33 minute read
EDUCATION
AN OVERVIEW OF THE PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND HIGHEREDUCATION OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. PLUS, HOMESCHOOLING AND OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
IN THIS SECTION
Education Resources Homeschooling Public Schools Private Schools Higher Education
Palm Beach County shines when it comes to education of all levels and preferences. The public school district boasts a high school graduation rate of about 94.4 percent, higher than the state average.
The county is home to some of the most highly rated private and parochial schools in the United States, offering everything from early childhood care to nationally recognized college preparatory high schools. Among the most notable of these schools are Pine Crest School in Boca Raton, and Saint Andrew’s School and The Weiss School in Palm Beach Gardens.
Local charter schools offer unique specialties or career education options. Notable charter school examples are the Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Maritime Academy and the Palm Beach School for Autism in Lantana.
Florida’s customized common placement test is the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). The PERT determines accurate collegelevel course readiness based on the student’s skills and abilities. Educational institution data company Niche reports that the average SAT score in the county is 1130, above average, and the average ACT score is 25, higher than the national average.
Postsecondary education in the county offers a wide array of private career and technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States, Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Palm Beach State College offers associate degrees, professional certificates, and apprenticeship programs through a variety of campuses and online programs.
Private universities in the area have garnered national reputations, including Boca Raton’s Lynn University and the private Christian school Palm Beach Atlantic University. There are also local campuses for other Florida universities, including the Nova Southeastern University Palm Beach campus.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
bdb.org; hqpbc.org
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County. Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, its primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high-quality jobs, and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions, and international trade, stimulating economic energy, promoting business diversity, and enriching the county’s vitality.
CAREERSOURCE PALM BEACH COUNTY
careersourcepbc.com
CareerSource is the organization chartered by the state of Florida to develop, create, and retain a quality workforce system in Palm Beach County and offers its professional services to all employers and job seekers in the county. Employment services are available to all Palm Beach County businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Employer services include recruiting, interviewing, candidate screening, assessments, and training. CareerSource operates three Career Centers offering innovative employment-related services. For job seekers, CareerSource Career Centers provide job-search workshops; the use of computers, phones, and faxes to assist in a job search; training opportunities for those who qualify; and counseling, assessments, and job-placement services.
CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
cscpbc.org
Children’s Services Council is a special-purpose government created by Palm Beach County voters in 1986 and reauthorized in 2014. The council provides leadership, funding, services, and research on behalf of the county’s children so they grow up healthy, safe, and strong. The council focuses on prenatal health and early childhood development so more children are born healthy, are safe from abuse and neglect, are ready to learn when they enter school, and have access to quality after-school and summer programming.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
educationfoundationpbc.com
The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County aims to fulfill unmet funding gaps of the School District of Palm Beach County through programs and grants that link and engage community leaders in the process of supporting public education.
FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org
Provides scholarships based on high school academic achievement and is Florida’s largest merit-based scholarship program. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program has helped hundreds of thousands of Florida students attend a postsecondary institution. The program offers four levels of scholarship awards: the Florida Academic Scholars award (FAS), the Florida Medallion Scholars award
(FMS), the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award (GSV), and the Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC). Each award level has its own academic requirements, award amounts, and funding length.
FLORIDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
floridaeducationfoundation.org
The Florida Education Foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the success of public prekindergarten through twelfth-grade Florida students. The primary purpose of the foundation is to encourage collaboration among parents, business people, community members, and Florida’s public schools to improve student performance. The foundation serves as a catalyst
that promotes excellence by fostering the development of community and private-sector resources.
FLORIDA ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM INFORMATION
onlinecolleges.net/florida
Most colleges and universities in Florida are incorporating online degree programs, with 78 offering at least one bachelor’s degree. The Florida Online Degree Program site and its resources provide an investigative review of the current online education landscape to evaluate the increasingly popular online college rankings that are being touted on the internet.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT DEGREES
medicalassistantdegrees.net
Medical Assistant Degrees provides details about medical assistant programs at schools in every state. It also offers tips on pursuing a medical assisting career, with information on how to become certified, different types of jobs, and salary expectations.
FLORIDA PREPAID PLAN
The Florida Prepaid College Board offers several plans tailored to meet a range of financial needs. These include two-year college, four-year college, one-year university, and fouryear university plans, and a 2+2 plan that starts a child at one of the 28 Florida Colleges (formerly Community Colleges) at a lower cost and guarantees admission to a state university on completion of the associate’s degree. Information about each plan is available at myfloridaprepaid.com.
