14932 SW 89th St
Miami, FL 33196

The principal is a mess like some folks mention and the Gifted program a joke. Years ago “gifted” learners were those that excelled academically and were capable of sitting quietly for instruction. These days, if the kids pass a test, they get in. Many with learning disabilities in the program interrupt the learning environment and engage in bullying. The teachers turn a blind eye and the principal’s response is “everyone’s equal.” Not so. By allowing those mentally/emotionally challenged students who continuously interrupt the learning environment, you’re taking the rights away of those children who do not have these issues. Such a shame. It used to be a good school but it’s headed in the wrong direction.

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.

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.