FLORIDA SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAMS
At Royal Palm Academy, we believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality education that nurtures both the mind and the heart. Thanks to Florida’s expanded School Choice programs, families now have greater access to the exceptional educational experience we offer, regardless of their income level. Through scholarships administered by Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation, many families can significantly reduce the cost of tuition, making a Royal Palm Academy education more affordable and accessible than ever before.
These programs have been designed to empower families with the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. Whether through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, Family Empowerment Scholarship, or other options, these resources help bridge the gap between a desire for excellence and the financial realities many families face. At Royal Palm Academy, we fully participate in these programs, allowing you to invest in your child's future with confidence and ease.
By participating in Florida School Choice programs, you are giving your child the opportunity to thrive in an environment that emphasizes academic rigor, character formation, and Catholic values. With these scholarships, a Royal Palm Academy education is not just a possibility—it’s within reach. Explore how these programs can make a difference for your family today, and join us in our mission to educate the leaders of tomorrow.
Florida School Choice Scholarships
- Family Empowerment Scholarships (FES-EO and FES-UA)
- Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)
- Step Up For Students Scholarships
- AAA Scholarships
- Scholarship Compliance Information
Family Empowerment Scholarships (FES-EO and FES-UA)
The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) is a key Florida School Choice program that provides significant financial assistance to families seeking a private school education for their children. This scholarship is divided into two branches: the FES for Educational Options (FES-EO) and the FES for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA). The FES-EO helps low- to middle-income families afford private school tuition, giving them the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. The FES-UA, on the other hand, is designed specifically for students with disabilities, offering them the financial support needed to access specialized services and educational opportunities at schools like Royal Palm Academy.
To receive one of these scholarships, families must apply through either Step Up For Students or the AAA Scholarship Foundation, both state-approved nonprofit organizations. These organizations administer the FES program, guiding families through the application process and ensuring they receive the support they need. At Royal Palm Academy, we are here to assist you in navigating this process, helping you make the most of the Family Empowerment Scholarship to provide your child with a high-quality Catholic education.
By applying for the Family Empowerment Scholarship through Step Up or AAA, you open the door to a more affordable education that can greatly benefit your child’s academic and personal growth. Let us help you take this important step toward securing a brighter future for your family.
step up for students scholarships
Need help determining which scholarship program is best for you and your child? Contact our admissions team today—we're experts and here to assist you every step of the way!
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)
The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship is one of the most impactful school choice programs in the state, designed to help low- to middle-income families access private education. This scholarship provides substantial financial assistance, making it possible for families to choose a private school that aligns with their values and educational goals. At Royal Palm Academy, the FTC Scholarship allows many families to afford a high-quality Catholic education that nurtures both the mind and the heart.
To apply for the FTC Scholarship, families must go through one of two state-approved nonprofit organizations: Step Up For Students or the AAA Scholarship Foundation. These organizations administer the scholarship, ensuring that eligible families receive the financial support they need. Our admissions team at Royal Palm Academy is highly experienced in guiding families through this process, helping them maximize the benefits of the FTC Scholarship and making the dream of a Catholic education a reality.
The FTC Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s an opportunity to provide your child with an education that emphasizes academic excellence, character formation, and spiritual growth. By taking advantage of this program, you can ensure that your child is well-prepared for the future, all within the nurturing environment of Royal Palm Academy.
step up for students scholarships
Need help determining which scholarship program is best for you and your child? Contact our admissions team today—we're experts and here to assist you every step of the way!
Step Up For Students Scholarships
At Royal Palm Academy, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to receive a top-tier education, and the Step Up For Students scholarship program makes this a reality for almost all of our families. Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit organization that administers several key scholarships, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship, both designed to assist lower to middle-income families. These scholarships provide significant financial assistance, making an RPA education accessible and affordable for families across the economic spectrum.
Our admissions team is highly experienced in guiding families through the application process, ensuring that they can maximize the benefits of these scholarships. Whether you're seeking support through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, the Hope Scholarship for students who have faced bullying, or the Reading Scholarship Accounts for young readers, we are here to help you navigate the process with ease and confidence.
By taking advantage of the Step Up For Students program, you’re not just choosing an education; you’re choosing a transformative experience for your child at Royal Palm Academy. We are committed to providing the best possible education while making it financially attainable, and these scholarships play a crucial role in fulfilling that mission. Let us help you unlock the doors to your child’s bright future at RPA.
AAA Scholarships
At Royal Palm Academy, we are committed to making a high-quality education accessible to every child, and the AAA Scholarship Foundation plays a vital role in this mission. For over 18 years, the AAA Scholarship Foundation has been a strong advocate for under-served and academically disadvantaged students, providing them with the financial support needed to attend schools like RPA. Through the AAA Scholarship program, families can convert their state taxes into valuable tax credits that help make an RPA education affordable and within reach.
Our admissions team is dedicated to helping families navigate the AAA Scholarship application process, ensuring that you can take full advantage of this incredible opportunity. Whether your child is in need of financial assistance or looking for a supportive educational environment to thrive, the AAA Scholarship program can be the key to unlocking their potential at Royal Palm Academy.
By partnering with the AAA Scholarship Foundation, you are not only investing in your child's future but also contributing to a brighter future for the community. Let us show you how simple it is to turn your state taxes into a meaningful impact on a child's education and make the exceptional experience at Royal Palm Academy possible for your family.
Scholarship Compliance Information
The following items are posted on our website to ensure compliance with scholarship requirements and to maintain transparency in our participation in Florida's School Choice programs.
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Educators
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Educators
Standards of Ethical Conduct
Royal Palm Academy
16100 Livingston Road, Naples FL 34110
Adapted and posted on March 26, 2024
(Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida)
Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
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Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student's potential. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
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Concern for the student requires that our instructional personnel:
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Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student's mental and/or physical health and/or safety.
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Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
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Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student's academic program.
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Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
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Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student's legal rights.
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Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
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Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
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Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
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Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the community, employees of our school must display the highest degree of ethical conduct. This commitment requires that our employees:
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Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
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Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
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Shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
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Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual's performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
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Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.
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Training Requirement
All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.
Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators
All employees, educational support employees, and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators, which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.
Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to
Kathy Malloy, Business Manager and HR
KMalloy@royalpalmacademy.org .
Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to
Michael Bussman, Head of School
MBussman@royalpalmacademy.org
Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in the front office copier room and teacher work rooms.
Web site at (DIRECT LINK TO POSTING)
Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect
All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.
Signs of Physical Abuse
The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries, broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.
Signs of Neglect
The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.
Patterns of Abuse Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
Liability Protections
Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)
An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)
