During the school year, the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board holds a monthly celebration and collaboration where teachers, principals, administrators, parents and students gather to advocate for and support village schools.
While all village schools are represented at each meeting, the board singles out one school to feature each month. The meeting on Monday, Dec. 8 featured Western Academy Charter School, an educational gemstone in the village. Western Academy has achieved an “A” school rating for 19 consecutive years and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top one percent of all middle schools in Florida.
Principal Tsiri Miller kicked off her presentation to a packed room by proudly introducing the school’s choir, under the direction of music teacher Yeannli Martinez. They performed a rousing selection of both patriotic and holiday songs. After an enthusiastic ovation from the audience, Miller then gave her formal presentation.
“We are the highest performing school in Royal Palm Beach, and we’re incredibly proud of what our students and teachers accomplish every day,” she said. “Our students consistently excel with top scores across the district, and U.S. News gives us national recognition. What makes Western Academy truly special is our warm, positive school culture. Students feel supported, connected and excited to learn. We were also able to give our teachers a 5 percent raise this year, an important investment in the amazing people who lead with heart and do the right thing for their students every single day.”
Students and parents in attendance spoke highly of Western Academy.
“Performing with the choir has fueled my passion for music and all of the arts, but I’m aiming for a career in the sciences. I hope to become an AI engineer,” student Angela Sam said.
Her mother, Antureeba Sam, added, “The school is excellent. It has very high standards that feature a systemic approach to education with a strong philosophy of self-discipline.”
Parent Claudia Rivera also loves Western Academy. “My daughter Jasmine has been there since kindergarten, and my 23-year-old son is a graduate,” she said.
Jasmine, who performed a solo for the enthusiastic audience, added, “The opportunities here are wonderful. I hope to become a professional singer.”
Martinez has lots of singing opportunities for her on the agenda.
“We are busy, busy, busy. Our choir is in big demand for the holidays. We just performed at Royal Palm Beach’s Winter Festival, and we have a busy performance schedule continuing into January when we will be featured at the South Florida Fair,” the chorus director said.
After the school’s presentation, EAB Chair Sergio Herrera congratulated Miller. “Thanks for the role you play in the community, along with our other excellent schools,” he said. “You are helping brand the Village of Royal Palm Beach as an education hot spot.”
Mayor Jeff Hmara is very proud of the work that the EAB does to promote education in the village.
“The EAB represents major advocacy from a real-world, boots-on-the-ground, perspective. Members are getting out into the schools and becoming well-informed advocates,” he said.
Perhaps thanks in part to the collaborative efforts of the EAB, all schools within the village are either achieving an “A” rating now, or trending in that direction.
“The Education Advisory Board gives our schools a direct line to the community we serve,” Western Academy’s Miller said. “They help us meet our goals and celebrate our successes. Their engagement, along with Mayor Hmara’s support, shows our students, families and staff that education truly matters in Royal Palm Beach.”
The village’s robust support for education does not go unnoticed. School Board Member Marcia Andrews congratulated the village.
“It’s always my pleasure to remind you that the School Board of Palm Beach County believes in Royal Palm Beach,” she said. “We thank you for being such strong partners.”
Also attending on behalf of the district was Central Region Superintendent Valerie Zuloaga-Haines, who supervises principals at 59 local schools. She presented an overview of happenings at public schools in the village.
After the meeting, Miller reflected on her role leading Western Academy.
“People are often surprised to learn that I never planned to become an educator,” she said. “I only knew I wanted to do something meaningful that helped people. I took a chance on majoring in special education, unsure if I’d even enjoy it, and then everything clicked. I fell in love with learning, with figuring out how to reach every child, and with the belief that we can grow endlessly if we are brave enough to learn new things.”
She urged students and others in the community to keep learning.
“You don’t have to be perfect at something to begin,” Miller said. “You can learn anything, truly anything, and you should never let anyone tell you otherwise. I love reading because every new idea helps me grow as a leader and as a person. When we stay curious, we find purpose. That’s what I want young people to know: your strengths will take you far, but your willingness to learn will take you anywhere.”
Western Academy Charter School will hold open houses Jan. 21 and Feb. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Demand is strong. An enrollment lottery is run in April. Learn more at www.westernacademycharter.com.
