Patrick Roberts, Head of School, Palmer Trinity School

In an interview with Invest:, Patrick Roberts, head of school at Palmer Trinity School, discussed the school’s recent milestones, the evolving landscape of private education, and how Palmer Trinity is preparing students for a rapidly changing world through leadership, ethics, service and innovation.

What have been the key milestones for Palmer Trinity School over the past year?

It’s been an exciting time. We’re in the middle of an ambitious strategic plan that we rolled out just over two years ago, and progress is constant. We’ve had several notable achievements. One of the biggest was receiving a Green Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education, recognizing our commitment to environmental sustainability. Given our large campus, this award highlights our stewardship of the land and broader dedication to sustainability. We were also named a Purple Heart School, a rare honor among high schools. For the past 10 years, we’ve partnered with Palmetto Bay Village to host a Veterans Day celebration, reinforcing our commitment to honoring service members.

Our Model UN program continues to thrive, with over 100 students involved.Additionally, for the fifth year in a row, we received an International Technology and Engineering Award, underscoring the strength of our STEM program. 

How would you describe the landscape of private education in South Florida? 

South Florida’s rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges. One of the biggest concerns I hear from peers is recruitment. This isn’t just a Miami issue, I just returned from a National Association of Episcopal Schools Board meeting where school leaders from around the country were discussing how to attract and retain talented educators. Compensation is part of the equation, but it’s also about making teaching a sustainable and fulfilling career. At Palmer Trinity, we’re actively addressing this by hosting our third annual job fair. We were the first school in the area to do this, and now others are following suit. The goal isn’t just to promote Palmer Trinity but to bring passionate educators into the profession and keep them here.

Another challenge is Miami’s high cost of living, making retention more difficult. Schools must be creative in supporting faculty, ensuring they have the resources and stability to thrive.

How are you preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected and complex world?

It starts with our programming. Our curriculum includes a track of independent studies, something no other school in the area offers. This model mirrors a college approach, allowing students to explore specialized topics. For example, I teach a Scottish history course, and every other year, I take students to Scotland, where they visit four universities. We now have eight students attending St. Andrews University as a direct result. Through Round Square, students can participate in semester-long or two-week exchanges. We also host global discussions, like last week when our students joined a 6 a.m. conversation with peers from India and Denmark. These experiences build global awareness and cultural competency.

As an Episcopal school, our mission is to cultivate compassionate, engaged global citizens. Our guiding principle is to lead with humility, courage, creativity, and compassion. Every one of our 30-plus international trips is backed by curriculum. That Scotland course, for example, includes monthly Saturday classes. Our independent studies program is student-driven, students design their own courses with faculty, reflecting their unique interests. Another key component is our contemporary studies program, including courses in leadership, public speaking, entrepreneurship and business management. I teach a leadership class every other semester, and this track has grown significantly over three years. These subjects prepare students for the future while encouraging them to think globally and act with purpose.

How does Palmer Trinity develop character, ethics and leadership in students?

Character development is embedded in our ethos. As the only Episcopal high school in Miami, our values are evident the moment you step onto campus. The Episcopal Church is known for its inclusivity, and while only about 10% of our students are Episcopalian, our commitment to ethics and leadership extends to all. Our curriculum includes courses designed to instill ethical leadership, but beyond academics, our culture emphasizes being a good person. Success in academics, arts and athletics is important, but so is stepping into the world as a responsible, engaged citizen. Schools with strong character programs are sometimes seen as “warm and fuzzy.” I welcome that perception. At the same time, we have a 95% AP success rate and introduced the IB program four years ago. Balancing rigorous academics with a strong moral compass is challenging, but we believe it’s the right approach.

What is Palmer Trinity doing to support mental health?

Mental health is a priority, especially post-COVID. We’ve increased counseling services, expanded learning support, and adjusted our school day to promote well-being. For example, we have a 10-minute passing time between classes, giving students time to reset. We want them outside, breathing, taking in the beauty of our campus. Each day also includes a flex period for decompression. We’ve incorporated wellness activities like yoga and mindfulness. It’s about being proactive, not reactive, and creating an environment where students and faculty thrive.

What is your outlook for the education industry over the next few years, and what are Palmer Trinity’s top priorities?

The biggest challenge and opportunity remains recruiting and developing great teachers. Miami is growing, attracting people from around the world, which is exciting. But how do we continue bringing in and retaining top educators? That’s a key focus. We also will be implementing a long-term campus master plan. We’re currently in a quiet phase of completing an incredible vision that will transform the campus while preserving our core. Today, we have 60 acres and an approved master plan thanks to the work of so many. Over 11 years, we’ve completed major phases of our 25-year plan, and the next steps will touch every aspect of student life: athletics, wellness, academics and community spaces.

What’s important is that while our campus will evolve, we are committed to our principles and our strong culture. We’re intentionally keeping enrollment at 800 students, with 140 faculty and staff. That allows us to maintain small classes, a strong advisory program, and a deep sense of community. Palmer Trinity has the feel of a small school while offering the opportunities of a larger institution. Another unique aspect is that 90% of our administration also teaches. That creates a culture where everyone knows each other, and even though our campus may feel large, it remains close-knit.

How do you see education evolving in Miami?

Florida’s education landscape is unique. Before coming here, I worked at a variety of schools, some over 125 years old, and compared to that, Florida is still young. But that youth brings innovation. Schools here are dynamic, attracting leaders from around the world with fresh ideas and perspectives. There’s a willingness to be flexible, embrace change and meet the needs of a diverse student body. Many school leaders here are relatively new to Miami, bringing energy and fresh thinking. It’s a great community of leaders, constantly sharing ideas and learning from each other.

How is Palmer Trinity adapting to changes in how students learn?

Students today learn in vastly different ways, and as educators, we must be flexible. Even within my own family, my children attended multiple schools before Palmer Trinity, each with its own approach. Education must evolve, especially post-COVID. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a perfect example. We don’t expect students to master AI, but they need to know how to use it effectively. It’s about harnessing its benefits while setting clear guidelines. We’ve partnered with outside experts, including a Miami-based group called Purple Horizons, which recently led a faculty session for us, as well as a session for students. We’re constantly adapting, ensuring students are ready for a future that’s evolving in ways we can’t yet predict. At the end of the day, change is the only constant in education. The key is to embrace it, use it wisely, and prepare students with the skills and mindset to thrive in whatever comes next.