As the “Transformation. Together. 2026.” campaign concludes its third phase, juniors no longer need to shuttle back and forth from Dadeland Mall. For the first time since the 2021-22 school year, both juniors and seniors can now park at the Upper School Campus.

The recent changes to parking assignments have sparked discontent among seniors, who are frustrated with the new system that now includes all upperclassmen. Many seniors are unhappy with being assigned spots in distant, rocky areas and facing long wait times to exit the parking lot. They believe these less desirable placements should be reserved for juniors instead.

“Last year, I had to park in Dadeland, and now I see juniors with way better parking spots than me,” senior Julia Piquet said — one of many students assigned to park in the gravel behind the swimming pool.

According to Piquet, the distance from the primary classroom facilities to her parking space makes it an inconvenient and unwanted placement. 

“It’s a long walk; when it rains, I have to take an even longer route because the field gets too muddy,” Piquet said.

Rumors among senior students claimed that parking spots in the gravel lot were reserved for those who lived farthest from school. However, Director of Operations and Risk Management Vivian Pacheco said the gravel spots were actually assigned to students who either had multiple parking infractions during their junior year or failed to submit necessary parking forms on time.

“There are 512 students for 230 spots, so it becomes a complicated task to meet everyone’s requests,” Pacheco said. 

According to Pacheco, the most effective way to handle parking spot complications was with a first-come, first-serve system. Remaining spots were then assigned based on the order applications were received. However, the Operations and Risk Management team later discovered that spots 50 to 70 caused increased traffic problems.

Senior Gina Copetti’s spot, #54, is located across from the library and four feet past the roundabout — where security checks drivers’ parking passes in the mornings. 

“Getting in and out of my parking spot is a hassle. Everyone enters and leaves school at the same time, causing such bad traffic that it takes me 20 minutes just to get off campus,” Copetti said.

While inconvenient placements can be stressful, some students retain a positive attitude.

“I love parking on campus — it saves me so much time,” senior Clarissa Echeverria said. 

Despite parking inconveniences, this year remains a time of celebration for the senior class as they near the end of their high school journey. Fortunately for the class of 2026, Pacheco noted that seniors will be given priority next year, with plans in place to keep them out of spots 50 through 70.