HELPING STUDENTS EMBRACE CHALLENGES WHY STEPPING OUT OF COMFORT ZONES MATTERS
www.carrollton.org
www.carrollton.org
St. Brendan High School
St. Brendan High School, a proud pillar of Catholic education in Miami, is celebrating 50 incredible years! Guided by The Sabre Spirit that inspires pride, unity, and resilience, the school develops young men and women of character who go on to lead their families, communities, and businesses with courage and committment.
COVERS
Elizabeth Rivas
Welcome to our Back to School issue. As families prepare for the year ahead, I hope you are inspired by the strength of our educational community. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and this issue is designed to provide not only information but also inspiration.
This edition is especially meaningful as we celebrate two major milestones in our community. St. Brendan High School marks 50 years of faith, education, and the spirit of community, while The Roig Academy celebrates 25 years of personalized, IB-based learning for students with learning differences. We're proud to highlight these schools as they continue to shape and support the next generation.
The milestones we celebrate reflect the heart and purpose of private education: a commitment to growth, values, and student-centered learning. Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey or preparing for what comes next, my hope is that you feel supported, informed, and excited about the possibilities ahead. Thank you for letting us be part of that journey.
Directory of Premier Private Schools in South Florida
Emotional Resilience & Life Lessons
Here’s where sports get interesting: failure is baked into the experience. You will mess up. You will lose. And the only real option is to try again. That kind of emotional resilience isn’t something you can teach in a one-time pep talk. It comes from missing the shot, hearing the whistle blow, and showing up to the next game ready to do it all over again. That lesson sticks.
And what matters isn’t just what kids learn but how they learn it. Through repetition. Through discomfort. By doing the hard thing when it would be easier to quit. That kind of learning lasts. Sports are a safe place to struggle, figure it out, and come out a little stronger.
Discipline, Focus & Self-Belief
Discipline is not glamorous. It’s showing up to practice when you’d rather be watching YouTube. It’s doing drills in the rain. It’s pushing yourself even when no one is clapping.
Even better, sports give kids something most grown-ups are still trying to figure out: real confidence. Not “I’m special” confidence, but “I earned this” confidence. When a kid sets a goal like improving their free throw and follows through, they’re reinforcing something critical: Ikeep mypromisestomyself. That’s how real confidence is built. Unlike empty praise, sports offer real feedback. You work, you improve. You fall short, you adjust. That cycle—goal, effort, progress—not only builds skill, it shapes identity: I’m someone who commits, improves, and grows. And confidence built on that foundation actually lasts.
Team sports push kids into real-life social dynamics. They have to share credit, deal with conflict, step up, step back, and be part of something bigger than themselves. They learn how to lead and how to follow, how to collaborate under pressure, and how to be accountable.
They also learn about empathy and integrity. Things like helping up a teammate, owning a mistake, or choosing not to show off after a win. Small things, big impact. And you don’t have to be the star athlete to benefit from all of this. The experience of being part of something, contributing to a group, and pushing through difficulty is valuable at every skill level.
“Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose — it teaches you about life.”
- BillieJeanKing
The best part of youth sports? The lessons don’t stay on the field. At school, at home, with friends, and eventually at work—these are the skills that matter: the ability to focus when frustrated, stay calm under pressure, lead without ego, and be coachable, adaptable, and reliable. Kids think they’re just playing, but they’re actually practicing life skills disguised as fun. And those skills will shape who they become.
We often say sports build character, and they do. But more than that, they reveal it. They shape it and strengthen it over time. They help kids discover who they are, one practice, one loss, one hard-won moment at a time.
Want to see someone’s character? Watch how they act during a tough game. Especially if they’re losing.
And that kind of growth? It’s worth every early morning game, every muddy uniform, and every sacrifice along the way. Because you’re not just raising an athlete, you’re raising a kid who learns to face challenges, push through setbacks, and who can handle the highs and lows life promises. That’s the long game.
Here, your child is more than a student. They’re a thinker, a problem-solver, a creator, a leader in the making. We challenge them to go deeper — to ask better questions, act with integrity, and step into every opportunity with confidence.
This is where comfort zones are stretched, talents are uncovered, and futures take shape. Beyond limits. Beyond expectations. Go beyond with Riviera Schools.
