Welcome Home: A Letter from the Head of School
March 1, 2025
Dear Royal Palm Academy Family,
It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I share the Welcome Home Campaign, a transformational effort that will secure the future of Royal Palm Academy and ensure that Catholic education in Naples thrives for generations to come.
For over 25 years, Royal Palm Academy has been more than a school—it has been a mission. We have formed young leaders in faith, virtue, and academic excellence, preparing them to serve their families, communities, and the world. Now, we stand at a pivotal moment—not one of expansion, but of necessity.
This campaign is not about growing bigger; it is about securing a permanent, faith-filled home for our students. We are replacing outdated, aging modular buildings with a modern, permanent campus that will reflect the excellence of our mission. In December 2024, we took a bold and decisive step forward by securing full project financing and officially launching Phase II of our Master Plan. This is happening. With construction beginning this summer, we are ensuring that every student at RPA has the space, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in a school built for the future.
The Welcome Home Campaign is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a place where students will grow in faith, knowledge, and leadership.
- A state-of-the-art, 22,000-square-foot middle school for grades 4-8, providing an inspiring environment for learning and leadership.
- A modern library and media center fostering intellectual curiosity.
- A cutting-edge science lab and dedicated art studio to spark creativity and innovation.
- A full-size, covered basketball court and expanded multipurpose field for student wellness and athletics.
- A secure, faith-centered campus with a dedicated chapel, outdoor prayer spaces, and areas for reflection and spiritual formation.
This is the largest and most ambitious transformation in Royal Palm Academy’s history—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Catholic education in Naples. Now is our time to ensure that our children, and the children who come after them, have a permanent home where they can be formed into leaders of faith, character, and service.
I invite you to join us on this journey. Whether through a one-time gift, a multi-year pledge, or a naming opportunity, your generosity will make a lasting impact on the students and families of Royal Palm Academy.
Together, let’s build a future that honors the past, strengthens the present, and ensures that Catholic education in Naples thrives for generations to come.
With gratitude and faith,
Michael J. Bussman
Head of School
Royal Palm Academy