From the Head of School

From the Desk of the Head of School: RE's faculty is the foundation for our students' learning

We were proud and thrilled to learn that Ransom Everglades was recently named one of the top 10 schools in North America – and top 100 schools in the world – in the Spear’s 2024 Schools Index. An honor and distinction, it reflects the work of our entire community. Yet there is no question that one group is particularly deserving of recognition: Our extraordinary faculty.
As I told an auditorium-full of prospective families during an open house Monday, the foundation of our school is absolutely, 100 percent, our teachers. If we don’t have the best educators guiding our students, it doesn’t matter how well-designed our buildings are; it doesn’t matter how creative and forward-thinking our school leaders are; and it doesn’t matter how motivated and talented our students are. Without teachers of the highest caliber, we cannot offer our students the unsurpassed educational experience that is drawing attention around the globe.

RE’s teachers are not only stellar educators, they are also guides, mentors, counselors, coaches and cheerleaders. They are architects of a welcoming environment where curiosity is ignited, and learning becomes joyful. They create engaging lessons that resonate with our students, their interests and experiences, making education not simply a requirement, but something that unearths their passions and gives them a sense of purpose. 

Our teachers recognize that every student is unique, with their own strengths and their own challenges, and they tailor instruction to meet those needs. They understand the philosophy of mastery: that school is about learning, and teaching is about helping students understand concepts within an articulated curriculum that promotes growth, understanding, and academic confidence – it is not simply about giving grades. Positive connections with faculty are at the basis of how we function successfully. 

One member of the senior class, Sindhu Talluri ’25, addressed prospective parents on Monday. An active and engaged student, Sindhu shared how much she valued her time at RE. Underlying all of Sindhu’s comments: A deep gratitude for RE’s faculty. She shared a story of how an encouraging – and out-of-the-blue – email over the summer from one of her middle school teachers led her to join speech and debate, an activity in which she is now a state champion.

“From the very beginning of my time at Ransom Everglades, I felt supported and encouraged to pursue opportunities that challenged and excited me,” Sindhu said. “Every faculty member and member of the administration is so eager to help your child succeed … The environment here really fosters personal growth, and one of the things that has stood out to me most is how much the faculty and administration respect students, creating a collaborative space where we are empowered to think critically and contribute meaningfully.”

Another student, Danny Mendelson ’25, addressed parents last week. He described one of his upper school math teachers as “one of the most influential people in his life,” noting that: “The way I was able to overcome any challenge was the teachers … My teachers inspired me to love math more than anything, and equipped me with the tools to succeed.”

Our faculty serve as the impetus for the service, leadership and research opportunities and are behind everything our students undertake and achieve. You can see their impact through the news stories, columns and videos in this Dell+Cannon.

Rachel Rodriguez
Head of School
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Middle School

2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Phone: 305 250 6850

Upper School

3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Phone: 305 460 8800
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.