100%
COLLEGE ENROLLMENT
BY MAGGIE EUBANKS
Every human being has a neurotype. Neurotypes are the unique way an individual's brain processes the information it receives. A neurotype also incorporates each unique brain's cognitive functions, communication styles and learning preferences. This neurotype is a key component of each individual's identity and is unique to them. Just as people have different body types, reacting differently to food, exercise, temperature, and even allergies, each person's neurotype uniquely influences how they engage in their home, school and other enironments
And there's a reason for this neurodiversity.
More each day, research shows us that these diverse neurotypes are all better suited for different tasks. For example, while the general population has a prevalence for ADHD of 2.1% to 3.5 %, between 20% and 30% of firefighters are of the ADHD neurotype. The ADHD neurotype embodies fast and divergent processing in rapidly changing environments allowing for calm and collected actions in the face of emergencies. But, it's poorly suited for highly structured and repetitive environments with little flexibility or novelty. This is just one of the many examples of how knowing neurotypes and the strengths of
Try to step backwards from it and look at the thinking and processing behind the strengths.
"My child is an incredible storyteller! The creativity and long-term planning and development of the story are amazing! They seem to lose interest and may shut down when they are told to write it down, though."
Potential Dyslexic neurotypes can have strong problem solving and narrative reasoning skills, and may also have increased spatial abilities, abstract thinking, and can be skilled conversationalists. A shocking 35% to 40% of entrepreneurs in the US and UK are dyslexic! A great place to begin learning more is MadebyDyslexia.org, an excellent resource for insights, tools, and information.
"My kiddo has amazing attention to detail, an incredible memory and thrives in systems where patterns and schedules are needed. And their moral compass is so strong! They can struggle with being inflexible and lots of system changes can really spike their anxiety, though."
Potential Autistic neurotypes can have amazing attention to detail, incredible memories, and extremely strong pattern recognition, among many other skills.
Several companies have begun hiring for specific neurotypes as they realize for example, that individuals of the autistic neurotype can have skills that exceed a neurotypical individual and make them great at their jobs in certain areas. Microsoft, Dell, JP Morgan Chase and Meta, the list is growing every day! Look to embrace-autism.com and
Knowing your child's neurotype can help you choose the best school setting for them to achieve their personal goals and find a great school community to develop their talents and gifts! Palmetto Bay Academy Schools rely heavily on strength-based and interest focused programming. Understanding more about neurotypes and their impact on how we interact with and process the world can be
Maggie Eubanks, MEd, MLS, BCSE, is Head of Schools at Palmetto Bay Academy. A 20-year veteran of public and independent education, she is an award-winning teacher and administrator, and a doctoral student at the Bridges Graduate School for Cognitive Diversity in Education.
Investing in your emotional well-being benefits not just you, but everyone you love. If you’re burned out or overwhelmed, don’t ignore it. Therapy can help you feel grounded, confident, and energized again. Schedule a free consultation today.
MARY RIVAS Counselor,
CEA provides a dynamic, intimate and nurturing environment that helps students grow into confident human beings with curious minds, healthy bodies, and strong civic, spiritual, and cultural values. Through its demanding academic program, Conservatory of the Arts, athletic division, and mastery program, students are challenged and inspired to grow as passionate thinkers and doers who make an impact on their communities. Each child is seen and respected as an individual, keeping the spirit of love and respect that is the trademark of CEA and The Espinosa Method™.
It happens every year. You’re strolling through Target, restocking sunscreen and grabbing a candle you definitely don’t need, when you notice it—the beach towels are gone. In their place? Glue sticks and lunchboxes.
That’s when you realize: summer is almost over. There’s still sand in the car, but emotionally, the shift has begun. Uniforms that fit just fine in June are suddenly crop tops. And no one in the house feels remotely ready to set an alarm that starts with a 6.
Because the truth is, going back to school isn’t just a logistical transition. It’s a mental one. And it rarely goes well if you try to do it all at once.
These five tips will help you ease your family back into a routine with less stress, fewer meltdowns, and just enough structure to feel human again by the first day.
Before diving into school prep, take a moment to close out the summer. Sit down with your child and talk about what they loved, what they’ll miss, and if there’s anything still on their wish list. It’s a simple way to help them shift from freedom to structure without it feeling abrupt.
Just ask: What was your favorite day? What made you feel proud? Is there one more thing you’d like to do before break ends? This kind of mental debrief works like a reset—it clears out lingering emotions and helps close the loop on summer. It’s a gentle way to honor what mattered while making room for what’s next.
