Royal Palm Academy is launching the Welcome Home Capital Campaign to replace our aging modular facilities and build a permanent home for our students, teachers, and families. Our school has thrived for over 25 years, but much of our campus remains temporary, and these structures no longer meet the needs of our students. This campaign ensures a future where we can continue forming leaders of virtue, faith, and excellence in a permanent, world-class facility.

"Welcome Home" is the second phase of our Master Campus Plan—a vision to transform Royal Palm Academy into a permanent, 21st-century Catholic school campus.

Phase I, completed in 2016, brought us our first permanent facility—the Carol and Patrick Moore Athletic Center.

Now, Phase II is focused on constructing a Middle School Building for Grades 4-8. This state-of-the-art academic facility will include modern classrooms, a science lab, an art studio, a library, a chapel, and an administrative hub, providing our students with the exceptional learning environment they deserve.

This is a key step in our long-term plan to create a permanent campus that serves families for generations to come.

No, the this Campaign and the new building are not designed to increase enrollment beyond our current capacity. The primary goal of this project is to replace our aging modular facilities with a permanent, high-quality learning environment for our students and teachers. This investment ensures that Royal Palm Academy can continue to provide an exceptional Catholic education in a safe, modern, and mission-driven setting. While the new facility will offer expanded and improved spaces for academic programs, arts, athletics, and student life, it is first and foremost about securing the future of our school, not increasing its size.

This campaign is being supported by those within our school community and beyond. Parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, friends, and members of the greater Naples community who believe in the power of independent Catholic education are all invited to contribute.

Catholic education plays a vital role in forming leaders of virtue, character, and faith—a mission that benefits not only our students but society as a whole. Now more than ever, our world needs young leaders who are rooted in faith and prepared to serve. Your support ensures that Royal Palm Academy can continue shaping the next generation.

The total goal for the Welcome Home Capital Campaign is $8,000,000.

This funding will support:
✅ $6.5 million for constructing our permanent academic building
✅ $500,000 for world-class Catholic teachers and curriculum
✅ $500,000 for science, technology, and arts initiatives
✅ $500,000 to enhance student life and extracurricular opportunities

We anticipate supplementing our fundraising efforts with short-term and long-term bank financing to ensure project completion while continuing to seek philanthropic support. This campaign is an investment in our future, providing a lasting home for our students and securing the mission of Catholic education at Royal Palm Academy for generations to come.

While bank financing is a part of our overall funding strategy, it is not a feasible solution for covering the full cost of the Welcome Home project. Here’s why:

1️⃣ Long-Term Financial Responsibility – Taking on excessive debt would place a significant financial burden on the school, leading to higher tuition costs and limiting resources for academic and extracurricular programs.

2️⃣ Mission-Driven Stewardship – As a mission-driven, independent Catholic school, we are committed to responsible financial stewardship. A campaign funded primarily through philanthropy ensures that donor support—not tuition increases—drives our growth.

3️⃣ Ensuring Long-Term Stability – While we may utilize short-term and long-term financing to supplement the campaign, securing a major portion of the project through donations allows us to preserve our financial health for the future, avoiding heavy debt that could impact generations of students.

4️⃣ A Shared Community Investment – A capital campaign is more than just fundraising—it is a shared commitment from our school families, alumni, and supporters to invest in the future of Royal Palm Academy. Your generosity directly provides a permanent home for our students and teachers, ensuring that our mission continues to thrive for years to come.

By combining philanthropic giving with strategic financing, we can build the new Middle School Building responsibly, without compromising the quality of education or the financial accessibility of RPA for our families.

No, tuition will not be increased to fund the Welcome Home campaign.

Royal Palm Academy remains committed to keeping tuition affordable for our families while delivering an exceptional Catholic education. This project is being funded primarily through generous philanthropic giving, with strategic short-term and long-term financing playing a supporting role.

Our goal is to raise the necessary funds through donations so that tuition remains focused on providing an excellent academic and faith-filled experience—not on covering construction costs.

This approach ensures that current and future families are not burdened with tuition increases as a result of the project. Instead, we rely on the generosity of our school community, benefactors, and local supporters who believe in the importance of providing a permanent, state-of-the-art home for our students and faculty.

Supporting the Welcome Home campaign is an investment in the future of Catholic education, ensuring that current and future generations of students benefit from a permanent, high-quality learning environment rooted in faith and virtue.