FLORIDA PREPAID COLLEGE PLANS
myfloridaprepaid.com
With a Florida Prepaid College Plan, you lock in today’s plan prices and help provide your child with an opportunity-filled future that comes with a college education. The Florida Prepaid College Board offers five affordable Prepaid Plan options that allow families to prepay the cost of college tuition, most required fees, and dormitory housing. What you pay now is guaranteed, no matter how much college costs increase in the future. In addition to the Prepaid Plans, families may also purchase a University Dormitory Plan for on-campus housing expenses. The Florida Prepaid College Plan was introduced in 1988 and is the largest prepaid college plan in the country. Families have purchased more than 2 million Florida Prepaid College Plans since the inception of the program.
affordablecollegesonline.org
Affordable Colleges Foundation began in 2012 to provide quality data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education. This comprehensive website provides information on the most affordable online colleges including a detailed breakdown of accreditation, what it is and why it’s important, not-for-profit vs. forprofit schools, and the importance of reputation with employers.
MYCAREERSHINES
floridashines.org
MyCareerShines is a comprehensive online education and career-planning system designed to help Floridians succeed in the increasingly competitive global economy. Students and adults gain the tools to assess their interests and skills, explore careers, plan for education, prepare for work, and find jobs.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
palmbeachschools.org
The School District of Palm Beach County is the fifth largest school system in Florida and the tenth largest in the country, with 183 schools, serving 192,000 Pre-K through twelfth-grade students during the 2017-2018 school year representing 197 countries. It is the only urban school district in Florida that has earned an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for eight consecutive years, and its school grades are among the highest in the state. Your children are its primary focus and their graduation from the school system is the crown jewel. Together, the school district and you will support and enrich their learning journey.
www2.palmbeachschools.org/showcase
This virtual tour of the county’s public schools provides a wealth of information about each individual public school, demographics, mapping, statistics, graduation rates, matriculation rates, and other useful data.
mypbchoiceapp.com
Families with students entering kindergarten through twelfth grade have the opportunity to choose from an array of theme-based curricula offerings at the elementary, middle, and high school levels that provide innovative and rigorous academic instruction by specially trained teachers. These programs provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers. Students may apply for one or two Choice programs with available space.
Homeschooling in Florida
Homeschooling is popular in Florida, with the website a2zhomeschooling.com estimating approximately 89,821 homeschooled students in the state for the 2017-2018 school year. Families interested in homeschooling must register with the Palm Beach County School District by filing a letter of intent. Parents must also maintain a portfolio logging each student’s educational activities and provide an annual evaluation, which may include the Florida Standards Assessment, among other required actions. Comprehensive information is available at the Palm Beach County School District website: palmbeachschools.org/ homeeducation.
Florida Homeschooling
florida-homeschooling.org
Resources and support for Florida homeschoolers, including legal and practical information for both new and experienced homeschoolers, as well as county-specific listings of evaluators, tutors, support groups, and private schools for homeschoolers.
Florida Parent Educators Association
fpea.com
The FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance, and information to both new and longtime home educators. The “FPEA Experience” involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships, and breaking down barriers.
Florida Virtual School
flvs.net/homeschool
Florida Virtual School is a free online public school offering more than 180 courses. FVS gives homeschoolers the ability to enroll in courses 365 days a year and the choice to take courses online while learning during the summer or the school year. Homeschoolers can chart an educational path around individual needs, hobbies, activities, and travel.
The South Florida HEAT
sfheat.org
The South Florida HEAT (Home Education Athletic Teams) is a Christian-based, FHSAAaccredited, not-for-profit organization working with homeschooling families toward growing tomorrow’s servant-leaders through learning and applying life lessons available from the competitive interscholastic athletic arena.
BOCA RATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
THE SPRAWLING COUNTY IS SERVED BY A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR REGIONS
The School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) is the tenth largest public school district in the United States and the fifth largest school district in Florida, serving more than 1.4 million residents. Encompassing all of Palm Beach County, it had an annual budget of $3.09 billion for the 2018-2019 school year.