You might even uncover some unfinished business: a playdate they forgot to plan or one last pool day. If it’s doable, go for it. If not, put it on the calendar for a future weekend. Either way, you’re helping them move forward feeling seen and ready.
A good school day starts the night before, and that starts with sleep. Focus, energy, and mood all depend on it—and after a summer of staying up late and sleeping in, kids can’t snap back into a 7 a.m. routine overnight.
Start adjusting sleep schedules about two weeks before school starts, shifting bedtime and wake-up time earlier by 15 to 30 minutes every few days. Consistency helps the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, adapt gradually and avoid the grogginess, mood swings, and brain fog that come with sudden changes.
Starting early gives the body and brain time to ease into the new rhythm. It lowers stress and makes that first morning feel more manageable.
Just know this may take some trial and error. Some kids take longer to get dressed, others need extra time to wake up or eat breakfast. That’s okay. Adjust as needed. The goal is to build a routine that works before the first day sneaks up on you.
A chaotic morning usually starts the night before. The good news? A consistent, intentional evening routine can change that.
A good place to start is with a nighttime alarm. It’s a simple way to signal the shift from free time to winddown mode: brush teeth, turn off screens, dim the lights, and switch to something calming like reading or journaling.
From there, layer in small habits that prep for the next day—laying out clothes, packing lunches, and making sure backpacks are ready to go. These small steps reduce decision-making and friction in the morning, especially when everyone’s still half asleep.
Let kids help. Give them a job that’s theirs: one can refill water bottles, another can help set the table for breakfast the next morning. Even younger kids can pitch in by laying out napkins and cups. These small responsibilities build ownership and confidence, while lowering resistance when it’s go-time.
Try a dry run a day or two before school starts to work out the kinks. Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and go through the motions of a typical school morning. It’s a great way to spot what still needs tweaking and make the real thing feel more familiar. Then, once everyone’s dressed and ready? Do something fun. Go out for breakfast, hit the park, or plan a small treat. It helps kids associate the back-to-school routine with something positive and reminds everyone that structure and joy can go hand in hand.
Before charging into the new year, take stock of how far your child has already come. What went well last year? What felt hard but eventually got easier? It’s easy for kids to dwell on what didn’t go well, but reflecting on wins helps shift that perspective. It builds confidence and sets a positive tone for the year ahead.
From there, shift the conversation to goals. Not just academic ones like improving in math, but personal ones too—like making a new friend, joining a club or trying out for a new sport. The more specific the goal, the more likely kids are to follow through. “Make more friends” is vague. But “I’ll introduce myself to one new person this week” feels doable and measurable. Once they have a few ideas, narrow it down to one or two realistic goals. Then have them jot down both last year’s wins and this year’s goals, and hang the list on the fridge or somewhere they’ll see it often. These small steps help kids see they’re not just hoping for a better year. They’re actively building one.
Now that your child’s looked back and set some goals, help them look ahead. A vision board is a fun, creative way to imagine the kind of year they want to have and feel some excitement about it. They can sketch, cut up magazines, or print pictures of things they’re looking forward to.
And once that first week is behind you, celebrate it. Plan something small but meaningful: a favorite breakfast, a movie night, a little outing. The first week back takes effort. Acknowledging the effort it takes to jump back in helps kids connect routine with reward and reinforces the idea that school is something they can enjoy.
