A school is more than just classrooms and textbooks; it’s a place where young minds take shape, dreams take flight, and lifelong connections are made. At Gulliver Preparatory School, this sentiment has held true for nearly a century. Founded in 1926, the school evolved into a leading institution under the visionary leadership of Marian C. Krutulis, becoming a symbol of academic excellence in South Florida. Over the years, as Miami has grown and changed, so has Gulliver. “We have historically had a wide reach, and we’ve seen this expand even further in recent years,” says Simon Hess, President of Gulliver Prep. The school now welcomes a vibrant and diverse mix of students from across the country and globe, drawn to its commitment to personalized, world-class education.
Gulliver’s mission is simple yet powerful: to foster an academic community, devoted to educational excellence, with a personal touch that fulfills each student’s potential. In today’s fast-evolving educational landscape, the school remains dedicated to shaping future leaders through innovative teaching and learning. “We are always looking for ways to strengthen the exceptional education at Gulliver and the role we play as a core institution supporting Miami’s remarkable ascent as a cosmopolitan center of innovation in business, technology, the arts, and entertainment,” Hess adds.
With nearly 100 years of history and a forward-thinking approach, Gulliver Prep stands alone as Miami’s school of choice, preparing students for a dynamic and diverse world.
Unlocking Potential
Every great school is built on one foundation: exceptional teachers. At Gulliver Prep, the commitment to excellence extends beyond academics; it focuses on creating an environment where every student can thrive. That’s why the school has launched an ambitious initiative to become a nationally recognized center for personalized achievement and academic excellence.
“We believe in next-level teaching and learning,” says Hess. “The single most important characteristic of a great school is an outstanding teacher in every classroom.” Recognizing the challenges educators face today, especially in a rapidly changing city like Miami, Gulliver Prep is investing in its teachers in powerful ways. This includes robust professional development, innovative staffing structures, performance-based compensation systems, and an alliance with the Harvard Graduate School of Education—all components that will not only support and retain top faculty but also attract the best educators from around the world.
Learning at Gulliver Prep doesn’t stop at the classroom door. The world itself is a classroom, and students are encouraged to step beyond campus to engage with broader experiences. The Model United Nations team travels to Washington, D.C., California, and Tallahassee, debating real-world issues with their peers from across the country. The arts programs—spanning dance, music, visual arts, and theater—showcase student talent on national stages. These experiences expose students to diverse perspectives, competition, and invaluable feedback, helping them grow as thinkers, creators, and leaders.
At its core, Gulliver Prep understands that success looks different for every student. Some find their passion in advanced math and science, others in entrepreneurship, creative arts, or global studies. “What’s really special,” Hess notes, “is that students often discover passions they never even considered before coming here.” With a wide range of programs and courses, Gulliver Prep ensures that each student has the freedom to explore, grow, and carve out their own unique path.
Creating a World of Opportunities
At Gulliver Prep, learning doesn’t just happen in textbooks; it happens on the field, on the stage, in student-led clubs, and in creative spaces where ideas come to life. With over 70 clubs, organizations, and honor societies, plus a robust athletics program featuring 25 varsity teams, Middle School teams, and a Youth Sports program, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and discover new interests.
Exposure to the arts is a cornerstone of the Gulliver experience. “Approximately 70% of our students participate in dance, music, theater, or visual arts,” Hess shares. “That’s because we believe creativity fuels success, both in school and in life.” Engaging in the arts helps students develop confidence, social connections, and a growth mindset—all essential for navigating an increasingly complex world.
Athletics at Gulliver Prep is more than just winning games; it’s about building character, discipline, and resilience. From elementary school to varsity-level competition, student-athletes learn teamwork, communication, and the value of perseverance. “By participating in athletics, our students aren’t just playing a sport—they’re gaining life skills that will serve them long after they leave Gulliver Prep,” Hess explains.
And the results speak for themselves. Since 1990, Gulliver Prep’s Raiders have claimed 69 state championship titles, and The Miami Herald has named Gulliver Prep Athletics the “overall best sports program” in its division for seven consecutive years—an honor the school has earned 23 times overall. These achievements reflect not just the talent of the athletes but the culture of dedication and excellence that defines Gulliver Prep.
Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom
At Gulliver Prep, intellectual curiosity isn’t just encouraged; it’s the fuel that drives creativity, innovation, and academic excellence. “Our faculty are mentors who challenge students to reach their fullest potential while nurturing intellectual curiosity, character, and collaboration,” says Simon. This philosophy is what makes Gulliver Prep a national model for teaching and learning, a place where both students and educators push the boundaries of what’s possible.
