point Academy – Bloomingdale, IL 

“These schools represent the best in beauty, barber, and wellness education—places where passion meets purpose and students are empowered to thrive,” said Cecil Kidd, AACS Executive Director. “Their commitment to excellence inspires the entire industry, and we are proud to honor their accomplishments on the national stage.” 

The Golden School Awards program was created to spotlight schools that go above and beyond in their mission to educate and elevate the next generation of beauty, barber, and wellness professionals. Winners were selected by a panel of industry experts based on a thorough rubric of criteria per category. 

The ceremony was a highlight of the AACS Annual Conference, where school owners and industry professionals from across the country gathered for three days of education, collaboration, and celebration. 

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