Transitions are rarely seamless, but with a little intention, they don’t have to feel chaotic. By easing into routines, reflecting on growth, and adding small moments of joy to the process, you’re giving your child the tools to handle change with confidence. And that’s the kind of foundation that lasts a lifetime.�
INDEPENDENT / NON -SECTARIAN
Alexander Montessori School w
Conchita Espinosa Academy
The Cushman School
Gulliver Prep w
Highpoint Academy w KLA Academy
KLA Schools
Miami Country Day School w Riviera Schools
The Roig Academy w
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Christopher Columbus High School
Florida Christian School
The Growing Place School
Immaculata-La Salle High School
Kendall Christian School
Miami Christian School
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
Palmer Trinity School
Rambam Day School w
St. Brendan High School w
Westminster Christian School w
ALTERNATIVE/SPECIALIZED
Atlantis Academy
Miami Learning Experience School
Palmetto Bay Academy
Westbridge Academy (Christian)
Indicates a school that offers minor support for students with mild learning difficulties/differences
Palmetto Bay Campus
Preschool 18 mos. - 6 years 17800 Old Cutler Road Miami FL 33157 (305) 969-1814
Old Cutler Road Campus
Preschool 2 - 6 years 14400 Old Cutler Road Miami FL 33158 (305) 233-4540
Ludlam Road Campus
Elementary 6 - 12 years 14850 SW 67th Avenue Miami FL 33158 (305) 235-3995
Red Road Campus
Preschool 3 - 6 years 6050 SW 57th Avenue
Miami FL 33143 (305) 665-6274
www.alexandermontessori.com
CONCHITA ESPINOSA ACADEMY
PK3 - 8th Grade
12975 SW 6th Street
Miami, FL 33184 (305) 227-1149
www.conchitaespinosa.com
PK2 - 12th Grade
592 NE 60th Street
Miami, FL 33137 (305) 757-1966
www.cushmanschool.org
Marian C. Krutulis PK-8 Campus PK - 8th Grade 12595 Red Road Coral Gables, FL 33156 (305) 665-3593
Upper School Campus 9th - 12th Grade 6575 North Kendall Drive Pinecrest, FL 33156 (305) 666-7937
www.gulliverprep.org
HIGHPOINT ACADEMY PK2 - 8th Grade
Main Campus 12101 SW 34th Street Miami, FL 33175 (305) 552-0202
Coral Way Campus 9850 SW 24th Street Miami, FL 33165 (305) 552-0208
www.highpointacademy.com
3 Months - 5th Grade
375 SW 15th Road
Miami, FL 33129 (305) 377-0391 klaacademy.org
KLA Schools of Aventura 12 Months - 5 years 20301 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura, FL 33180 (305) 931-2322
KLA Schools of Coral Gables
3 Months - 5 years
4573 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 668-0552
KLA Schools of Doral 12 Months - 5 years (offers VPK) 10400 NW 33rd Street #100 Miami, FL 33172
KLA Schools of North Bay Village 3 Months - 5 years
7800 Hispanola Avenue North Bay Village, FL 33141 (305) 865-2678
KLA Schools of North Miami Beach 3 Months - 5 years (Offers VPK) 13702 Biscayne Blvd. North Miami Beach, FL 33181 (305) 697-8018
KLA Schools of Palmetto Bay
3 Months - 5 years
14875 S. Dixie Highway, Unit B Miami, FL 33176 (305) 233-0130
MIAMI COUNTRY
PK - 12th Grade
601 NE 107th Street Miami, FL 33161 (305) 779-7230
www.miamicountryday.org
Coconut Grove, FL 33133 (305) 446-5673
www.carrollton.org
RIVIERA SCHOOLS
Riviera Day School PK - 5th Grade 6800 Nervia Street Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 666-1856
Riviera Preparatory School 6th - 12th Grade 9775 SW 87th Avenue Miami, FL 33176 (786) 300-0300
www.rivieraschools.com
ROIG ACADEMY K - 8th Grade
8000 SW 112 Street Miami, FL 33156 (305) 235-1313
www.roigacademy.com
KLA Schools of West Kendall 3 Months - 5 years (Offers VPK/SR) 8950 SW 137th Avenue Miami, FL 33186 (305) 387-2480
www.klaschools.com
www.belenjesuit.org
Miami, FL 33165 (305) 223-5650 x2256 www.columbushs .com
PreK 2 - 12th Grade
4200 SW 89 Ave Miami, FL 33165 (305) 226-8152
www.floridachristian.org
Preschool - Elementary Toddlers - 5th Grade
536 Coral Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-446-0846 thegrowingplace.school
IMMACULATA-LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL 9th - 12th Grade
3601 South Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33133 (305) 854-2334
www.ilsroyals.com
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
KENDALL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PK1- 5th Grade
8485 SW 112 Street Miami, FL 33156 (305) 271-3723
www.kendallchristian.com
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
MIAMI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PK - 12th Grade
200 NW 109 Avenue Miami, FL 33172 (305) 221-7754
www.miamichristian.org
CHRISTIAN PRIVATE SCHOOL
OUR LADY OF LOURDES ACADEMY All-girls 9th - 12th Grade
5525 SW 84 Street Miami, FL 33143 (305) 667-1623
PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL 6th - 12th Grade
7900 SW 176th Street Miami, FL 33157 (305) 251-2230
www.palmertrinity.org
RAMBAM DAY SCHOOL 18 Months - 5th Grade
5950 N. Kendall Drive Pinecrest, FL 33156 (305) 666-6628
www.tbam.org/rambam
DAY
www.olla.org CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ST. BRENDAN HIGH SCHOOL 9th - 12th Grade
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
2950 SW 87th Ave Miami, FL 33165 (305) 223-5181
www.stbrendanhigh.org