For the 2017-2018 academic year, enrollment totaled approximately 192,000 students in pre-K through twelfth grades, with more than 12,900 teachers. The district operates 183 schools, including 109 elementary, 32 middle, 23 high, and 19 Exceptional Student Education (ESE), Dropout Prevention, and Virtual locations. It employs 22,340 people. The school district is highly engaged with the community and has relationships with 1,300 business partners.
The district has 330 award-winning programs and offers students International Baccalaureate at seven elementary schools, five middle schools, and six high schools; an International Spanish Academy; and Montessori, visual/performing arts, and STEM programs.
Twenty-five schools offer career academies in the Choice program, including: • Aerospace Science • Automotive Service Technology • Biomedical Health Informatics • Business/Entrepreneurship/Marketing • Computer Science • Construction/Drafting • Criminal Justice/Law • Culinary Arts • Digital Design • Early Childhood Teacher Education • Engineering and Technology • Environmental Science and Field Research • Finance
• Fire Science • Hospitality/Resort Management • Information Technology • JROTC-Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps • Leadership Academy for Young Men (African
American/Afro Centric Studies) • Medical Sciences/Biomedical Science • Multimedia, Music, and Communications • Pre-Veterinary/Equine • Sports Management and Recreation • TV and Film Production
Schoolchildren in Palm Beach County come from everywhere in the world, representing 197 countries and 146 languages and dialects. This dynamic multicultural community is reflected in the emphasis the district places on preparing students to succeed in a global economy, with instruction in several languages including Chinese, French, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Japanese, and American Sign Language. The school district supported 25,000 students in the 2017-2018 school year who were learning English through the English Language Learners classes.
The Palm Beach County School District is divided into four overlapping geographic areas, with an administrative office in each area. Each area comprises a group of elementary, middle, and high schools. Parents can find which area and schools their children are eligible to attend via an online search based on the family’s home address; visit palmbeachschools.org and click on “Students & Parents” to get to the “Find My School” tool. In addition to the four geographic areas, a Transformational Area is designated for the 12 most academically challenged schools in order to provide additional support (curricular, administrative, and technological) to help improve student achievement and grades. Adult learners are also served by the school district, with programs offered through the Palm Beach Virtual School and at 24 adult education sites including the Adult Education Center, nine satellite sites, two pre-apprenticeship sites, and three ACE testing centers.
SOUTH REGION
1790 N.W. Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton, 33431; 561-982-0919 37 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 8 high schools, 1 K-8 school, 2 K-12 schools
Among the schools in this area are Boca Raton Elementary, Middle, and High Schools; Del Prado Elementary; Morikami Park Elementary; Omni Middle; Spanish River High; and the Village Academy.
CENTRAL REGION
4703 10th Ave. North, Greenacres, 33463; 561-804-3254 38 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 8 high schools
Elementary schools in this area include Wellington, South Olive, West Gate, and Heritage; middle schools include Conniston, Crestwood, and Emerald Cove; high schools include Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Central, and Forest Hill.
GLADES REGION
2625 NW 16th St., Belle Glade, 33430; 561-996-4900 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, 1 8-12 school
Among the elementary schools in this area are Belle Glade, Glade View, and Pahokee; middle schools are Lake Shore and Pahokee; high schools are Glades Central and Pahokee.
NORTH REGION
1160 Ave. North, West Riviera Beach, 33404; 561494-1500; 24 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 7 high schools, 1 K-12 school, 1 K-8 school
Among the schools in this area are Bak Middle School of the Arts; Jupiter Elementary, Middle, and High; Palm Beach Gardens Elementary and High; The Conservatory School at North Palm Beach; and William T. Dwyer High.
SAINT ANDREW’S SCHOOL
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
MORE THAN 20 PRIVATE SCHOOLS PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION TO RESIDENTS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
ADVENT SCHOOL
300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton, 33431; 561-395-3631; adventschoolboca.org
Advent School offers innovative programs for all age levels, including Dual Language and Emergent Reader programs for Pre-K students, STEM enrichment for elementary students, an individualized math program, 1:1 technology program for middle schoolers, and Spanish language instruction for Pre-K through eighth grade. In addition to an academic curriculum tailored to meet each student’s needs, Advent provides opportunities in fine arts, technology, music, drama, and athletics. Middle school athletic teams have reached state and national levels. Advent’s aftercare and camp programs offer a variety of engaging activities and extracurricular classes. The Early Childhood School participates in the VPK program. Advent is committed to encouraging students with a nurturing and supportive Christian environment; empowering students with the academic, social, and spiritual tools they need to succeed in life; and inspiring students to pursue their passions to not only succeed in life but to make a difference in the world as well.
AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL OF BOCA/DELRAY
6200 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, 33484; 561-808-2598; ahschool.com
The number-one private school for the highest number of National Merit Scholars, American Heritage offers a rigorous and well-rounded college preparatory education to students in PK3 to grade 12 on a 40-acre campus,
CARDINAL NEWMAN HIGH SCHOOL
attracting families throughout Palm Beach County. The school is also notable for ranking number one in the state in science, mock trial and moot court,broadcast and journalism, and fine arts. The class of 2018 received $21 million in college scholarships. Pre-med, pre-law, and pre-engineering programs are available, as well as robotics and a Science Research Institute. The curriculum is forward-thinking, and the environment is technologically advanced with high-level resources that help students of all ages achieve their potential.
THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL
11000 Ellison Wilson Road, North Palm Beach, 33408; 561-626-3747; thebenjaminschool.org
The Benjamin School’s nonsectarian PK3 through grade 12 programs are noted for a 100 percent college acceptance rate. This researchbased learning center offers high-level academic curriculum and unique programs such as a dedicated STEM program (a new STEM Center debuts this fall), TV studio broadcasting, and video production. The school’s balanced approach to education includes visual and performing arts and competitive athletics.
CARDINAL NEWMAN HIGH SCHOOL
512 Spencer Dr., West Palm Beach, 33409; 561-683-6266; cardinalnewman.com
CNHS is a Catholic school offering a wellrounded curriculum for grades 9-12. The school addresses a student as a whole person, providing an academic community and spiritual life that help to develop each student’s unique talents. Faculty help students become motivated to seek out excellence and develop the self-discipline needed for success. The school offers the IB program and a wide range of clubs and activities, including a competitive athletics department.
GRANDVIEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL
336 Spanish River Blvd. NW, Boca Raton, 33431; 561-416-9737; grandviewprep.net
GPS is an independent, nonsectarian college preparation school offering education for Pre-K through grade 12. More than 50 percent of faculty hold advanced degrees, and the student-teacher ratio is 8:1. It offers honors classes, a unique Innovation Program, and dual enrollment with local universities. Students participate in “houses” that include all age groups to engage in community service initiatives. Grandview offers a top athletics program, including swimming. The school has a strong technology and computing orientation.
GULF STREAM SCHOOL
3600 Gulf Stream Road, Gulf Stream, 33483; 561-276-5225; gulfstreamschool.org
Located in the small coastal town of Gulf Stream, this school was recognized in 2015 as the number 32 independent U.S. elementary school by thebestschools.org. Gulf Stream School encompasses Pre-K through grade 8 and offers an academic program focused on teaching students to enjoy the process of learning and nurturing their curiosity. The school prepares students for entry to college preparatory high schools. Each year, a majority of the seventh grade class is invited to participate in the Duke University Talent Search.
JUPITER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
East Campus: 125 S. Pennock Lane, Jupiter, 33458; 561-972-4521 West Campus: 700 S. Delaware Blvd., Jupiter, 33458; 561-746-7800; jupiterchristian.org
JCS offers a Christ-centered, liberal arts curriculum marked by academic excellence, innovation, and creativity from preschool through grade 12. The East Campus for PK2 to first grade features biblically integrated classrooms and an academically focused curriculum that includes science, Spanish, music, and art, along with outdoor playgrounds, and a spacious gymnasium. The Lower School, which spans grades 2-6, provides a nurturing environment with small groups and differentiated instruction. The Upper School, grades 7-12, prepares students for their post-secondary pursuits. Course offerings include STEM, dual enrollment, honors, and AP courses, as well as a Senior Capstone experience and formal internship program.
THE KING’S ACADEMY
8401 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, 33411; 561-686-4244; tka.net
The King’s Academy is a National Blue Ribbon School offering an interdenominational Christian education for students from preschool through high school. In addition to college preparatory–focused academics, The King’s Academy offers an awardwinning Conservatory of the Arts program in voice, theater, dance and music; championship athletics; academic support for students who have unique learning needs; pre-law, business, computer science, engineering, ministry, and sports medicine programs; a STEM track; and a writing plan for middle and high school students. The school also offers a program to support homeschooled students in grades 7-12.
