Elementary Program

Our students excel in reading, writing and math through a combination of hard work and dedication of our teachers, all of whom are Florida certified in-field and designated Highly Qualified under No Child Left Behind, our parents working at home with their children, and a Board who is supportive and interested in each child doing his or her "personal best". Our students are taught the "Basics" upon which to build their future. Reading is essential and is taught through a combination of phonics, fluency, decoding skills and learning about the simple joy of reading. Math is emphasized through hands-on manipulatives, drill, and practice, and writing begins upon entrance to Kindergarten. Our Science program teaches the Florida Standards through an emphasis on Maritime and Marine education. Students of all ages participate in field trips to various locations including Peanut Island, where our "little ones" are introduced to the standards through activities such as sorting and categorizing seashells, finding, measuring, graphing, and writing about tidal pools, and learning at a young age to appreciate and care for our environment. Parents are encouraged to actively participate! Tutoring is offered free of charge to those students the teachers feel need extra help, and those who excel are enriched through a variety of activities. We also offer breakfast to all students free of charge, and have fee-based before and after care programs. Many students from our elementary grades also continue to attend through middle school. Research shows that these students do much better in Grades 6-8 since they do not have the stress of starting a new school in unfamiliar surroundings, but can continue in the place that has nurtured and taught them since they were young. It has been my pleasure for the past two years, having completed 10 years as Principal of PBMA, to watch students who entered in Kindergarten walk across the stage at the end of 8th grade to receive their certificates!

Middle School Program

Our students excel in reading, writing, science, social studies and math through a combination of hard work and dedication of our teachers, all of whom are Florida certified in-field and designated Highly Qualified under No Child Left Behind, our parents working at home with their students, and a Board who is supportive and interested in each child doing his or her "personal best". Since many of our students continue from the elementary school, the transition to middle school is an easy one in an environment where many have been taught and nurtured since their younger days.

Our middle school program consists of a formal Reading class for all students. We have always felt that formal reading instruction cannot stop in 5th grade; there are still many skills to be learned and honed and wonderful literature to be read, analyzed and discussed and one full period daily is devoted to this. Language Arts emphasizes writing both for FCAT and in the content areas. Math is taught through the Standards and qualified students in 8th grade are eligible to take Algebra 1 for high school credit. Science and Social Studies are taught through a combination of the Standards, classroom instruction, and an array of field trips designed to enhance the curriculum. Trips to Peanut Island, the Kennedy Bunker and the Coast Guard House tell the first-hand story of our rich history including the early 1900's and the Cold War, and science experiments out on the island include seining and an analysis of marine life. "Building Better Readers" is a delightful annual event during which the the teachers write a play, don their costumes, and show in their hilarious way how parents can work with their children. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Coastal Clean-up and take field trips to the Everglades, Loggerhead, and Jupiter Lighthouse - just to name a few.

It has been my pleasure for the past two years, having completed 10 years as Principal of PBMA, to watch students who entered in Kindergarten walk across the stage at the end of 8th grade to receive their certificates!

Before & After School Care

A Before and After School Care Program is offered daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. respectively. This fee-based program includes academic and recreational activities, homework help and games.

Teaching Staff

All teachers are certified educators in accordance with Palm Beach County guidelines. In addition, all have completed fingerprinting and background checks by the School District of Palm Beach County.

Parental Involvement

Parents are valuable partners in their child's education. In addition to providing at-home assistance, each parent is required to invest a minimum of 20 volunteer hours with school.

Student Eligibility

All students living within the Palm Beach County School District in Kindergarten through 8th grade may apply. Siblings of current students will receive preferred placement. The Palm Beach Maritime Academy does not discriminate based on race, religion or ability.

Students requiring special needs are served based upon their IEP in an inclusive environment in accordance with the standards of the Palm Beach County School District.

Curriculum

The Palm Beach Maritime Academy meets the same curricular guidelines as the Palm Beach County Public Schools with a focus on maritime studies, science, and technology. Character education and life skills are also an integral part of the curriculum.

A unique integration of subject areas allows students to creatively apply their knowledge to practical situations. Hands-on learning is emphasized in both classroom and field experiences.

The curriculum is enhanced with field trips to various maritime and marine sites such as Peanut Island (former U.S. Coast Guard Station at left is located on Peanut Island), Loxahatchee Nature Preserve, Pine Jog Education Center, the Port of Palm Beach, and local marinas. Students learn small boat seamanship and navigation through the use of the Museum vessels.