A
Miami, FL 33146

Disappointing. The administration feels more authoritarian than collaborative. Classes are overcrowded, especially gifted and some regular ones. People have raised concerns that some students are placed in gifted classes because of parent–administration connections, even if they’re not officially identified as gifted, which creates a sense of unfairness for families who aren’t part of their “club.”Communication from the administration is weak, leaving families confused or out of the loop on important matters, and those who speak up may feel sidelined. The PTA, which is supposed to act as a bridge between parents and administration, seems more focused on constant fundraising for unnecessary parties and celebrations to please the administration and appear on social media, rather than building a transparent and inclusive community. I really hope those responsible for overseeing this district take a closer look at what’s happening at what used to be a great school.

My daughter transferred into the Ponce IB program in her seventh grade year from a different Coral Gables school. I am so glad we made the switch. Ponce has way more activities, clubs, Sports, and opportunities for academic enrichments than the previous school. And bonus - every student that is in the Ponce IB program is given a seat at Coral Gables Senior High’s IB program. Ponce has quality academics, leadership,And activities and has the added value of a more diverse population than many Gables schools, which is essential for well-rounded growth for students. As a large middle school it experiences the same challenges all middle schools do but this school has come a very long way and is a completely different school than many Gables parents will incorrectly lead you to believe based on very old history and judgements.

As a current teacher and Alumni of CGHS, this is, without a doubt, the worst school I have ever taught and studied at. The primary factor for this is the teachers, especially Diana Van-Wyk. She is the "IB Coordinator" of the school, who demonstrates clear favoritism, laziness, apathy, and sexism. As a counsellor and coordinator of such a prestige program such as the IB, I would expect her to care for her students and support them fully through their academic journey, as would most people. However, since she has joined this school years ago, I have seen a noticeable decline in student mental health, overall happiness, and communication with teachers. This is what inspired me to become a teacher, so I could be everything she isn't. Furthermore, I have received multiple student complaints about her, and her failure of communication as well as her stubbornness. I don't think she understands that the students she deals with are socially maturer than most, perhaps indicating why she refuses to admit she's wrong. It is in the best interest of the school to remove her as a faculty.