C #305
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.

Dante B. Fascell Elementary School holds a very special place in our family. My children are alumni, and I always knew I wanted my grandchildren to have the same experience my kids had and it has truly been just that and more. The staff and administration are friendly, welcoming, and approachable, creating a warm environment from the moment you step onto campus. Every morning, students are greeted by the principal and vice principal, which speaks volumes about their leadership and commitment to the children. It’s amazing to see the same care, values, and sense of community continue through generations. We are so grateful for this school.

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.