Even if your child may not personally learn in the new building, your support:

• Honors the Legacy of Past Families – Just as past supporters built the foundation your child benefits from today (including the completion of our gym in 2016), your generosity will bless future families who seek a transformational Catholic education.
• Strengthens Our Mission – The values of faith, virtue, and leadership that we instill in our students will continue to positively impact society for years to come. Your support helps ensure this mission thrives.
• Enhances the Value of an RPA Education – A well-funded school with modern, permanent facilities attracts the best teachers, enhances student learning, and ensures long-term stability. Your gift strengthens RPA’s reputation and legacy.
• Reflects Catholic Stewardship – Giving is an act of faith and generosity, ensuring that more children have access to an excellent independent Catholic education for years to come.

Your support today will make a lasting impact on the future of RPA—just as the generosity of past families helped shape the school your child enjoys today.

Investing in the Welcome Home campaign is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Royal Palm Academy, our students, and the future of independent Catholic education. Your support ensures that our school continues to provide a faith-filled, academically excellent environment for generations to come.

Here’s why your investment matters:

• A Permanent Home for Students & Teachers – This campaign is about replacing aging modular classrooms with a permanent, state-of-the-art facility that fosters learning, growth, and faith formation. Your investment helps provide a stable and lasting home for our students and faculty.
• Faith-Based Leadership Formation – Now, more than ever, the world needs leaders of character and virtue. RPA is forming students who are faithful, ethical, and prepared to serve society, and your support strengthens this mission.
• A Generational Opportunity – Schools like RPA do not receive parish or diocesan funding—we rely entirely on the generosity of families and supporters who believe in the power of Catholic education. This is a once-in-a-generation project to build the future of RPA.
• Expanding Our Reach – A stronger, more sustainable RPA means we can serve more families who seek a transformational Catholic education, now and in the future.
• A Testament to Stewardship & Gratitude – RPA stands today because of the sacrifices of past donors, families, and supporters who made RPA possible. Supporting this campaign is an opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of families who will benefit from the same extraordinary education and faith formation.
• A Legacy of Virtuous Leadership – If you believe in the goodness of the RPA experience and the necessity of virtue leadership formation in Catholic principles, know that the future generational leadership of our community and nation begins here and now at RPA. This is an opportunity to make an enduring legacy investment that will impact countless lives in the years to come.

This is a pivotal moment for RPA. Your investment today builds a future where faith, virtue, and academic excellence continue to thrive.

Yes! The Welcome Home Campaign includes a variety of meaningful naming opportunities for donors who wish to leave a lasting legacy at Royal Palm Academy. These opportunities allow individuals, families, and organizations to honor loved ones, celebrate their commitment to Catholic education, or support RPA’s mission in a visible and impactful way.

There are multiple ways to make your gift to the Welcome Home Campaign, allowing you to choose the method that best fits your financial situation and philanthropic goals.

One-Time or Pledged Gifts
Make a one-time donation or a pledge fulfilled over time (typically up to five years). Pledges allow you to maximize your impact while making giving more manageable.

Online Giving
Secure, convenient online donations can be made by clicking here: Making Your Gift Now.

Gifts by Check or Bank Transfer
Donations can be made via check, payable to Royal Palm Academy, and mailed to:

Royal Palm Academy
16100 Livingston Road
Naples, FL 34110

For bank wire transfers or ACH contributions, please contact [insert contact person/title] for details.

Stock, Securities, or IRA Contributions
Donating appreciated stock or securities may provide tax advantages, including avoiding capital gains taxes. Individuals age 70½ and older may also choose to donate via Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from their IRA.

Matching Gifts
Many employers offer matching gift programs, allowing you to double or triple your impact. Check with your employer to see if they participate.

Naming Opportunities & Major Gifts
Donors interested in naming opportunities or making transformational gifts can explore personalized giving plans. Click here for: Naming Opportunities

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in shaping the future of Royal Palm Academy. Thank you for your generosity!

We welcome your questions! If you would like more information about the Welcome Home Campaign, how you can participate, or details about the project, we are happy to assist you.

Please reach out to:

Michael Bussman, Head of School
mbussman@royalpalmacademy.org 

Michelle Alig, Director of Strategic Initiatives
malig@royalpalmacademy.org 

Thank you for your interest in this important effort to secure the future of Royal Palm Academy!