PreK 3 - 12th Grade
6855 SW 152 Street Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 (305) 233-2030
www.wcsmiami.org
ATLANTIS ACADEMY MIAMI K - 12th Grade
9600 SW 107th Avenue Miami, FL 33176 (305) 271-9771
www.AtlantisAcademy.com
MIAMI LEARNING
SCHOOL K - 12th & Adult Continuing Education
5651 SW 82nd Ave Road Miami Fl 33143 (305) 275-5900
www.mleschool.org
16637 S Dixie Highway Miami, FL 33157 (786) 293-5353
www.palmettobayacademy.com
2nd - 5th Grade
7701 SW 98 Street Miami, FL 33156 (305) 432-1727
www.westbridgemiami.org
1. KLA Schools
2. NSU University School w
3. Pine Crest School
4. Summit Questa Montessori School w
FAITH - BASED SCHOOLS
5. Beth Emet School
6. Parkway Christian School
7. Posnack - Hochberg Lower School w
8. Posnack School w
9. Sheridan Hills Christian School
10. St. Thomas Aquinas High School
11. Westminster Academy w
ALTERNATIVE/SPECIALIZED
12. Atlantis Academy Coral Springs
w Indicates a school that offers minor support for students with mild learning difficulties/differences
KLA Schools of Pembroke Pines
3 Months - 5 Years (Offers VPK) 18055 NW 8th Street Pembroke Pines, FL 33029 (954) 443-6168
KLA Schools of Fort Lauderdale 3 Months - 5 years
2857 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 (954) 530-1960
KLA Schools of Coconut Creek 3 Months - Kindergarten (Offers VPK) 6310 N State Road 7 Coconut Creek, FL 33073 (954) 571-8019
www.klaschools.com
NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Preschool (starting at 18 months) – 12th 3375 SW 75 Ave Davie, FL 33314 (954) 262-4506
www.uschool.nova.edu
PK4 – 12th Grade
1501 NE 62nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 (954) 492-4100
www.pinecrest.edu
Toddler - Middle School
5451 SW 64th Avenue Davie, FL 33314 (954) 584-3466
www.summitquesta.com
BETH EMET SCHOOL Kindergarten - 8th Grade
4807 South Flamingo Road Cooper City, FL 33330 (954) 680-1882
www.bethemetschool.org
PreK 2 - 8th Grade
1200 S. Flamingo Road Davie, FL 33325 (954) 424-6425
www.pcs-fl.net
- 5th Grade
SW 11th Street Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 (954) 299-3600 www.posnackschool.org
Pre-K - 12th Grade
3751 Sheridan Street Hollywood, FL 33021 (954) 966-7995
www.shcssharks.com
9th - 12th Grade
2801 SW 12 Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 581-0700
www.aquinas-sta.org
PK2 – 12th Grade
5601 North Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 771-4600
www.wa.edu
5810 S. Pine Island Road Davie, FL 33328 (954) 583-6100
www.posnackschool.org
K - 12th Grade 11411 NW 56th Drive Coral Springs, FL 33076 (954) 752-7571
www.AtlantisAcademy.com
KLA SCHOOLS
KLA Schools of Boynton Beach
3 Months - 5 years (Offers VPK) 1601 N Congress Avenue Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 735-1042
KLA Schools of Lake Worth
6 weeks - 5 years (Offers VPK) 4945 Via Bari Lake Worth, FL 33463 (561) 432-9559
www.klaschools.com
OXBRIDGE ACADEMY
Middle School 6th – 8th Grade High School 9th-12th
3151 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 972-9826
www.oapb.org
PALM BEACH DAY ACADEMY
Lower School
PK-2 - 3rd Grade 1901 South Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 832-8815
Upper School 4th - 8th Grade 241 Seaview Ave Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 655-1188
SPANISH RIVER
9th - 12th Grade
512 Spencer Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 683-6266
www.cardinalnewman.com
K - 12th Grade
9701 Donna Klein Boulevard Boca Raton, FL 33428 (561) 852-3300
www.dkja.net
ARTHUR I. MEYER JEWISH PREPARATORY SCHOOL Junior K - 8th 5225 Hood Road Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (561) 686-6520
www.meyerprep.org
PK3 – 8th Grade
2400 Yamato Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 994-5006
spanishriverchristianschool.com
ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL PK2 - 8th Grade
3395 Burns Road Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561)622-1504
www.stmarkspbg.org
PK 1 - 8th Grade
9625 N. Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 253-3950
www.tcspbg.org INDEPENDENT PRIVATE
www.pbday.org INDEPENDENT
PINE CREST SCHOOL PK4 – 8th Grade
2700 St Andrews Blvd Boca Raton, FL 33434 (561) 852-2800
www.pinecrest.edu
West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 260-5104
www.rosarian.org
K - 12th Grade
1950 Prairie Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406 (561) 642-3100
www.AtlantisAcademy.com
ONLINE PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Map points designate global campuses or physical school communities for in-person connections
Global Network of International Baccalaureate World Schools with Virtual Classrooms and Campuses in New York, London, Shanghai, Seoul, Dubai, and soon Hanoi
(212) 724-2420 www.dwight.global
Westminster Christian Online is ideal for families who desire a
(305) 757-1966 www.cushmanvirtual.org
(305) 233-4027 www.wcsmiami.org
Real learning happens in the uncomfortable moments, the uncertain, challenging space where fear meets potential and where anxiety faces off with ambition. It is where you are most likely to experience personal growth and meaningful development.
