Miami Private Schools | Preparing Kids for a Changing World David Siddons Group

Inside Miami’s Private Schools: Are We Preparing Our Children for a Rapidly Changing World?

In this episode of the Better Decisions Podcast, we sit down with Simon Hess, President of Gulliver Prep, one of Miami’s most sought-after private schools. , we dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with educating students in today’s rapidly evolving world. From recruiting and retaining top teachers in a growing Miami school market to supporting students through the critical transition into middle school, we cover it all. We explore how Gulliver is redefining success beyond test scores, nurturing resilience, fostering critical thinking, and addressing the impact of social media on self-image. Join us as we discuss how our school community is committed to preparing students for a bright future, and why we believe in fostering a culture where both students and families thrive.

Recruiting and Retaining Top Teachers in Miami’s Private Schools

One of the key challenges Gulliver is facing is attracting and retaining high-quality teachers. With migration levels in Miami so high, the demand from new students has outpaced the school’s ability to keep up. Currently, there are seven students applying for every available seat, making it difficult to expand the school and maintain an adequate teaching staff. Recruiting teachers to work in an expensive city presents its own set of challenges, particularly when they may face a reduced lifestyle compared to their previous, more affordable cities. Gulliver is proud to have a mix of veteran educators and new teachers, and our goal is to make them feel welcomed and valued. We strive to create an inspiring environment that fosters growth and makes a lasting impact on both students and teachers.

Supporting Your Child’s Transition into Middle School

As Gulliver’s Director, I would tell parents transitioning their children to middle school that the pressures placed on kids today are often unfair, but unfortunately, we must navigate the system as it stands. It’s about finding the right fit—just like choosing the right pair of pants. We align with families who share our mission and values, especially when it comes to how we educate and support your children. While many Miami private schools focus on top grades and college admissions, we take a broader view of intelligence. We recognize that each student is unique, and we provide personalized support, including programs for students with ADHD or other learning differences. At Gulliver, we nurture each child’s individual talents, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or needs, can find their passion and thrive.

We don’t measure our success by the number of students who attend Ivy League schools. In fact, some of our students have even turned down such opportunities. Parents often look at these rankings for different reasons, but we believe that when the system forces kids to focus solely on getting an “A” to get into prestigious schools, we fail to prepare them for a more fulfilling life. At Gulliver, we aim to help students grow in all aspects, not just academically, so they can be well-rounded individuals ready to face the world.

Inside Miami Private Schools: Are We Preparing Our Children for a Rapidly Changing World?

Preparing Students for the Future

Schools must shift their focus from simply teaching what to think to emphasizing how to think. In today’s world, memorizing information that can be easily accessed online is no longer the priority. What technology like Google and AI can’t do is help students think critically, build meaningful relationships, show empathy, and understand complex contexts and the impact of their decisions. We want to prepare students to be critical thinkers who are aware of the world around them, while also equipping them with essential skills beyond what is found in textbooks. These skills—creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence—are crucial for success in the ever-evolving world.

Building Resilience Through Challenges

Resilience is a key concern for us, as many kids today struggle to overcome obstacles. We’ve removed many natural challenges from their lives, making it harder for them to face difficulties head-on. As a result, students often hesitate to take risks, especially when it comes to tests or trying new things. However, growth only happens when you’re pushed and sometimes fail. Failure is a crucial part of success—it’s through failure that we learn and develop, not through success alone. This is something we want to emphasize in our school, as part of our mission to encourage resilience.

Too often, parents are focused on achieving high grades and will go to great lengths to ensure their children succeed. But it’s equally important to let kids experience failure at times, as it teaches them valuable lessons. In many cases, children are given so much that their motivation wanes. Parents who provide everything for them can unintentionally take away the drive to strive for success. At Gulliver, we aim to encourage a mindset that embraces imperfection and the value of trying new things, knowing that resilience is built through these challenges.

Breaking Free from the Distraction Trap

Phones are collected during the school day to minimize distractions. Constant notifications can cause anxiety and waste valuable time. Students have shared that this helps them focus more, engage with one another, and be present, rather than getting lost in their screens. In a world filled with endless content, it’s important for students to learn how to prioritize and process information effectively. This approach fosters better communication and a stronger sense of community.

Navigating Self-Image in the Age of Social Media

In today’s world, where popularity and appearance are often prioritized, the role of both school and home in shaping self-image has never been more critical. We’re facing serious issues around how people, especially young people, are judged both on social media and in real life. Self-esteem is a significant concern. As adults, we need to be courageous enough to set boundaries—like limiting phone use—because unrestricted access to social media can harm children’s self-worth. It’s essential that we delay their exposure to these platforms, as too much too soon can set them up for challenges in building a healthy self-image.

A Final Message for Parents Considering Gulliver or any other Private School in Miami.

At Gulliver, we are building a truly exceptional community, where long-time residents and newcomers alike are coming together to create something extraordinary. We view ourselves as a cornerstone of this growing community, committed to providing an outstanding education for the families we serve. Our focus is on finding a great fit—parents who share our values and are ready to embrace the challenge of helping their children become the best versions of themselves. We want families who are dedicated to this mission and who believe in pushing their kids to achieve greatness. We look for a great fit within our community that prioritizes growth, excellence, and shared values.

Conclusion

If you’re moving to Miami or already here and resonate with Gulliver’s values and growth trajectory, I’d be happy to make an introduction. I’m currently navigating the process of finding the right school for my own kids, so I understand the challenges. We’ve interviewed several school heads for the podcast (Palmer Trinity and St Thomas) and I can connect you with the right contacts. Additionally, we’ve written a blog featuring the top 10 hacks for Miami private schools that might be helpful.

Schedule Time with David

Please contact me at 305.508.0899 or schedule a meeting via the below Calendly app for more information about Miami Private Schools, Moving to Miami or the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Miami.

Call us for personalized assistance
+1 (305) 508-0899

Inside Miami’s Private Schools: Are We Preparing Our Children for a Rapidly Changing World?

Recruiting and Retaining Top Teachers in Miami’s Private Schools