Celebrating a Century of Excellence

Upholding Dr. Laura Cushman’s Objectives

The innovative curriculum developed by Dr. Laura Cushman not only laid the foundation for The Cushman School, but also gained recognition through various articles and newspapers. An example of this was the “contract plan” as outlined in Dr. Paul George’s, The Cushman School, A Historical Perspective: 1924-2004:

Each student had an individual contract with the school, tailored to his or her personal needs. The terms of the contract, which outlined carefully the pupil’s course of study, requirements and assignments, had to be satisfactorily completed before a new contract was issued. The contract plan was part of the school’s new grading system based on a “character report,” which Laura Cushman and other educators considered the most effective way to measure a child’s progress and standing. This progressive program, supported by leading educators nationally, included a report card emphasizing each student’s sense of responsibility, social conduct, industry, initiative and personal habits. It replaced the traditional grade-driven report card. Periodically, parents received a narrative-type report card with commentary on their child’s character development. Grades were kept but were de-emphasized. The new system was greeted enthusiastically by students and parents alike, prompting the school to characterize itself by the slogan: “Distinctive for character development and scholastic achievement. (pp. 29)

In addition to the contract plan, The Cushman School continues to uphold the same objectives stated by the founder Dr. Laura Cushman from the onset: “A school seeks to develop the child mentally, physically and in character growth. To do this, the child must be placed in happy surroundings, be properly adjusted to his/her work, and have wholesome participation in living experiences.” This belief has allowed The Cushman School to graduate generations of children who are driven to make a difference in our communities and beyond. Today, Cushman implements virtues known as the four pillars of education.

The “four pillars of education” typically refer to a framework that emphasizes the holistic development of individuals beyond academic learning. Each pillar represents a fundamental aspect of education that contributes to the overall growth and well-being of students. 

1. Industry: This pillar emphasizes the value of hard work, diligence, and perseverance. It encourages students to develop a strong work ethic, motivation, and the ability to consistently apply themselves to tasks and challenges.
2. Courtesy: Courtesy in education refers to cultivating respectful behavior, empathy, and good manners. It involves fostering positive interpersonal skills, understanding cultural differences, and promoting a supportive and inclusive environment among students.
3. Responsibility: Responsibility encompasses both personal accountability and social responsibility. It encourages students to take ownership of their actions, make ethical decisions, and contribute positively to their communities. This pillar also includes environmental stewardship and awareness of global issues. Dr. Laura Cushman believed that teaching responsibility is most important for helping students become better citizens. (George, 2006)
4. Scholarship: Scholarship refers to the pursuit of knowledge, intellectual curiosity, and academic achievement. It involves critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning. This pillar encourages students to engage deeply with subjects, develop a love for learning, and strive for academic excellence. Together, these four pillars provide a comprehensive framework that aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible, respectful, diligent, and intellectually curious. They emphasize the importance of nurturing both cognitive and non-cognitive skills to prepare students for success in various aspects of life.

Consistent School Leadership

With only three Heads of School to date, The Cushman School’s impressive history and heritage have remained intact over the last 10 decades. Dr. Cushman began looking for her successor in the early 1980s. Dr. Joan Lutton, a former journalist turned High School teacher, became Principal and then Head of School. With great passion and enthusiasm, she continued The Cushman School’s innovative pursuit of excellence, while bringing the school to a much healthier financial position prior to her retirement in 2012.

Mentored by Dr. Lutton for over 25 years, Dr. Arvi Balseiro became the School’s third Head of School in July of 2012. Dr. Balseiro confirmed her passion for maintaining Dr. Cushman’s initial vision for joyful learning, “A happy environment, where children are comfortable to open their minds and have real-life opportunities to engage in projects that help unleash their potential is what we will always maintain here.” There is also a tremendous focus on personalization so students are truly recognized, their strengths and challenges properly accessed, and the right educational tools and experiences incorporated into their unique academic journey. This intentional mindset ensures that all Cushman students have the chance to excel along their respective paths. “We are fortunate to be able to maintain small class sizes and productive student-to-teacher ratios. All students deserve an appropriate amount of time and attention during these formative years,” explains Balseiro.

Under Balseiro’s leadership, The Cushman School added grades 6th through 8th and then the high school division in 2016. “There was an overwhelming request for us to extend our philosophical approach to education into the critical teenage years,” explains Balseiro. The mission of The Cushman School is to cultivate happy, creative and engaged members of society who exemplify exceptional character and a positive attitude. This mindset was also the foundation for the upper school division which called for a uniquely competitive curriculum so that the older students continued on their journey in character growth while preparing for college and their careers. Cushman’s upper school programming includes a four-year Society and Me (SAM) required course that challenges each high school student to identify issues of our time, conduct significant research, utilize a vast network of professional resources and develop creative solutions that help solve global and local problems. “This work inspires our students to become ‘innovators of change’ while forging in them tremendous confidence, communication skills, compassion and character. This purpose-driven curriculum also serves as an empowering springboard for our students’ success in college, their careers, and in life!”

The Cushman School’s Legacy

Today, both Cushman’s main and high school campuses are located in the historic MIMO Miami district on Biscayne Blvd., and serve a diverse, international student population of approximately 850 from preschool through twelfth grade.

There is no doubt that The Cushman School will continue to educate and inspire individuals into the next century with unwavering purpose and adhesion to its mission.