Your child has been talking about the school play nonstop for two weeks. They’ve turned your living room into a rehearsal studio, and you’ve heard the same three lines so many times you could get cast as the understudy. But now it’s audition day, and the moment their name gets called, they freeze. Suddenly, they don’t want to do it anymore. You’re torn. Part of you wants to rescue them. Of course you do. You hate seeing them scared. But moments like this are where growth happens. Still, it’s tempting to step in. That’s why we need to understand the world our kids are growing up in, and how to support them without getting in the way of their growth.
We all want our kids to feel safe and happy. But over time, “safe and happy” somehow turned into “never uncomfortable.” We Uber instead of walk, stream instead of wait, Google instead of wonder.
In TheComfortCrisis , author Michael Easter argues that we’ve removed so much friction from daily life, we’ve forgotten how to push through hard things, and how satisfying it feels when we do. Most of us no longer face hunger, boredom, or effort unless we choose to. Without regular chances to face discomfort, even small challenges can start to feel overwhelming. And while there’s nothing wrong with convenience, too much of it is making kids restless, anxious, and quick to quit. It’s not that comfort is bad. It’s just that too much of it creates a kind of emotional atrophy.
Resilience doesn’t come from avoiding struggle. Like muscles, confidence grows when it’s tested. Voluntary challenges like auditioning for a play or trying out for a team build something psychologists call stress tolerance: the ability to face pressure without shutting down. The more kids practice, the less scary it feels. They start to see that hard things are doable, even if they’re not always pleasant.
And when things don’t go well? Self-compassion is what helps them learn from it and try again. Kids don’t need to power through everything. They just need the tools to bounce back without crumbling.
No one is born resilient—it’s a skill that’s built. A baby falls a hundred times learning to walk, not because they’re brave, but because there’s no alternative.
As they grow, they start to avoid discomfort unless we give them safe, regular chances to face it.
Kids don’t need huge obstacles, they just need regular chances to challenge themselves. And one of the simplest, most overlooked ways to do that? Boredom. We rush to fill every blank space on the calendar, but boredom isn’t a problem; it’s a developmental gift. Boredom builds resilience by forcing kids to face discomfort and figure out how to move through it. Without a quick fix, they learn to reflect, create, and solve problems for themselves.
Over time, these small efforts add up to something powerful. Kids who keep going after a setback build more than just skill—they build trust in themselves. That’s what real confidence is. Not fearlessness, but the belief that you can keep showing up.
Our job as parents isn’t to remove the challenge. It’s to stay steady beside them while they rise to meet the occasion. Think of how we treat a baby learning to walk. We don’t rush to pick them up every time they fall. We encourage them to try again because we trust they’ll get there. The same principle applies as kids grow. The challenge just looks different. As they face bigger emotional and social risks, our instinct to protect gets louder. So how do we support our kids without getting in the way?
What looks like avoidance is often perfectionism or fear of failure in disguise, masked by phrases like “I’m just not good at this.” It’s not laziness, it’s self-protection. Reframing the moment as something they can grow through, not something they have to be good at right away, helps kids move forward instead of shutting down.
