Ransom Everglades School

My son is in 7th grade. We moved to Miami last year from the Northeast where he had attended a well-regarded prep school. At first he found the size of his class to be overwhelming (160), but now in his second year at Ransom, he is blossoming academically and socially. The teachers have been very supportive and there are many events that allow social interaction. He is loving playing his Middle School sports at the Upper School - great facility!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a student in 6th grade and is miserable. She was a straight A student at her other private school. She is finding herself isolated, frustrated and very stressed. She finds that she is not making friends. The whole mentality of the school is academics. It seems that it is not a good fit for her. Regardless of the fantastci opportunities for her future, if the fit is not right, it is not right. Her happiness and self growth is more important to me. I agree that it has to be the right kind of child....she is miserable. cries daily on her way to school. Considering moving her out!
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful School and teachers but horrendous leadership. Primary focus is not on the child but on the schools image. Ellen Moceri the schools head master, runs the school as a totalitarian state ans she is in my opinion feared by the Board of Trustees, the teachers and the students.
--Submitted by a parent

RE is a phenomenal school for the the right type of student. It is definitely academically challenging and the students are required to not only carry their academic load, but also to take part in sports and various clubs. Several parents have a child here and a child elsewhere, it has to be the right place for your child otherwise they would be miserable. The costs are more than college, something else to consider.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent in many ways, however if your child is not at the top of the class academically, not a top athlete or hasn't won a Nobel Prize yet, you will find the class sections are limited as the top choices go to the mega overachievers, leaving your child behind. One would think with the amount of tuition being paid more sections of particular classes would be opened up rather than limiting who can attend. The language program is in bad need of improvement (a general comment but especially applies to Spanish and despite being brought to faculy's and principal's attention, nothing is done. They do a good job of getting you into a good university, howver, I sometimes question whether they are thinking of the best fit for the student or for the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Ransom-Everglades was a place where my siblings and I (from a truly middle class home) were able to excel and flourish academically, athletically, and socially. We all attended top universities (half of us Ivies). Ransom-Everglades is not a 'rich-kids club' as it is portrayed by many from outside its walls. It is a place where students are challenged and encouraged and where friendships are made that will last a lifetime.
--Submitted by a student

The school is a great school, academically. If you have the money to pay for it, then your child/you will be going to a good school no matter what. The faculty is intelligent, the atheltics are focused, and the student body is 99% top notch students. But the school is very socially handicapped- everyone is either a bookworm or very egotistical. Prepare to have a social life stabbed to death in return for college.
--Submitted by a student

I attended & graduated from Ransom Everglades - and loved it! The classes were smaller, the teachers knew you by name - even if you were not in their class. I went on to Georgetown University - but I have to say that the friends I made in High School mean more to me then the ones I met in college. I will always hold Ransom near and dear to my heart!
--Submitted by a student

An excellent school with a diverse faculty and student body. My daughter loves the challenge; and because I would like for her to attend an Ivy, I have resisted moving to Seattle. The administration is very supportive.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending Ransom Everglades. The faculty is fabulous and the Athletic Department is superb. Everyone here cares about your child's emotional as well as academic well being. The children as students and myself as a parent have had a great experience at this school. We are moving and I am leaving my oldest son with my mother to finish his last year and a half there. I am that confident of the support he will receive from faculty and friends. Good bye Ransom and thank you all. We will miss you.
--Submitted by a parent