Palm Beach Christian Academy is the school ministry of Family Church, which is a network of local neighborhood churches located throughout Palm Beach County. We are dedicated to providing your child with a quality Christian education while supporting the Christian values that are also taught at home. You see, we believe that we are a team, not only in providing the competitive education your child deserves, but with providing the support necessary to raise children who love both learning and God. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech” (Titus 2:7-8a).

When perspective parents come in to visit our school, there are a few questions that we commonly hear during their visit. Perhaps these questions and answers will assist you if you are looking for the best private Christian elementary school in Palm Beach County for your child.

Will my elementary child participate in any special programs throughout the year?
Students at our private elementary school in downtown West Palm Beach participate in several programs throughout the year. They take part in a Christmas Program as well as a Spring Concert. Other activities throughout the year include a Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Fall Festival, Character Parade, Thanksgiving Feast, Art Show, 100th Day of School Celebration, Earth Day, Career Day, Field Day, Book Fair, in addition to other special activities specific to the student’s grade level.

What extracurricular activities are available to my elementary student?
In addition to elective classes (Music, Art, Spanish, P.E., Library, Chapel), our private Christian elementary school in Palm Beach County offers after-school clubs throughout the school year to our elementary students. Club offering will vary throughout the year but may include clubs such as sports, music, art, and drama clubs.

What standards do you follow?
We follow the FDOE standards as our baseline. Teachers have worked together to meticulously align our standards to our standardized testing (Terra Nova), and then on to our curriculum to ensure that there are no gaps in the academic program. Over 80% of our private elementary school students score above grade level (many score at least one grade level above) on their standardized testing. Our principal, as well as many of the teachers on staff, have served in both private schools and public schools and have a good understanding of the expectations of these standards.

As long as a student is meeting these standards, they will move to the next grade level. However, our private elementary school in Palm Beach County is in a unique position to be able to supplement students who need additional assistance and to also enrich children who can move ahead quickly. In the end, this extra support allows us to help children achieve to their ability level, regardless of the standards that are in place.

How do teachers maintain consistent communication with parents?
Our elementary teachers meet with each parent at a minimum of once in the fall and once in the spring. That being said, if a student is struggling in any given area, the teacher reaches out to parents right away to start working on different strategies to help their child be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Teachers are easily accessible, and use phone, email, and the Remind App to communicate with parents.

Our principal is also available for additional support to both teachers and parents and will ensure that all avenues are explored to help your child.

In what types of training do your teachers participate?
All of the elementary teachers at our private Christian school in downtown West Palm Beach have college degrees and are required to hold and maintain their Florida Teaching Certification. Our teachers participate in in-house professional development, partner with the Palm Beach County School District for different training opportunities, visit other private schools in Palm Beach County to see what the teachers in their equivalent grade level are doing in their classrooms, and go to Christian Schools of Palm Beach County Annual Staff Development Day.

Our principal also meets with our elementary teachers at a minimum of once a week to support them as a team and to provide additional resources for their individual development. She serves with Christian Schools of Palm Beach County as their current Vice President ( https://www.cspbc.org/ ), and helps facilitate training opportunities for PBCA teachers and CSPBC teachers throughout the county. She is also a regular guest speaker at Palm Beach Atlantic University ( http://www.pba.edu/school-of-education ) where she encourages and trains student-teachers who are currently participating in their Beginning Teacher Program.

What other academic services are available to my elementary student?
PBCA partners with the Palm Beach County School District to provide services through their Title I Program and Exceptional Students Program. However, services provided by PBCA and the Palm Beach County School District are considered supportive in nature. PBCA does not currently provide additional support for students who would not otherwise be successful in the traditional/mainstream classroom.

Are there any state-funded scholarships available to my elementary student?
PBCA participates in the Step Up for Students Program and the McKay Scholarship Program offered through the Florida Department of Education. If a student qualifies for either of these programs, they must then follow the admissions steps, which include admissions testing and acceptance into the program. However, services provided by our private Christian elementary school and the Palm Beach County School District are considered supportive in nature. PBCA does not currently provide additional support for students who would not otherwise be successful in the traditional/mainstream classroom.

Is there a summer program available to my elementary student?
Summer camp is available to students who are currently registered at our downtown West Palm Beach elementary school program. Teachers create themed weeks filled with activities, as well as in-school and out-of-school field trips, to make the program enjoyable for all.

If you would like more information about one of the best private elementary schools in Palm Beach County, please call us at 561-671-5795.