In 1924, Dr. Laura Cushman started a school on the front porch of her house. Imagine the rustle of palm fronds and book pages as Dr. Laura Cushman rolled up her sleeves to start an altogether different type of school. She had 12 students. She was a seasoned educator and a passionate idealist. She had a “can-do” attitude shaped by her Midwestern upbringing and a spirit of entrepreneurship that matched Miami’s, then as well as now. Hers would be a school where pedagogy could sit alongside laughter and joy in the classroom – where teachers would say “listening” instead of say “hush,” and children could learn by their own joyful doing. Today, Cushman has over 850 students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. With a century-long proven-track record for innovation, our school has moved from the front porch to the forefront of excellence. The mission of The Cushman School is to cultivate happy, creative and engaged members of society who exemplify an exceptional character and a positive attitude. The educational environment at our school fosters in students the qualities of virtue, responsibility, respect for self and others and nurtures the student in intellectual, physical and spiritual growth. The Cushman School takes a personalized approach to educating each student to ensure he/she reaches his/her fullest potential. In following Dr. Cushman’s philosophy, the faculty and administration are committed to identifying and understanding the unique “gifts” within each child and planning age-appropriate educational journeys. In order to connect with students and offer individualized instruction, small student-to-teacher ratios and ample teacher assistance are evident. To this end, our School continues to develop confident, creative and critical thinkers who exhibit tremendous leadership and strength of character in the various fields they pursue.
Since 1924
About The Cushman School
Our Mission
A Unique Journey
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“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 work, and have wholesome participation in living experiences. The creation of such a school life is our aim.”
– Dr. Laura Cushman