8652 SW 154th Ave #6A
Miami, FL 33193

As a parent of a student at Hammocks Middle School, I can honestly say this school has been an amazing experience for our family. The staff, administration, and teachers truly go above and beyond to support their students academically and personally. They are caring, attentive, and create a positive environment where students feel safe, encouraged, and motivated to succeed.One of the things that makes this school stand out is its incredible magnet programs. The Law Studies and Coding programs are both outstanding opportunities that give students unique experiences and help prepare them for the future. In addition, the school offers a wide variety of electives and extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore their interests and stay involved.What I love most is that Hammocks Middle School is a smaller school, which gives it a close-knit community feel. Students are not just numbers here—teachers and staff really get to know them and care about their success. It truly feels like a hidden gem, and we feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful school community.

As a staff member, I can honestly say that Dante B. Fascell Elementary is a truly special place to work and learn. Every day, I am inspired by the strong sense of family that exists throughout our school community. Students, parents, teachers, and staff work together to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every child is encouraged to succeed and shine. Dante has proudly built a legacy of excellence, celebrating decades of serving the community with dedication and heart. One of the things I love most about our school is the incredible administration. Their leadership, commitment to students, and support for staff create a positive culture that is felt throughout the campus. Our office staff is equally amazing—always friendly, helpful, and ready to greet families with a smile, making everyone feel right at home. The classrooms at Dante are engaging, innovative, and student-centered. Our teachers work tirelessly to create meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Students are actively involved in the learning process and are encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and grow both academically and personally. I am also proud of our school's commitment to STEM education and enrichment opportunities. Dante has earned prestigious STEM recognition and offers students a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including Robotics Club, STEM/STEAM Club, Math Club, Art Club, Chorus, Dance Team, Dream in Green, and leadership programs. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests, develop confidence, and gain skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. Being part of the Dante Dolphin family is an honor. It is a school where excellence is celebrated, relationships matter, and students are given every opportunity to thrive. I am grateful to work alongside such dedicated educators and staff in a community that truly puts children first.

I made the difficult decision to move my son out of Varela during his senior year because of a very disappointing experience he had on the boys volleyball team during his junior year. Despite being dedicated and passionate about the sport, he was treated unfairly. It was clear this was because he chose not to join the Miami United club team.It is disheartening to see high school athletics affected by outside affiliations and favoritism. A school team should be about school spirit, teamwork, and recognizing talent based on merit, not pressure to join specific clubs.I hope Varela takes a serious look at how its programs are being run and focuses on putting students’ experiences and development first. No student should feel excluded or overlooked for making personal choices outside of school.