More than 900 attend Admission Open Houses
More than 900 prospective students and their parents attended the Admission Open Houses on Oct. 22, touring the campus with Upper School student guides, sitting in on abbreviated classes and learning about extra-curricular activities.
Families assembled in Swenson Hall before heading off on morning and afternoon tours. There, they were greeted by Head of School Penny Townsend, Head of the Middle School Rachel Rodriguez and Director of Admission Amy Sayfie Zichella '93.
Zichella provided information about the admission process – applications are due Jan. 6 – and advised families to schedule their children’s SSAT testing in November or December, rather than waiting for the last chance in January. She concluded by noting her pride at being an RE graduate.
"The education I received both in and out of the classroom is truly incomparable," said Zichella, a former state champion volleyball player and member of the RE Sports Hall of Fame. "When you become a part of Ransom Everglades School, it becomes part of you – forever. This is truly a special place."
Townsend provided an overview of the school's history dating back to founders Paul Ransom and Marie Swenson, and updated families on the school's recent purchase of the La Brisa property adjacent to the Upper School. She also explained advancements in the curriculum, and noted plans to begin construction as early as next summer on a new STEM building on the Upper School campus.
Zichella provided information about the admission process – applications are due Jan. 6 – and advised families to schedule their children’s SSAT testing in November or December, rather than waiting for the last chance in January. She concluded by noting her pride at being an RE graduate.
"The education I received both in and out of the classroom is truly incomparable," said Zichella, a former state champion volleyball player and member of the RE Sports Hall of Fame. "When you become a part of Ransom Everglades School, it becomes part of you – forever. This is truly a special place."
Townsend provided an overview of the school's history dating back to founders Paul Ransom and Marie Swenson, and updated families on the school's recent purchase of the La Brisa property adjacent to the Upper School. She also explained advancements in the curriculum, and noted plans to begin construction as early as next summer on a new STEM building on the Upper School campus.
"It's a really exciting time to be at Ransom Everglades," Townsend said.
Rodriguez provided an in-depth look at a day at the Middle School, explaining the schedule, classes and electives, and mission-driven philosophy. Upper School student tour guides then led families to various classrooms. Jody Salzinger and Irene Bustamante ’83 introduced the English program; Ginny Onorati and John Lewis, the mathematics curriculum; Gus Palacios and Robin Escobedo, science; Joe Mauro and Josh D’Alemberte, social sciences; and Bobbie Bassuk and Adabel Diaz-Rivera, the global studies program.
Rodriguez provided an in-depth look at a day at the Middle School, explaining the schedule, classes and electives, and mission-driven philosophy. Upper School student tour guides then led families to various classrooms. Jody Salzinger and Irene Bustamante ’83 introduced the English program; Ginny Onorati and John Lewis, the mathematics curriculum; Gus Palacios and Robin Escobedo, science; Joe Mauro and Josh D’Alemberte, social sciences; and Bobbie Bassuk and Adabel Diaz-Rivera, the global studies program.
The following students led the tours: Benjamin Arriola '18. Danielle Bruce '17. Lily Chang '17. Ganesh Gajavelli '18, Gilles Gouraige '18, Sunna Martinsdottir Hernandez '19, Paulina Pages '18, Benjamin Rosenthal '18, Oliver Stern '19 and Ilija Wan-Simm '19.
"We have many smiling faces on our campus," Rodriguez said. "I am humbled to work at Ransom Everglades."
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 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.