Ioanna Georgoulakis
When I came to SAS I was looking for a second chance. Another opportunity to find something worthwhile in a school and in myself. It was hard at first, I struggled with the work and I thought I wasn’t smart enough or good enough. It hurt, seeing myself fail, but I knew I was in a better place than the school I left behind and I was grateful. I realized that I was in a school where people cared and saw me as Ioanna and not as a statistic or a number. I was a person again. I found myself at SAS and I found reasons to be happy about new people that I was meeting and new courses that I was learning and mastering. I love SAS more than I can really say in words and I will always look back on my last two years of high school with appreciation and adoration for SAS. Go White Tigers!
Ioanna Georgoulakis
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
Penn State University, Class of 2019
Melissa Gerdts
Unforgettable. Encouraging. Individualized. In college interviews they ask you to describe yourself in three words; but seeing as I would not be where I am right now without SAS, these three words are much more important because they define the reason for my success. School for Advanced Studies is a once in a lifetime experience, one that I will never forget.
Unforgettable- Many people think that coming to SAS won’t get you the “high school experience” but that could not be any farther from the truth. There’s an abundance of clubs, from Fashion Club to Robotics, which tailor to all of the needs and passions of the students. We even have a picnic at the end of the year to celebrate all of our hard work. For me, there is so much more to school than class time; school revolves around activities in the field, gossiping with teachers, and a crazy amount of laughs shared between friends.
Encouraging- I have never had such close relationships with all of the teachers, even the teachers I don’t have this year I know I can go to them for anything because that’s just how tight our community is. One of the best things about SAS is the people; everyone gets along with everyone. There is no discrimination and outcasts among the student body; as quirky as you think you are, you will be able to find your perfect niche. Some of the things I know will follow me anywhere I go are the friendships I made here; I have found like-minded people that push me to do my best but also remind me to enjoy the small moments we share together.
Individualized- At my previous school, you didn’t have a voice. Students did not really have the freedom to choose their classes nor did we have the opportunity to take higher-level classes if we so desired. That all changed once I came to SAS. I was pushed to my limits and I loved every minute of it. The classes are academically challenging but the teachers make it possible for everyone to pass. Not only did I have to take my AP classes, but I also had so much more freedom when picking my college classes than I ever thought possible. I took both a Criminal Law and an Abnormal Psychology class that focused on two completely different topics but that interested me immensely. Definitely a highlight of my experience.
I love SAS. Here, no one ever feels left out and that’s because everyone is made to feel like they belong. Because of this, I feel immense pride and joy in calling myself a White Tiger 🙂 #ForeverSAS
Melissa Gerdts
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
Duke University, Class of 2018
Alejandra Gonzales
SAS has been the most wonderful experience of my high school career. It’s a school where teachers and the counselor genuinely care about you and know you by name. This school helped to shape me in a way that I could not have imagined. At my previous school all the decisions were made by someone else. When to go to class, when to eat, what to wear, when to breathe were decisions taken out of my hands. SAS is so different from that. Here we can decide what classes to take, when we take our classes, and what we study. There is a great deal of freedom here at SAS. But with that freedom comes so much responsibility. We have a lot of choices to make on our own, but the teachers and the counselor guide us in making the right choices.
My parents encouraged me to come to this school with me protesting along the way. I was comfortable and content at my old school. I had my friends, and I knew the school. However, I did not know SAS. The school was a mystery to me. A mystery I am immensely happy to have discovered. I have met so many incredible people in this school. People that have enriched my life and helped define me. Coming to SAS was the best choice I could have ever made.