According to The Danish Way of Parenting , praising effort and strategy instead of success builds long-term motivation. Even when a child is good at something, focusing on being “the best” sends the wrong message. It teaches them that their value lies in performance rather than the effort it took to get there. Process-focused comments shift that mindset. Instead of saying, “You’re the best player on the team,” try, “You’ve been practicing so hard, and it really showed today.” It teaches kids that struggle and persistence are part of learning, not signs that something’s wrong.
Kids aren’t the only ones who avoid uncomfortable things. Adults do it too. But if we want our kids to build resilience, we have to model it ourselves. Let them see you try something that stretches you, like learning a new language, taking a dance class, or speaking in public. Share what made you nervous and how you worked through it. When you normalize fear, you make courage more accessible.
In The Comfort Crisis, Michael Easter suggests taking on one big, meaningful challenge each year—something with a real chance of failure. For kids, that might mean trying out for a team, entering a competition, or
giving a speech. The point isn’t to succeed. It’s to stretch what they think they’re capable of. Success is a bonus, not the goal.
So what does this look like in real life? Imagine yourself back in that auditorium, your child frozen before their audition. You take a breath. Kneel to their level. Remind them how hard they practiced, and that being nervous doesn’t mean they’re not ready. It means they care.
Remember, you don’t need to fix the moment. Just hold the space. Reflect their strength back to them. Tell them how brave it is just to try. That kind of quiet support reminds them they’re not alone—and that they already have what it takes inside them. Then stay close and trust them to take the next step when it feels right.
PK2 - 8th Grade
By Marco Cirillo
“At XYZ School, we are committed to shaping students into well-rounded individuals who embody the values and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world blah blah blah.” Heard it all before, right?
Too often mission statements say a lot without actually saying anything. It really is time to rethink what values we wish to instill in our students and how we actually do it.
The evolution of St. Mark’s Portrait of a Graduate was an intentional, community-driven process. It began with a school-wide professional development session where faculty and staff members were asked a fundamental question: What characteristics do we want a St. Mark’s graduate to have? This exercise encouraged reflection on the broader impact of our educational philosophy and how it translates into real-world competencies for our students.
To illustrate the depth of preparation required to achieve excellence, I led a presentation on the England Rugby team’s meticulous approach to World Cup preparation. Their success was not the result of chance, but of an intricate system where no detail was overlooked. The team’s operation
encompassed a diverse range of professionals, including head coaches, physiotherapists, security personnel, positional coaches, performance analysts, doctors, and even brand partnerships managers. Every individual played a crucial role in achieving a shared goal. This “it takes a village” mindset resonated with our faculty and staff as we considered our responsibility in crafting well-prepared graduates from the bottom up.
Following this, we engaged in a Padlet activity, allowing faculty and staff to contribute their thoughts on the essential traits of a St. Mark’s graduate. This interactive session helped us critically examine our existing Portrait of a Graduate, revealing that it needed modernization to align with contemporary educational values and our Episcopal school principles.
A dedicated working committee was then established to refine and articulate our collective vision. We moved from broad aspirations to concrete, actionable traits that define our graduates. Drawing from the Episcopal school’s core values, we meticulously crafted a Portrait of a Graduate that reflects both our tradition and modern pedagogical approaches. The result was a focused and purposeful set of attributes and values.
Mr. Marco Cirillo was appointed as Head of Middle School in July 2023 and is committed to upholding St. Mark's tradition of excellence and its mission to encourage intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth.
The Portrait of a Graduate is not just a statement— it is embedded into every aspect of school life. It is displayed in all classrooms, ensuring that students recognize and internalize these values daily. To reinforce its presence, we have implemented themed months that highlight each trait, giving students tangible opportunities to engage with and embody these ideals.
Our commitment extends beyond mere recognition; it shapes our reward systems and student life. In the Middle School, house points are awarded for demonstrating these qualities, while in the Lower School, chapel awards celebrate students who exemplify the portrait’s traits. By integrating these values into our daily interactions, we foster a strong, unified identity—one where every member of our community knows who we are, what
we stand for, and what it means to be a St. Mark’s graduate.
The Portrait of a Graduate is more than a vision— it is a commitment to developing students who will step into the world as thoughtful, ethical, and capable individuals. Through an inclusive, reflective, and deliberate process, we have shaped a framework that ensures every St. Mark’s student leaves our school ready to contribute meaningfully to society. Just as England’s rugby team left no stone unturned in their pursuit of greatness, we, too, have created a system where every educator, student, and parent plays a role in crafting the future of our graduates. This is the St. Mark’s way—purposeful, values-driven, and built on a foundation of excellence.