MEYER ACADEMY
5225 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 33418; 561-686-6520; meyerprep.org
Meyer Academy offers a progressive kindergarten through grade 8 education in an unmatched setting for learning and growth. Students learn to think critically through strong academics in a state-of-the-art facility featuring 3D printers, an innovation lab, a media production studio, visual and performing arts, and sprawling athletic facilities. Meyer Academy’s dual-language curriculum in English and Hebrew combined with a foundation of values-based learning establishes the framework for students to learn to make a difference in school and in the community. As an International Baccalaureate World School, the Middle Years Programme at Meyer Academy provides middle school students with a rigorous and relevant curriculum that fosters real world connections.
MOUNTAINEER’S SCHOOL OF AUTISM
1340 Kenwood Road, West Palm Beach, 33401; 561-932-3938; msainc.org
Mountaineer’s School of Autism is a private, not-for-profit school for children grades K-12 with autism and other disabilities. MSA was created by parents who dreamed of creating a classroom that fosters love, inclusion, and education alongside access to occupational therapy. Children benefit from massage, essential oils, nutrition counseling, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
NORTH BROWARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL
7600 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, 33073; 954-247-0011; nbps.org
North Broward Preparatory School prepares students to be adept and agile deep thinkers, to communicate with skill and poise, to forge connections across disciplines and cultures, and to take risks to stretch one’s intellect and talents in new directions. As a member of Nord Anglia Education, North Broward students enjoy learning opportunities with world-class organizations like Juilliard and MIT, and participate in educational collaborations like Global Campus. Rigorous academic
GULF STREAM SCHOOL
programs combine with state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletics, and fine arts to provide an unmatched educational experience tailored to every child’s interest.
OXBRIDGE ACADEMY
3151 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 33409; 561-972-9600; oapb.org
Oxbridge is a private college preparatory high school that offers a unique, experiential approach to education. Students are engaged in hands-on activities that speak to their talents and interests. One hundred percent of graduates are accepted to four-year colleges. Learning Support Specialists, a school psychologist, and a college counseling team, along with faculty members—of whom 60 percent hold master’s and 15 percent hold doctorates—work to ensure student success. The school’s signature programs include a two-week study abroad at Cambridge University, independent field research at top research facilities, aviation training, and a novel-writing project. This is in addition to Advanced Honors Seminar classes, 95 electives, and an award-winning debate team.
PALM BEACH DAY ACADEMY
1901 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, 33401; 561-832-8815; pbday.org
Palm Beach Day Academy is the oldest independent school in Florida. It’s a nonsectarian school offering programs from PK2 through grade 9. The academically challenging environment results in 98 percent of PBDA students being able to attend their first choice of secondary school. The school offers a focus on global studies, including an international exchange program with a partnership school in Hong Kong. Its unique museum partnership forges collaborative relationships between each grade level and a museum in the area.
PINE CREST SCHOOL
2700 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, 33434; 561-852-2800; pinecrest.edu
For more than 80 years, Pine Crest School has been at the forefront of providing an educational experience rooted in academic excellence and complemented by outstanding athletics and arts. Pine Crest remains dedicated to this tradition while being inspired by innovation, the modernization of education, and the importance of twenty-first-century learning skills. A Pine Crest graduate possesses leadership skills and perseverance. He or she is an effective and articulate communicator with the ability to take calculated risks and think independently, globally, and collaboratively to create opportunities and find solutions to real-life, complex challenges with integrity and character.
ROSARIAN ACADEMY
807 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, 33401; 561-832-5131; rosarian.org
Since 1925, Rosarian Academy has enriched the lives of students and families in Palm Beach County with a strong academic program enhanced by faith, athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. Rosarian offers an accelerated education, starting in its Early Childhood Montessori Program (serving children up to 5 years old) and through the lower school (K-grade to 4) and middle school (grades 5-8). The school fosters each student’s spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. The independent, Catholic school is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Bus service is offered throughout Palm Beach County. Financial assistance is available.
SAINT ANDREW’S SCHOOL
3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton, 33434; 561-210-2000; saintandrews.net
Saint Andrew’s is a nationally recognized day and boarding college preparatory school for Pre-K through 12. Saint Andrew’s is an independent school in the Episcopal tradition, which fosters an atmosphere of diversity, welcoming
children of multiple faiths. The school off ers one of the top college-preparatory curriculum programs in South Florida, which includes Honors, AP, and IB courses. Saint Andrew’s is a member of the Round Square Organization, an international association of schools that share the educational ideas of Kurt Hahn: democracy, service, environmentalism, leadership, adventure, and internationalism. More than 80 percent of graduates are accepted at highly competitive colleges.
