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Welcome to Our Elementary School

Corinne Merriman

James Hoye
Head of Lower School

Dear Prospective Families,

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the Lower School at Royal Palm Academy. Our Lower School is a vibrant and nurturing environment where young minds are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. We are dedicated to providing a strong foundation in both academics and character development, rooted in our Catholic values.

At Royal Palm Academy, we believe that each child is unique and possesses their own special talents and potential. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to recognizing and nurturing these individual gifts, ensuring that every student receives the personalized attention and support they need to thrive.

Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire our students, fostering a love of learning that will last a lifetime. We emphasize not only academic excellence but also the development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Through a variety of engaging and hands-on learning experiences, our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and resilience.

In addition to our strong academic program, we place a high value on the spiritual and moral development of our students. Our Catholic faith is woven into every aspect of school life, guiding our students to grow in their relationship with God and to live out the values of compassion, respect, and service to others.

We are proud of the close-knit community we have built here at Royal Palm Academy. Our school is a place where families come together to support one another and to celebrate the achievements and milestones of our children. We invite you to become an active part of our community and to join us in our mission to nurture the whole child.

Thank you for considering Royal Palm Academy for your child’s education. We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting journey and to witnessing the many ways your child will grow and flourish in our care.

Welcome to Royal Palm Academy — Come see where students thrive!

Video Welcome to Lower School

Meet our Elementary Team

Joe Alig

Joe Alig

2nd Grade Teacher
Gina Bernarding

Gina Bernarding

1st Grade Teacher
Yasmina Caruso

Yasmina Caruso

Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
Francesco D’Agostino

Francesco D’Agostino

Music Teacher
Martha de la Barrera

Martha de la Barrera

Spanish Teacher
Gabriella di Palma

Gabriella di Palma

1st Grade Teacher
Elisabeth Ertle

Elisabeth Ertle

Nurse
Dorothy Flint

Dorothy Flint

Lunch & Aftercare Coordinator
Rachel Graffy

Rachel Graffy

3rd Grade Teacher
Lesley Greene

Lesley Greene

4th Grade Teacher (4th ELA), Homework Support Club
James Hoye

James Hoye

Head of Lower School & Athletics
Matthew Jurczak

Matthew Jurczak

4th Grade Teacher (4th & 5th History), Flag Football Coach, Basketball Coach, Soccer Coach
Gina Manfredi

Gina Manfredi

Student Support Assistant
Marshel McCormick

Marshel McCormick

PE Teacher, Flag Football Head Coach, Basketball Head Coach, Track and Field Head Coach
Katherine Moenter

Katherine Moenter

Librarian
Julie Rice

Julie Rice

3rd Grade Teacher
Tiffany Terzak

Tiffany Terzak

Student Support Coordinator, Pep Squad Head Coach
Raelene Tucker

Raelene Tucker

Kindergarten Teacher
Carissa Valerio

Carissa Valerio

2nd Grade Teacher
Anthony Vargas

Anthony Vargas

1st Grade Teacher Assistant, Substitute Coordinator, Cross Country Head Coach, Basketball Coach
Lanie Weck

Lanie Weck

Kindergarten Teacher, Volleyball Head Coach
Stephanie Yanik

Stephanie Yanik

Art Teacher

Learn More about our Elementary Curriculum