Building Blocks of The Barrett School

Education is essential and should be available to all. These are sentiments that Matthew Weinberg, founder of The Barrett School, believes in and principles he built the school upon.

Weinberg’s desire to open a school began when his daughter had a difficult time finding a school that was right for her. Despite being mentally on par with her peers, she was nonverbal until age 5. Weinberg sought a school that would provide a strong learning foundation for both neurotypical and neurodiverse students but couldn’t find one — so he created it.

“My objective was to make a school for all kids to have access to resources where they can thrive,” says Weinberg. “Every kid can do amazing things if what they are interested in is catered to and they are provided resources to help them.”

The Barrett School opened its doors and classrooms to students in August 2024. With a focus on academics, STEAM education, and career preparation for K-12 learners, classrooms brim with the latest technology and enlist teachers in a variety of curriculum methods that address assorted learning styles.

Students actively engage with cutting-edge technology such as robots, VR experiences, coding techniques, simulators, anatomy tables, immersive science labs, and more. Outdoor adventure, sensory play, and therapies are also utilized. Combining the natural and tech worlds encourages students to view their peers and surroundings with social empathy, environmental stewardship, and technological savvy.

The intent is for students to exit The Barrett School ready to embrace a fulfilling career and be active participants in their communities.

In composing his own school, Weinberg knew he wanted to provide students with the resources they likely wouldn’t have access to otherwise, including technology, specialized programs of interest, teachers trained in nurturing learning styles, and access to trained therapists.

The Colony Clinic at The Barrett School is a dedicated team of pediatric therapists invested in helping students achieve lasting academic, emotional, and social success through applied behavioral analysis, language therapy, academic tutoring, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and more.

“No other school in the area is doing what we are to provide students resources that focus directly on improving [students] and their futures,” says Weinberg. “We are trying something new in order to bring change and hope to the educational landscape.”

While the process of opening the school was no easy feat, it’s one that Weinberg is proud of as he and the staff witness everyday results and tell of the lasting impacts made on students who will go on to be great minds and societal influences.

THE BARRETT SCHOOL

 4405 COMMONS DRIVE EAST, DESTIN   |  THEBARRETTSCHOOLFL.ORG