SAINT JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY
4001 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 33431; 561-314-2100; sjpii.net
Saint John Paul II Academy is a Catholic college preparatory high school governed by the Diocese of Palm Beach. Advanced programs include dual enrollment with Lynn University and St. Thomas University, an honors program, and 14 AP classes off ered in eight of the nine academic departments. The school follows Lasallian educational practices that prepare students for college, career, and for life. Saint John Paul II is known for strong academics and developing the talents and interests of its students. Its Learning Achievement Services assists students with learning and languagebased disabilities.
ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL
370 SW 3rd St., Boca Raton, 33432; 561-392-0007; stjoan.org
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School provides top-rated education in a state-of-the-art environment. St. Joan of Arc is a U.S. Department of Education “No Child Le Behind” (NCLB) Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence. The school has expanded from 70 students in 1960 to more than 500 students today, from pre-K through eighth grade. Traditional classroom education is complemented by a host of enrichment programs in arts and athletics. Students here learn real-world skills with computer coding and graphic design. St. Joan of Arc takes a whole community approach to education, grounding lessons in faith and incorporating family participation.
ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
3395 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 33410; 561-622-1504; stmarkspbg.org
St. Mark’s welcomes children of all faiths to experience its academic program in a safe and nurturing community. Students, ages 2 through eighth grade, are provided with balanced exposure to academics, arts, athletics, and spiritual life. A hallmark of St. Mark’s robust curriculum is its award-winning writing program that begins in kindergarten. Hands-on science and mathematics develop critical and creative thinking skills. Having gained admission to top area high schools, graduates leave with a sound foundation for life.
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, 33486; 561-395-8548; cyberfalcon.com
St. Paul Lutheran places an emphasis on
A BENJAMIN EDUCATION BROADENS HORIZONS
PK3-12 Independent Day School North Palm Beach & Palm Beach Gardens I thebenjaminschool.org I 561.472.3451
Christian faith as part of its curriculum for its PK3 through eighth-grade students. Along with providing religious instruction and leading children in the Christian faith, the school emphasizes excellence in language arts, including reading, spelling, and literature. It also focuses on mathematics, the natural sciences (including a STEM and robotics program), social studies, computer science, Spanish, music, art, physical education, and varied extracurricular activities.
TURTLE RIVER MONTESSORI
926 Maplewood Dr., Jupiter, 33458; 561-7451995; turtlerivermontessori.com 740 Indiantown Road, Jupiter, 33458; 561-746-1998 (18 months to kindergarten)
Turtle River Montessori embodies the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori in its truest essence. The classroom environments are designed to take advantage of the child’s sensitive periods and critical developmental planes. Classrooms are structured with custom-designed materials that are geared toward the size, pace, and interests of the child to stimulate the natural desire to learn. The students move at their own pace and as they master a concept the next one is presented by the teacher. The curriculum in each classroom accommodates a three-year age span, with the primary beginning at 3-6 years, the lower elementary from 6-9 years, the upper elementary from 9-12 years, the middle school from 12-15 years, and the high school from 15-18 years. The classrooms are led by fully trained Montessori teachers. Go visit their school to experience a true Montessori classroom where joyful learning is the norm.
ROSARIAN ACADEMY
UNITY SCHOOL
101 NW 22nd St., Delray Beach, 33444; 561-276-4414; unityschool.com
Education at Unity School encompasses all aspects of the child and is based on the promotion of individual worth and dignity. The educational process at Unity incorporates brain-based learning as well as extensive family and parental involvement on and off campus. The school recognizes nine guiding universal principles, including love, forgiveness, equality, and wisdom. Pre-K students engage in a challenging Montessori learning environment, while elementary school students transition to a progressive curriculum that is often a level ahead of the national standard curriculum. Middle school students engage in interdisciplinary projects in departmentalized classes as they develop the independence needed for success.
