Preparing Students in Destin, Florida for the Future: Essential Skills They Need Now

Dr. Matt Weinberg
Sep 25
2 min read

How The Barrett School builds future-ready learners from Early School to High School

Parents in Destin know the world is changing fast. Our children won’t just compete with classmates, they’ll compete globally. That’s why building future-ready skills isn’t optional anymore. At The Barrett School, we weave those skills into everyday learning so Destin students grow into confident problem-solvers, creators, and leaders.

The Future-Ready Skill Set (What Every Student Needs)

Technical fluency
- Coding & automation (block → Python/JS)
- AI literacy: safe, ethical, effective use
- Data thinking: collect → visualize → explain
- Engineering design: build–test–iterate, CAD/3D printing
Human strengths
- Problem framing & systems thinking
- Communication: writing, presenting, data storytelling
- Collaboration & leadership
- Creativity, persistence, and adaptability
Career habits
- Digital citizenship & cyber hygiene
- Portfolio mindset (artifacts, reflections, next steps)
- Project management & entrepreneurship

How The Barrett School Builds These Skills (K–12)

Explore programs: Early School • Lower • Intermediate • High School • Programs Overview

K–2: Wonder → Patterns

Story robots, measurement games, “if/then” logic
Focus: curiosity, vocabulary, turn-taking, sharing results

Grades 3–5: Makers → Solvers

Scratch + Micro:bit, beginner robotics, simple data charts
Focus: planning, testing, explaining how they improved a build

Grades 6–8: Designers → Analysts

Multi-sensor robotics (LEGO/VEX), Teachable Machine, CAD/3D prints
Focus: documentation, ethical tech use, iteration cycles

Grades 9–12: Builders → Leaders

Autonomous rover challenges, computer-vision intros, dashboards
Focus: portfolios, presentations, internships/mentors when available

Why These Skills Matter in Destin, FL

Destin sits near Eglin AFB and a growing corridor of aerospace/defense, marine/coastal science, health tech, clean energy & smart buildings, and hospitality tech. The common thread across future jobs here is data + automation + people skills. We prepare students with: