The Cushman School

Cushman is one of the most expensive schools in Miami and look at what you get... the grounds are pitiful at best, there is no cafeteria, no gym, no pool, nothing. Just dilapidated classrooms. There was a time when Cushman had a terrific teacher to student ratio but now its totally overcrowded and they are not selective with the type of families they allow to attend. Its now all about money and if you pay you can play. The quality of the school has suffered and it shows. Many better schools to chose from in Miami.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids attended the school from 1st , 2nd and 3rd grade. Community,values,teachers and families are excellent.The first time we saw this school it remind us our private school ,when we were kids ...in a word 'paradise' for the kids,BUT this school has too many negatives points: first, academics are very low ,if you compare to publics schools or privates schools.Our kids had a tutor in 2nd grade! Second, no homework at all, and you never know what they learn:there is zero communication between the school and the parents. No weekly notebook about their work. And then we realized the truth : our kids play more that they learn , we had to drive a lot in the morning, and that we were spending $4000 for nothing in return ! This area is also a bad and unsafe neighborhood .We expected so much more from this school .A child needs to learn to be strong for the college and his future. A school first priority is a place to learn.When you visit ask questions about academics,homework and sport.We moved because we never got those essentials points and we realized that they will never change the school philosophy,it is an old school who needs a more responsible and listening principal .
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Cushman for two years and have had a wonderful experience. The teachers, counselors, administrative and after-school teams are caring and go out of their way to treat the children as if they were part of their own families. It is a culture of caring,creativity and respect. Our son was previously at one of the top Miami Dade County Public Schools [in the gifted program] and although the academics were strong the environment and motivational methods used were absolutely unacceptable. We had the unfortunate experience of this school that completely zapped our son's innate curiosity and love for learning. Cushman has been able to re-foster these traits in him; they have challenged him academically and creatively (with no need for a gifted program). Learning techniques and curriculums used are evidenced based educational best-practices that meet each student at an individual level. They also teach children to see the value of diversity, of learning and of treating everyone with kindness and respect. Thank you Cushman Team, you have delivered on your promise of making our family feel at home!
—Submitted by a parent

The Cushman School is the perfect school for our family. I am a single mother with a 7 year old daughter and a 9 year old son. I was fortunate to hear about Cushman through word of mouth. My children have been at The Cushman School for 5 years. Words do not do justice to what an incredible school Cushman is! In one way, Cushman is very traditonal-they teach values that are often lacking in our instant gratification society. They teach the children-respect, courtesy, and accountability. With regards to academics, The school is progressive. They teach in a Sorcratic method. With emphasis on questioning and "true" comprehension as opposed to thoughtless memorizing.My daughter is in the "mainstream" at Cushman. My son is within the autisim spectram. He attends The Laura Cushman Academy.It is unique in that he is integrated with all the other 3rd graders for anythin non academic.He is in no way ostracized or made fun of. Definitely a concern for me as a mom! Both of my children have flourished over the past 5 years- in maturation,responsibility, character,and knowledge. The philosophy of The Cushman School is to teach children HOW to think not WHAT to think. To me that sums up Cushman!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Cushman for 7 years so far. I can't imagine them getting such a good start in their intellectual and interpersonal pursuits anywhere else. The school's philosophy, not just given lip service, carries through to the way my kids interact with the world around them. Cushman is a great place for diverse personalities, backgrounds and educational levels.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children attending Cushman for the 2nd year and we feel blessed that they do. Cushman is more than a school, it is a community with a complete dedication from the faculty to create well-rounded children. It is a very progressive school that looks beyond the standard practices and emphasizes research-based teaching methods (i.e. Open Court, Singapore Math, Mandarin in K...). As a result, children are well-adjusted, confident, open and eager to learn and as a parent, this is the type of environment that will help my children to strive in the long-term.
—Submitted by a parent

After a year at this school, we went elsewhere. The positives are that the school has a great community and the children are very respectful. Parents are really involved and overall very friendly. There are lots of after school activities for children and the school focuses a lot of public speaking and formal performances. Unfortunately, academics are seriously lacking and the administration stifles the faculty. Given the high price tag I expected much more. I think a lot of parents look at this school as one of the few options in the area given that most of the privates are much further south. People have even categorized this school as the "catch-all" for the children who couldn't get into the other popular private schools in Miami. If you prefer a private education for your child and academics are a high priority, I think it is worth the drive to other privates in south Miami. Otherwise you are paying for a glorified public school education.
—Submitted by a parent