A key focus area? Future readiness. Traditional education models are evolving, and Gulliver Prep is at the forefront of that shift. Through its Signature Academic Programs, students gain hands-on, real-world experience in fields like business, engineering, biomedical sciences, and international diplomacy—long before they step into a college classroom or an office. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between learning and doing, ensuring that students graduate with not just knowledge but also practical skills that will set them apart.
And when it comes to academic opportunities, Gulliver Prep offers something no other school in Miami-Dade County—public or private—can match: a fully funded, dual-enrollment program with The University of Miami. This means students can take university-level courses while still in high school, getting a head start on their college journey at no additional cost. Gulliver Prep students can also enroll in summer courses at Miami Dade College, further expanding their academic horizons.
Striking the Balance Between Innovation and Well-Being
In today’s digital world, technology is everywhere. “Our students are digital natives, but we want them to be responsible digital citizens,” Hess explains. That’s why Gulliver Prep’s 1:1 device program starts as early as fifth grade, ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. By high school, students can dive into advanced courses in robotics, computer science, and other cutting-edge fields, setting them up for future success in an increasingly digital landscape.
But here’s the twist. Gulliver Prep also understands that technology should enhance learning, not replace real-world interaction. That’s why the school has taken a bold step: eliminating cell phones during the school day. “Phones are powered off, and the difference has been incredible,” Hess notes. “We’ve seen a significant increase in face-to-face interaction, students forging deeper connections, and a stronger sense of community.”
This approach prioritizes student well-being, encouraging balance in a world where screens often dominate attention. By teaching students to navigate technology with purpose—embracing innovation while also learning to unplug—Gulliver Prep is shaping a generation that understands how to use tech as a tool rather than a distraction.
A Community That Welcomes Everyone
Located in Miami, a vibrant global city known for its rich cultural mosaic, multilingual communities, and international influence, Gulliver Prep celebrates individuals from all walks of life, find connection and shared purpose on campus.
“Our school community reflects Miami’s dynamic blend of backgrounds and perspectives, fostering an environment where every student, family, and team member feels valued, seen, and at home,” says Hess. “Families choose Gulliver Prep because they want their children exposed to new ideas, challenged intellectually, and shaped into global citizens.” And building that kind of community doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention.
At Gulliver Prep, there is no assumption that a single way of thinking will define the culture. Instead, the school actively teaches students to appreciate varied perspectives, experiences, and identities. The core values—Exploration, Nurturing, Empowering, and Pioneering—are more than just words; they serve as the guiding principles that shape every interaction, lesson, and initiative.
With a focus on overall student well-being and belonging, this philosophy emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a world that is beautifully complex and teaching them to be open-minded, empathetic, and ready to lead in an interconnected society.
A Commitment to Service
From day one, students at Gulliver Prep are encouraged to use their talents and time to uplift others, both in their neighborhood and across the globe. “Giving back has long been a cornerstone of a Gulliver education,” Hess explains. “We want our students to be inspirational thinkers, catalysts of change, and leaders who are committed to making the world a better place.”
And they do just that. Gulliver Prep students organize mission trips to countries with high levels of poverty, assemble care packages for local shelters, and bring communities together through arts performances. One of the school’s most impactful partnerships is with Breakthrough Miami, an academic enrichment program where Gulliver students help mentor and teach highly motivated peers who experience barriers to accessing high quality educational opportunities.
The result? Students who don’t just talk about change, but also make it happen. They leave Gulliver Prep not only as scholars but as compassionate, action-oriented citizens ready to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Investing in the Future
The secret to a great school? It’s not the buildings or the programs—it’s the people. “We aspire to be an internationally recognized center for outstanding teaching and learning,” Hess shares. “And that starts with our top priority: a great teacher in every classroom.”
Gulliver Prep is making a significant investment in its teachers because the quality of a school is directly linked to the quality of its educators. The focus? Attracting, retaining, and rewarding the very best in the profession.
That means appropriate compensation, professional growth opportunities, and a workplace that values innovation and collaboration. It also means looking beyond Gulliver Prep’s walls and thinking about the bigger picture—because as Miami continues to grow, so does the need for strong educators across the city.
“Education is the foundation of a thriving city,” Hess notes. “And that starts with investing in the people who make learning happen every day.” Gulliver Prep isn’t just shaping students—it’s shaping the future of Miami itself.
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