PALM BEACH DAY ACADEMY is considered one of the finest private educational institutions in the Palm Beach area. Founded in 1921, it is the oldest incorporated independent school in Florida. This old tradition has left a remarkable legacy of excellence. The Academy is a coeducational day school with two campuses located in central West Palm Beach and in historic central Palm Beach with an enrollment of more than 500 students in pre-kindergarten to ninth grade. This non-sectarian, not-for-profit school recognizes each student’s unique talents, abilities and learning styles and strives to reinforce their strengths, while working to develop individual strategies to overcome their challenges. Their primary purpose is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, habits and attitude that will allow them to pursue their goals in excellent secondary schools, colleges and beyond through providing a learning environment in which achievement is highly valued and where students gain confidence from the realization that their accomplishments, reached by meeting high standards, have real worth.
The faculty’s personal involvement and universally held goal of finding for each child the proper balance of nurturing support and challenging demands is the school’s greatest strength. The school administration is under the supervision of Dr. Becky van der Bogert, head of school. In such an environment, students are free to take risks and learn from mistakes. But mostly, they learn the value of sustained effort, focused thinking, open mindedness, concern for others and the possibility to adapt to challenges in a rapidly changing world. The academic program is organized around a simple formula – superior teachers, involved parents, excellent facilities and an environment oriented toward achievement, supported by clearly articulated programs, input from specialists and ongoing professional development. Many of the faculty members have been at the school for decades providing a family atmosphere and the continuation of the school core principles.
Prominent athletics and arts programs complement the curriculum and contribute to the overall development and well-being of the student body. During the early years, students participate in regular physical education. After the fifth grade there is flag football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, lacrose and field hockey. At the junior high levels, students are placed in either junior varsity or varsity teams. The arts program challenges students to showcase their creative sensibility as an essential part of a well rounded education. Drawing, painting, pottery, photography, music, drama and the production of a student newspaper and television program are at the center of the educational life at Palm Beach Day. Annual music and drama productions discover previously untapped talents in upper classmen each year.
Community service is a proud tradition at the Academy. Students are involved in service projects at every level and participate in school-wide service drives and grade level initiatives. Every project is designed to strengthen the understanding of the genuine needs of others. Palm Beach Day students are encouraged to make a donation of their time in direct service to others. Emphasis in community service through instruction and example teaches the importance of character, truthfulness, personal responsibility, generosity and compassion. SA