THE WEISS SCHOOL
4176 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 33410; 561-627-0740; weissschool.org
The Weiss School program provides gifted children from PK3 through eighth grade with an education that follows best practices. Teaching methods emphasizes creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills across the curriculum. The science program uses the research-based Full Option Science System (FOSS K-8) developed at the University of California, Berkeley, which focuses on inquiry-based learning and active investigation. Music is also integral at The Weiss School: Early childhood students and K-2 attend music classes once a week, grades 3-5 attend band classes twice a week, and grades 6-8 are able to choose from a variety of music elective courses including symphonic band and piano. Students from The Weiss School are frequently finalists and winners in STEM competitions at both state and national levels, MathCounts, and other academic competitions. In 2015, The Weiss School was named a 2014 Global Literacy Champion for its work in providing a library at a primary school in Lesotho.
HIGHER EDUCATION
IN PALM BEACH COUNTY AND THE TREASURE COAST, A VARIETY OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OFFER STUDENTS THE CHANCE TO EARN THEIR DEGREES IN PARADISE. FROM RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS TO TRADE SCHOOLS, BLAZE A PATH TO YOUR DREAM CAREER AT ONE OF THE AREA’S MANY OPTIONS
PUBLIC COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 33431; 561-297-3000; fau.edu
One of America’s fastest-growing public universities, FAU serves more than 30,000 residential and commuter students at its Boca Raton campus. The largest campus of FAU, the Boca Raton location provides 175-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs, a 29,419-seat stadium, 19 intercollegiate teams attracting the participation of 450 student-athletes, and 300 campus organizations and clubs. Notable features are the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center, and the FAU Lifelong Learning Society, with more than 20,000 patrons. FAU has been designated a High Research Activity university by the Carnegie foundation. It also has one of the most active record labels of any university; Hoot/ Wisdom Recordings has released more than 21 albums produced by the students and commercial music faculty.
PALM BEACH STATE COLLAGE, LAKE WORTH CAMPUS
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, 34981; 772-462-4772; irsc.edu
Indian River State College has earned a statewide and national reputation for excellence. IRSC offers more than 150 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. The college offers programs not only for students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree program and upper-division studies but also for students who wish to pursue careers immediately upon completion of shorter-term associate degree and technical certificate programs. IRSC is recognized as a key partner in the continuing development of the Research Coast region and as a national model for innovative use of technology in education.
PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE
4200 Congress Ave., Lake Worth, 33461; 561-967-7222; palmbeachstate.edu
This public state college was formerly Palm Beach Community College. It is the largest post-secondary institution in Palm Beach County, serving 49,000 students at campuses in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, and a new campus in Loxahatchee Groves, which opened in 2016. PBSC offers more than 130
PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
programs of study and is also the county’s leading educator of skilled professionals. It is known for a high graduation rate for minority students. The associate in arts degree is a university transfer track and meets the requirements for Florida’s 2+2 prepaid plan’s guarantee of admission to a state university. Career-education options include such fields as health care, information technology, biotechnology, arts, trade, and industry; customized workforce training and continuing education; and professional development tracks for early learning, nursing, teaching, medical imaging, and other high-demand fields.
PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
BARRY UNIVERSITY
9123 N. Military Trail, #206, Palm Beach Gardens, 33410; 561-622-9300; barry.edu
Based on the Catholic intellectual tradition and originally founded as a women’s college, Barry University has grown into a coeducational university that is one of Florida’s leading education centers. The Palm Beach Gardens campus offers programs in nursing practice and social work, offering students small classes with flexible schedules.
LYNN UNIVERSITY
3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 33431; 561-237-7000; lynn.edu
Lynn University is an independent, nonprofit, residential institution on a 115-acre campus featuring five freshwater lakes. It enrolls more than 3,000 students from 104 countries and nearly all 50 states. Lynn University is consistently ranked among the top five most international universities in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list. Student life includes more than 30 clubs and student organizations and numerous intercollegiate sports teams with nearly 50 conference and national championships. In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences, Lynn offers a School of Aeronautics, a College of Business and Management, a Conservatory of Music, a College of Education, and the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn College of International Communication.
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY PALM BEACH CAMPUS
11501 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, 33410; 561-805-2100; nova.edu
Nova Southeastern University Florida is one of the largest private, for-profit universities in the state, serving nearly 30,000 students at all campuses. The main campus is located in Fort Lauderdale. Nova serves the Treasure Coast and surrounding areas with a modern, regional campus in Palm Beach Gardens. Noted for small class sizes and personalized attention, Nova offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for majors including business, education, nursing, pharmacy, and respiratory therapy. Nova also offers online degree programs in computer sciences, counseling, and more. The university is noted for having only credentialed professors teach classes; no teaching assistants lead classes. The university offers athletics, social and professional organizations, and cultural activities.
PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
901 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, 33401; 888-468-6722; pba.edu
Offering 53 undergraduate majors and dozens of graduate and professional degrees, Palm Beach Atlantic University is a comprehensive, interdenominational Christian university. Total undergraduate enrollment for 2018 was 3,706. Degree programs offered include nursing practice, pharmacy, business administration, counseling (with many specializations available), divinity, leadership, organizational management, psychology, and more. Eighty-four percent of the university’s faculty hold the highest degree in their field. Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a low 12:1 classroom ratio and a wide range of activities, including intercollegiate and intramural sports; more than 100 student music, theater, and dance performances annually; and involvement and leadership opportunities in more than 40 social, professional, and religious clubs and organizations.
SOUTH UNIVERSITY
9801 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach, 33411; 561-273-6500; southuniversity.edu
South University is a private, for-profit academic institution focused primarily on offering degrees in business and the health care professions. The West Palm Beach campus serves approximately 1,100 students. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in programs including business administration, counseling and psychology, criminal justice, health science, administration and management, nursing, occupational therapy, and theology. SU also offers online programs.
STRAYER UNIVERSITY
11025 RCA Center Drive, #200, Palm Beach Gardens, 33410; 561-904-3000; strayer.edu
Strayer University has been helping working adults continue their education to advance their careers since 1892. The Palm Beach Gardens campus helps students earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees with both online courses and degree programs on campus. Strayer offers programs in business and finance, education, health services administration, criminal justice, and information technology. The university also offers the Jack Welch Executive MBA program, covering the full range of key business areas including strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and leadership. Flexible schedules allow working people to continue their education while employed.
SPECIALTY AND CAREER COLLEGES
3800 Saint Lucie Blvd., Fort Pierce, 34946; 772-466-4822; aviator.edu
Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology offers hands-on training and flight academy, with 30 aircraft flying more than 30,000 hours annually. The Aeronautical Science Program prepares the graduate for a career in the aviation industry by providing a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, aeronautical sciences, aeronautical technology, and the aviation industry. The graduate will receive an associate of science degree from Aviator College with flight ratings from private pilot through commercial, with Flight Instructor ratings. This training is necessary to obtain employment, and completing the associate degree offers a competitive advantage to job applicants in the airline industry.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY, BOCA RATON CAMPUS
EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY
5002 T-Rex Ave., #100, Boca Raton, 33431; 561-912-1211; evergladesuniversity.edu
Everglades University offers small class sizes in emerging-market areas including energy management, construction management, business administration, and aviation/aerospace. Ranked among the top 15 percent of military-friendly universities, colleges, and trade schools by G.I. Jobs, Everglades awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees to more than 1,500 students annually. It was named one of the Best Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report in 2018.
FORTIS INSTITUTE OF PORT ST. LUCIE
9022 S. U.S. Hwy. 1, Port St. Lucie, 34952; 772-221-9799; fortis.edu
Fortis Institute campuses prepare students for careers in health care, business and technology, and various trades. Fortis also offers online learning platforms for many of its programs. At the Port St. Lucie campus, programs include an associate degree in nursing, dental assisting, medical assisting, X-ray operation, medical billing and coding, practical nursing, and heating/ventilation/ air conditioning (HVAC). Fortis Institute also offers continuing education program for licensed health care professionals at this location.
KEISER UNIVERSITY
2085 Vista Pkwy., West Palm Beach, 33411; 561-471-6000; keiser-education.com
U.S. News & World Report ranks this career-focused university fourteenth in the United States South Region as a “Best Regional College for Veterans.” The Fort Lauderdale–based institution has 17 campuses across Florida, including West Palm Beach and Port. St. Lucie, and education is focused on hands-on career education in small classes using the actual technologies and equipment the students will someday use in the workplace. Keiser University has 20,000 students across all campuses, pursuing degrees in more than 100 doctoral, specialist, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate fields. In 2015, Keiser University acquired the Northwood University in West Palm Beach, providing its first location with dormitories, athletics teams, and other aspects of the traditional campus experience.