The middle school at Cushman is a fun and interesting learning enviroment. However, they do baby their student's too much, making the transition from Middle School to high school a challenge. I was a student at cushman for three years, and thouroughly enjoyed the middle school, but i now (any many others who studied there with me) have found the transition into the ninth grade extremley difficult. The Elementary is simply a bad school. Teacher's get frusturated too quickly with their students, and really DO choose favorites. Also, whenever the school is being visited, the teacher's in the Elementary really do change. All the parents who say Cushman is a great school have children far from their High School career's, not seeing therefor not seeing the affects of the over-babying. Parents need to let their kids grow more than Cushman allows.
—Submitted by a student

Low student/teacher ratios. Individual attention to the children and emphasis is placed on the children enjoying learning.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Cushman, one in 1st grade and the other in 3d. Prior to entering, we were at a top public elementary school in Miami-Dade County. I am extremely glad that we made the change. Unlike the public schools in Miami and many of the private schools, Cushman bases its curriculum on what educational research demonstrates works best for kids in the long-term. The curriculum is innovative and gets the kids excited about learning and figuring things out. The school also has a great after-school program for parents who work full-time. This is definitely the place to send your kids if you care about what they will turn out to be as adults and if you want them to ultimately become creative, adaptable, and innovative thinkers . Cushman is far more similar to the top private schools in the Northeast than any other school you'll find in Miami.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Cushman for seven years. I have been very happy with the teachers and the overall education there. My kids enjoy going to school and have access to many other activities after school, from non-cut sports to languages and music instruction. There are many support professionals on campus to help kids with OT, PT, and other issues, so it is not necessary to drive all over town after school for appointments. The curriculum is competitive but the kids don't feel the pressure of lots of homework in the lower grades.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a Cushman parent for four years and currently have 2 children enrolled in the school. As my children progress through the grades, the program just gets better and better. My elementary student is being challenged and is testing almost two grade levels above her current grade. I can't imagine sending my kids anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

A remarkable school in so many ways. Not only do they stress academics, but they emphasize character development--things such as manners and tolerance of others. One child was brought in on scholarship after he was disfigured in a housefire. His progress has been remarkable--the reason--he told a teacher he had never been in a place where kids did not make fun of him. He was so excited that they treated him like everyone else. That type of behavior at Cushman is not accidental.
—Submitted by a parent

Thanks to Cushman, we are lucky to have found a program that reinforces the values and philosophy we practice at home. My child is a happy, intelligent, compassionate and well-rounded student who is being taught how to think not what to think. The school's focus on developing the whole child by emphasizing self esteem and social skills development are a better guide for future success rather than academic achievement. Cushman is helping us to ensure that our child becomes a passionate, interesting, responsible and happy adult. Not a boring and complacent adult. I'm looking forward to enrolling my second child next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The Middle School at Cushman is Superb! The Athletic Program needs alot of attention. I have had my child 2 years at Cushman and he loves the Middle School. When my child was in Elementary though he despised the teachers and their system
—Submitted by a parent

I think Cushman is special because they accept each child as an individual. They don't conform children; they develop their strengths and assist with their weaknesses.
—Submitted by a parent

Cushman has taught me alot over my 10 years there. Cushman allows teachers to teach there own children which is horrible. The building is 1920's style which is bad for the children because its dirty, not safe, very thin walls, and no high tech gadgets installed. The middle school and 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade classrooms have nice, clean, new classrooms which the other students dont have. Overall, Cushman has a great philosphy, but i wouldnt reccomend this school for everyone.
—Submitted by a student

When other schools could not help my son's rare Auditory Processing with Expressive Receptive Disorder, this school stepped up to the challenge and I can truly say that my boy's self esteem and his ability to do his own homework are at their best. They are not just a school but 'The school' - I've sent my child to other private schools and this amazing school delivers everything they promise.
—Submitted by a parent

Many of these reviews say that Cushman's Athletic Program is terrible. However, those reviews were written a few years ago. Now, the Cushman Athletic Program is thriving. The Girls Soccer Team won 20 out of 24 games and the Girls Basketball Team won a tournament at Miami Country Day.
—Submitted by a student

First of all, many of the comments are very outdated. Like the buildings, we have beautiful buildings with state of the art technology. The laptops are state of the art and in use in 5th-8th grades. Our athletic program is outstanding with over 89% of our students playing varsity or JV sports. Our basketball teams did great winning both the boys and girls Miami Country Day School Invitaional trophies. Three of our players were recognized at a state basketball camp this summer. Our 8th graders have been accepted at the finest schools in the US, including some very high class boarding schools. Our former students of college age are in the top colleges including the Ivy League and the US Military Academy. The area, which 3 or 4 years ago was in transition is now virtually crime free with some of the best restaurants in town (Michy, Soyka).
—Submitted by a teacher