Mercy Aycart Dean of Data Analysis
Columbus High School announces Mrs. Mercy Aycart as the new Dean of Data Analysis, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. With over 20 years of experience in education, including eight years as Science Department Leader, Aycart has led initiatives that improved ACT Science scores and advanced the use of instructional technology. She has also collaborated with the district to develop data-driven biology curricula and teacher training programs.
In this newly created role, Aycart will focus on using data to enhance student achievement, support teacher development, and guide long-term school improvement. Her work will play a key role in strengthening academic outcomes and promoting a culture of informed, intentional growth.
Columbus is proud to announce that Mrs. Iris Martinez will take on the role of Director of Counseling Services starting in the 2025–2026 school year. For the past four years, she has led the Pat Call and Irene Culmo Center for College and Career Guidance with care, energy, and expertise. In this expanded role, she will continue to oversee college and career guidance while also leading the full Counseling Department.
Since joining Columbus, Mrs. Martinez has helped make the “College Corner” a trusted space for students and families. She’s expanded college rep visits, added workshops and seminars, and brought thoughtful use of data to guide improvements. Before coming to Columbus, she spent seven years in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at the University of Miami, where she also earned her degrees. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling.
Arlene Sauleda Associate Director of Cushman Virtual
Mrs. Arlene Sauleda has been an educator and administrator at The Cushman School for over 18 years, but her expertise in innovative curriculum design, recent leadership in Cushman's Middle School, and experience as a Master Educator across subjects to a variety of learning styles recently earned her a new opportunity at the centuryold school. As the new Assoc. Director of Cushman Virtual, the School's online division that offers its hallmark engaging and personalized education to students everywhere, Mrs. Sauleda is ensuring that all of today students' lifestyles and goals are accommodated with an academic foundation like no other.
Andrea Ziegler Fresco Associate Head of School for Student Affairs
Andrea Ziegler Fresco has been a part of Palmer Trinity School since 2015. In that time, she has taught middle school courses in Math, English, Science, and Executive Function Skills. She served as the Middle School Math Department Co-Chair for 3 years, the Middle School Learning Specialist for 4 years, the Director of Student Affairs for 2 years, and will now take on the role of Associate Head of School for Student Affairs. “My focus is to support the wellness, strong connections, and growth of our students.
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Denise Gallardo is the new Associate Head of School for External Relations at Palmer Trinity. With over 10 years of leadership in admissions and parent engagement, Denise has been instrumental in strengthening Palmer Trinity’s community connections. She also brings a decade of teaching experience and has contributed to key strategic initiatives as part of the leadership team. In her new role, she will oversee Admission, College Advising, and Parent Relations, continuing her impactful work to engage and support families across our school community.
Jeff McDaniel has a diverse background in business, education, agriculture, athletics, and operations management, which he brings to his role as Director of Facilities and Security at Palmer Trinity School. Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, he earned a degree in Biology from UNC-Chapel Hill and spent nearly 20 years operating a farm store and cattle business. He transitioned to education in 2014 and moved to Miami in 2020 to work at Ransom Everglades School. In 2025, he served as Park Operations and Development Manager for Friends of The Underline before joining Palmer Trinity.
Jay Boodheshwar joined Oxbridge Academy as the Director of Major Gifts, in January 2025. A seasoned public servant with a 30-year career spanning six communities in three states, Boodheshwar served as City Manager of Naples, prior to joining the Oxbridge team. He previously spent 16 years in leadership roles with the Town of Palm Beach, including 7 years as Deputy Town Manager. A longtime Oxbridge Academy parent and former member of the Board of Trustees, he brings deep ties to the school community. In his new role, he will advance philanthropic efforts and help lead Oxbridge through a transformative strategic and capital campaign. Boodheshwar holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and Florida Atlantic University.
Bill Fiordalis was appointed Head of School and officially began on July 1, 2025. Mr. Fiordalis grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and upon graduating from high school, attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. After graduating from Rollins, he earned his Master's in Education from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, and served as a classroom teacher for 15 years, teaching 4th and 6th grade.
Before joining St. Mark’s Episcopal School, Mr. Fiordalis spent twenty years at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida, where he served in several teaching positions and administrative roles, including Director of Lower School and Associate Head of School.
