History of Royal Palm Academy
Established in 1998, Royal Palm Academy was founded with a distinctive vision rooted in Integral Formation—an educational philosophy dedicated to nurturing every facet of a child's development. The school was founded by Carol and Patrick Moore, inspired by the profound idea of shaping poised and virtuous leaders capable of making a positive impact on their communities, families, and the world.
The vision for Royal Palm Academy was sparked by a moment of deep inspiration when Patrick Moore encountered a young child in prayer before school in Atlanta, GA. This experience, coupled with visits to schools implementing Integral Formation in Atlanta and Dallas, TX, fueled Patrick’s determination to bring this transformative education to Southwest Florida. The dream began to materialize through planning meetings and collaborations, leading to the incorporation of Royal Palm Academy in 1998.
In its early years, Royal Palm Academy's first campus consisted of three trailers on a dusty field. With unwavering dedication, Carol Moore secured the site just in time for the inaugural school year, which welcomed six students across three grades. The pioneering faculty—comprised of three teachers, a receptionist, and the Head of School—embarked on a journey marked by rapid growth and expansion.
By 2001, Royal Palm Academy had outgrown its original campus and moved to our current location. As the school expanded, so did its reputation for excellence, leading to accreditation by both the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) and the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS). In 2015, we achieved official recognition as an affiliated Catholic School in the Diocese of Venice, further solidifying our commitment to Catholic education. A significant milestone in our history came in 2016 with the opening of our first permanent building—a remarkable 15,000-square-foot multi-purpose gymnasium. Named in honor of our founders, Carol and Patrick Moore, this achievement was a testament to the collaborative spirit and generosity of our community.
In 2021, after a rigorous national search, the Board selected Michael Bussman as Head of School, marking a new chapter in our journey. Under his leadership, Royal Palm Academy continues to thrive, with plans for further expansion to include spaces dedicated to classrooms, athletics, the arts, and administration.
Throughout our journey, our central mission has remained steadfast: to provide a comprehensive education that blends rigorous academics with Catholic formation. We are committed to educating minds, nurturing hearts, and shaping the character of future leaders who will transform the world with their values, knowledge, and compassion.