Alejandra Gonzales
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of Florida, Class of 2017
Daricelys Hernandez
SAS is not just one of the best high schools in the state of Florida, but it is also home for a very diverse group of students that have one thing in common, getting an education and succeeding in life. At SAS it does not matter where you are from, if you are good to your classmates, teachers and counselors, you will find a friend in every single person you approach. Yes, “It takes courage” to be part of the SAS family, but if you have made it to this point where you are preparing yourself to become a White Tiger or maybe you are one already, you are more than capable of succeeding. Don’t give up! Make not just one teacher your favorite but make all of your teachers a favorite. They will always be glad to help you in everything you need. Just remember that success is not an easy thing to accomplish but it is just a matter of how bad you want it. You have to remain persistent. Take me as an example, with only five years of being in this country and English being my second language, I am more than proud to say that I graduated with a high school SAS diploma and a two year Associate of Arts Degree from Miami Dade College. I did all of this at the age of 17 while maintaining a part-time job thanks to the supportive SAS family I found here. Attending SAS was definitely the best decision I could have ever made.
Daricelys Hernandez
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
Florida International University, Class of 2017
Jennifer Leyva
During my two year experience at SAS, I learned what it was like to be part of a large family. The faculty, student body, and everyone else I’ve encountered during this journey has demonstrated to me how to love and be loved. I’ve been able to grow as a person more in two years than I had in my whole life prior to coming to SAS. Applying to SAS was the best decision I ever made in my life. I especially want to thank my counselor at SAS who did so much for all of us and demonstrated a caring attitude in so many ways. That is something I will never forget.
Jennifer Leyva
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of Florida, Class of 2017
Jeronimo Martinez
Attending SAS (specifically Wolfson) has been an incredible and fulfilling experience. I first came here because I was tired of my old school and wanted something new and different. Initially, however, I was hesitant because of how small the school was- the high school I was coming from had more than 3200 students. It was strange, then, coming to SAS with 110 students but in the end, it has made all of the difference. Being in such a small school, I was able to grow close with my teachers and have genuine conversations with them about topics completely unrelated to the class; teachers became friends and mentors rather than instructors exclusively teaching their subject. Similarly, the students all felt like family and them being so motivated, intelligent, and friendly made the SAS community close-knit and collaborative. The friends that I have made here have been among the most amazing people I’ve met and I will sincerely miss all of them after graduation.
Also, while this is an untraditional high school, it gives students much more independence than is given at other schools, allowing us to grow and better prepare for life after graduation (and yes, we do have the typical high school events like prom, senior brunch, class trips, etc.). SAS serves as a stepping stone into a university; taking courses at MDC has given me the opportunity to take unique classes not offered in high school and exposed me to the structure and style of college classes to be better prepared for a postsecondary education.
The work load of SAS was rigorous and extensive because you’re constantly juggling between high school assignments, college exams, applications, standardized tests, and so forth. In the end though, coming here has been an incredible two year journey that I wouldn’t have changed for anything else. Go White Tigers ’15.
Jeronimo Martinez
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of Chicago, Class of 2019
Lien Morcate
School for Advanced Studies (SAS) has granted me opportunities that I am certain I could not find in any other school in Miami-Dade County. The college experience I received has undoubtedly prepared me for the next four years of my life in an out-of-state college. The close-knit community at SAS has made me mature in ways that would not be possible in a largely populated high school. The balance of work and play fostered at my school has kept me active both in my academic and social life. The individual attention that SAS gives to every student is a crucial part to my successes during the college application process. SAS has not only advanced my academics but also my character; without the experiences of these last two years, I would not be as responsible, as kind, as appreciative, or as confident, as I am today. If I could go back in time and make the decision to stay in my high school or attend SAS, I would confidently and joyfully choose SAS.
Lien Morcate
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2019
Angela Ortiz
In the last two years of my high school career, I have grown, academically and personally, so much more than I ever would have imagined—and much of that growth has been because of the opportunity and the resources that School for Advanced Studies provided me with. Facing daunting obstacles with my health, school became not only a place for me to receive the outstanding education that I have, but a place that provided the encouragement and support that made SAS feel like another home to me. I will always be incredibly grateful for the time I spent here, surrounded by amazing people that have impacted my life for the better.
Angela Ortiz
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
Harvard University, Class of 2019
Marcus Rodriguez
Two years ago I entered an unfamiliar environment where I only knew a select few, I entered into School for Advanced Studies. Before long, SAS became my home away from home in which strangers became friends and eventually family. Despite stressful times as well as demanding workloads, SAS helped me develop as an individual through experiences that I would not have gotten anywhere else.
