Inside Miami’s 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.

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.

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

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