Isabella Lagarto, William Albury

Equipping adolescents with hands-on classes helps their futures in more ways than one. This challenges their sense of responsibility and instills a crucial sense of organization. Among the magnet programs offered by Miami-Dade Public Schools, iPrep stands out as technology-focused and offers a distinct educational journey in the Miami Palmetto Senior High community.

“I believe it is important for college and life overall because it will teach and guide them to look into more details, research and multiple different things. It also teaches reading skills as a lot of the multiple-choice questions are critical. iPrep is unique because it allows students to take classes that they are interested in. It’s a great program and helps with the path for college,” iPrep teacher Mary Corpas said.

The program is recommended for students in middle school who want to join the program at MPSH, as it comes with a degree of freedom and multiple benefits.

“People who are questioning joining this program should definitely do it because you get the freedom of making up your own schedule as you don’t have to do your assignments on a particular day. You become a more well-rounded student and learn about technology in various ways,” Varsity Football Coach and iPrep supervisor Eduardo Fernandez said.

For Junior Alexander Montgomery, iPrep has helped him throughout the years.

“I’ve been in iPrep for three years and I love it. iPrep has helped me in areas that require leadership, speaking skills, presenting and confidence,” Montgomery said.

Even though it is a class period, the course itself is offered through Florida Virtual School. Taking an online class has many benefits and helps students gain credits and learn skills.

“Taking an online class makes you more aware of time management and the way you have to organize your daily life because with these types of classes, it’s all on you. Your online teachers do text you from time to time but most of the time it’s solely on you and it’s your responsibility to hand assignments on time and overall just become responsible,” junior Gabriela Sosa said.

Being in an environment with other responsible individuals is a unique experience. Located in room 9124, students sit together at tables and collaborate on work and projects. This creates a safe space for students and gives people a chance to socialize with their peers.

“It is a great deal to see students interact with each other and pick each other up amongst themselves. As a facilitator, I’m able to see them grow amongst themselves dealing with each other online,” Fernandez said.

Both Fernandez and Montgomery highlight the collaborative nature of learning environments, where peer interaction fosters personal growth and a sense of commitment.

“In iPrep we are always working on projects together and making sure everyone is on the right path because if you really look at it, your main goal is to finish the course so it helps when your peers help. Also, it’s very easy to make friends in that class and many of my best friends have come from this program,” Montgomery said.

The diverse curriculum offers various subjects such as Leadership Skills Development, Computing for College and Careers, Foundations of Web Design and Executive Internship. 

“My favorite class by far was Leadership Skills Development, which was in freshman year. We learned how to be diligent with our work and how to incorporate leadership skills in our everyday life so that we can have a better work ethic in and out of school,” junior Cynthia Reyes said.

iPrep shapes students into well-rounded individuals equipped with essential skills for both academia and life beyond.