The Welcome Home Campaign is officially moving forward. After securing project funding in December 2024, preparations are already underway. Site work will begin in the spring of 2025, with full-scale construction starting in the summer. The new Middle School Building will be completed and ready for students to move in by the fall of 2026. This project is not a distant vision—it is happening now, ensuring a permanent and lasting home for our students, teachers, and families.

The new Middle School Building will be ready for students in the fall of 2026. With project funding secured in December 2024, site work is set to begin in spring 2025, followed by full-scale construction in the summer. This timeline ensures that by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, students in grades 4-8 will have a permanent, state-of-the-art home designed for academic excellence, faith formation, and community building.

No, the new building is not designed to increase enrollment beyond our current capacity. The primary goal of this project is to replace our aging modular facilities with a permanent, high-quality learning environment for our students and teachers. This investment ensures that Royal Palm Academy can continue to provide an exceptional Catholic education in a safe, modern, and mission-driven setting. While the new facility will offer expanded and improved spaces for academic programs, arts, athletics, and student life, it is first and foremost about securing the future of our school, not increasing its size.

The new Middle School Building will serve grades 4 through 8, providing a dedicated, state-of-the-art learning environment tailored to the academic and developmental needs of our older students. This facility will be a transformative addition to our campus, designed to support 21st-century education while remaining firmly rooted in our Catholic mission.

This new space will house modern classrooms, a science lab, and collaborative learning spaces that foster critical thinking and hands-on learning. It will also include dedicated areas for art and faith formation, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education enriched by creativity and spiritual growth.

Beyond the academic benefits, this building will provide new leadership and extracurricular opportunities for students, strengthening our commitment to forming virtuous leaders for the future. From academic competitions to student-led initiatives, this expansion will enhance the student experience in profound ways.

Most importantly, this permanent structure will allow RPA to move away from aging modular buildings, ensuring that current and future students have a lasting, high-quality environment in which to learn, grow, and lead.

The total cost of the Phase II – Welcome Home building project is $14 million. This investment will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Middle School Building for grades 4-8, replacing our aging modular facilities with a permanent, modern educational space.

Thanks to responsible financial planning, we have already secured a combination of project funding and financing to ensure that construction begins on schedule. However, the success of this Campaign is crucial to minimizing long-term debt and ensuring financial stability for RPA. Every contribution—whether large or small—directly impacts our ability to complete this project without placing a financial burden on our families or increasing tuition beyond normal cost-of-living adjustments.

This is a generational investment in our students, teachers, and families, ensuring that Royal Palm Academy continues to thrive for years to come.

No, learning at Royal Palm Academy will continue without disruption throughout the construction process.

We have been intentional in planning the project timeline and construction logistics to minimize the impact on students, teachers, and daily school life. Site work will begin in Spring 2025, with major construction starting in Summer 2025 while students are on break. The project site will be carefully managed with clear safety zones, restricted access, and minimal interference with campus activities.

While students will undoubtedly see the transformation happening on campus, our commitment is to ensure that their classroom experience remains unaffected, safe, and fully focused on learning. In fact, this project presents an exciting opportunity for students to witness the real-world application of architecture, engineering, and construction—bringing elements of their education to life.

When the new Middle School Building opens in Fall 2026, it will mark a historic milestone for RPA, providing an enhanced learning environment that benefits students for generations to come.

The Board of Trustees has assembled a highly experienced and reputable team to ensure the successful execution of this project. This team includes dedicated parent volunteers, board members, an owner’s representative, and reputable, vetted local professionals—including an architect, builder, and engineer—who bring expertise and accountability to the process.

Day-to-day leadership is provided by the Head of School and CFO, ensuring that all decisions align with the school’s mission and financial responsibility. Additionally, the Board of Trustees, alongside its Finance Committee and Facilities Committee, provides continuous oversight, ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.

To maintain fiscal responsibility, RPA has implemented strict cost controls, competitive bidding processes, and ongoing financial reviews. The project team will work diligently to track expenses, manage resources efficiently, and adapt to any unforeseen challenges while ensuring that every dollar is maximized for the benefit of RPA’s students, teachers, and families.

This collaborative and strategic approach guarantees that the new Middle School Building is not only a high-quality, future-focused facility but also a financially responsible investment in the long-term success of Royal Palm Academy.