In this rigorous institution, students are able to take several AP classes as well as college courses that prepare such individuals for life after high school. Faced with a myriad of academic hurdles, students come to understand the importance of balancing one’s social life and studies. Yet, despite the independence one gains from attending SAS, I was never alone. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by several other diverse individuals who were also motivated in pursuing academic excellence. In stressful times, we looked out for each other like a true family: we depended on one another to keep our sanity in check when school became overwhelming, supported one another when college decisions came out, and advised one another when tough choices needed to be made. I am grateful for all that SAS has provided me as well as the lifelong bonds I have made.
At first, I was hesitant when coming to this school but I do not, and will never, regret attending SAS for it has truly been a unique experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am proud to have graduated from this institution and will always remember the amazing teachers and friends that I met along the way. Long live the SAS Class of 2015, my family.
Marcus Rodriguez
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of Florida, Class of 2017
Carmen Tun
SAS has been a blessing for me. At my old school, I was never pushed to be my very best, and really, I had no idea what I was doing with my life. At SAS, I’m surrounded by all of these teachers that genuinely care for my education, and not just for their paycheck. I learned to be proactive, not reactive, and I finally understand that life was not going to be as easy as high school is. There is never a dull day that goes by, as there’s always the coolest events, the most enticing lectures, and the most useful assignments. I love how our little school develops this family bond each year, and the school feels like such an inviting and safe place. All of the students and teachers here are so friendly and so supportive of each other, and this is something that doesn’t typically happen at an average high school. Every time someone asks me “what’s SAS,” I always tell them it’s the best school; not because of the ranking, but because of all the opportunities and help that is available here. Yes, it has been a very difficult two years, but after graduating college before high school, I can say it was definitely worth it. I am leaving SAS with a newfound confidence that will let me tackle any challenges that come my way, and a work ethic that could inspire any procrastinator to become proactive. This has been such a great two years, and a great experience, and I am so glad to say that I am graduating from the School for Advanced Studies in the Class of 2015.
Carmen Tun
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of Miami, Class of 2017
Tanae Carter
At SAS , I learned a multitude of life lessions. One being that I am equipped to accomplish any of my goals. Hardwork never goes unrewarded here at the School for Advanced Studies. I’ve also learned to better manage my time and this crucial tool will help me throughout my future. SAS has made me aware that I am capable of attaining my dreams if I do the work and put in the effort.
Tanae Carter
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of Florida, Class of 2017
Shyanne Amoyo
Giving up was never an option during my time at SAS. Every challenge I faced was taken head on. I knew that every sleepless night, five page paper, lab report, and AP exam was an investment for a better future. I was never alone in facing the challenges here at SAS. Surrounded by the best of friends and most supportive of teachers, I knew that no goal was impossible to reach. At SAS, I learned that in the face of every challenge, there is always someone by your side even in the most difficult of times.
Shyanne Amoyo
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
University of California Berkeley, Class of 2017
Romeo Umana
Coming to School for Advanced Studies (SAS) was a drastic change academically and socially. I went from a school of 2,000 to a small community of just 100 students. As a result, I truly got to know my senior class as a whole; we came to depend on each other to study for exams, to set up goals, and ultimately, to succeed. I can honestly say that SAS cultivated the academic potential that my fellow students and I all had. The freedom to choose classes at Miami Dade College (MDC) allowed me to pursue my passion for mathematics and my friends to pursue their respective passions, whether they were health sciences, social sciences, or criminal justice. In addition to the MDC classes, our SAS faculty was supportive and helpful. Our teachers truly care and get to know us on a personal level. Unlike teachers in traditional high schools, SAS teachers have offices that are almost always open, and they are always available to assist us.
Coming to a new school for your last two years of high school is not an easy choice to make; leaving your comfort zone, a place where you may very well enjoy and thrive in may be difficult. It was a difficult decision for me. At the end of the day, however, I have no regrets about coming to SAS.
Romeo Umana
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2015
Stanford University, Class of 2019