About Palm Beach Day Academy
The foundation of Palm Beach Day Academy’s program is the education of our students in an academically challenging and compassion-rich environment that guides each child toward personal excellence of mind, body and character.
Palm Beach Day Academy (PBDA) is an independent, coeducational day school established in 1921 as Florida's first independent school. Serving students from age two through Grade 8, PBDA offers a nurturing environment that emphasizes personal excellence in mind, body, and character. The school operates two campuses: the Lower School for PreK2 through Grade 3, located in West Palm Beach, and the Upper School for Grades 4 through 8, situated on Palm Beach Island.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
Our challenging academics are met with personalized instruction to ensure students receive the individual attention needed to flourish. PBDA students are taught that kindness is the true secret to success whether in the classroom, on the field, in the community, or in nature.
What Makes Palm Beach Day Academy Special
- First independent school in Florida.
- Emphasis on kindness and personal growth.
- Strong community and tradition.
Academics
Curriculum
Palm Beach Day Academy offers Traditional and Progressive curriculums, with specializations in Languages and Sports.
Academic Environment
Languages of Instruction
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
5 programsSports
7 programsClubs & Activities
3 programsCampus & Facilities
Palm Beach Day Academy features a campus with Science lab, Library, and Theatre.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
$31,000
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Reference letters
- Standardized test
Community & Culture
Palm Beach Day Academy cultivates a warm, academically rigorous environment grounded in its motto "Work Hard. Be Kind." The school emphasizes kindness as "the true secret to success" across classrooms, athletics, and community engagement. Students experience a balance of challenging academics with personalized instruction, outdoor learning, and strong teacher-student relationships. The school's culture values compassion, confidence, and character development, with signature traditions like the Presidents' Assembly, Banquet of the Gods, and Poetry Contest creating memorable shared experiences that shape student identity.
Diversity & Inclusion
Palm Beach Day Academy states it is "committed to enrolling and graduating stellar students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives." The school offers need-based financial assistance to qualified students with demonstrated financial need, seeking to provide "access and opportunity" to families from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. However, the website does not detail specific diversity initiatives, equity programs, or inclusion efforts beyond the financial assistance program.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. The site mentions that the admission process is viewed as "a two-way street" to get to know families, and references financial assistance applications and tours, but does not describe specific parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or ongoing engagement programs.
Dress Code
Uniform required
Accreditations & Recognition
Contact Palm Beach Day Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Palm Beach Day Academy
Palm Beach Day Academy serves students in grades Nursery-8.
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