A dream 20 years in the making was celebrated at the new location of Western Academy Charter School on Saturday, Jan. 21. Western Academy cut the ribbon on a newly renovated, 62,000-square-foot complex at 12031 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.
The ribbon-cutting featured Linda Terranova, who founded the school in 2003, and Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto, whose son, Ryan, graduated from Western Academy in 2015.
“Western Academy has been the charter school of choice for parents for 20 years because of the unparalleled educational outcomes of our students,” Western Academy Principal & CEO Tsiri Miller said. “For example, 85 percent of our eighth graders last year were accepted into specialized high school choice programs, and 100 percent of our students go on to graduate high school.”
Students have the opportunity to experience Western Academy’s whole child, multi-sensory approach to learning, with multiple STEAM tracks, featuring courses in computer coding, animation, 2D and 3D design, virtual simulation, gaming mechanics and robotics.
The new facility provides a growing number of students an opportunity to experience this innovative brand of academic excellence. Enrollment has grown from 157 students in 2003 to 575 students in grades K-8 this year, with plans to expand to 800 students over the next four years.
“As we expand slowly, we have a strong, dedicated team of teacher leaders, mentors and administrators who will coach our staff to maintain our unique positive culture and family feel,” Miller said. “We strive to create a positive, safe and comfortable learning environment for our students, which allows them to reach their potential, feel successful and love learning.”
Western Academy was able to purchase the building in December 2021, formerly the site of the Palms West Charter School, and rehabilitate it. Building Hope’s President of Services Richard Moreno assisted as financial advisor.
Enrollment is underway for the 2023-24 school year. For more info., call (561) 792-4123 or visit www.westernacademycharter.com.