Frequently Asked Questions
What types of students attend PBA?
All types of students attend our school. Our students come from home schools, private schools, public schools and boarding schools. Most of our students are above average in intelligence and come from professional families. Some have specific learning differences and some are just looking for a different educational experience. What unifies our students is their wish to achieve their personal best.
What grades does PBA offer?
We have upper middle school and high school (grades 8-12) and all levels of instruction from remedial to Advanced Placement. Students may also take advantage of Dual Enrollment in their junior and senior years. (Minimum GPA 3.5)
What are the school days and hours?
Monday – Friday, 8:45am to 2:30pm. In general, we observe all Miami-Dade school holidays and also follow their decision for emergency school closings. Students may arrive on campus up to 30 minutes before school and remain on campus up to 30 minutes after school. There is no supervision before 8:15am or after 3pm.
When can new students enroll?
Provided there is space, students can enroll at any time. We are a year-round school offering an optional six-week summer session. For more information, see the calendar page.
How do we apply?
First, phone our office at 786-293-5353 to schedule an appointment with our Director. Both the child and the parent/s should attend the meeting. Next, fill out the application forms and return them to the school with your deposit. Some of the records you will need are a transcript from the previous school, and a State of Florida health exam and record of immunizations. In most cases you will also be asked to provide a psycho-educational evaluation that is not more than 2 years old. If your child has been enrolled in a wilderness or other therapeutic program, we will require a final evaluation.
Do PBA students earn an accredited diploma and qualify for college?
Yes, our graduates all receive an accredited diploma. We are accredited by the Florida Council of Private Schools. Students applying to a four-year college must complete the coursework for the College Preparatory Diploma. Many of our students qualify for Bright Futures Scholarships. For more information on Bright Futures, visit: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf/.
Those interested in a two-year college or vocational school will need a General High School Diploma. (See requirements for both degrees on our Curriculum page.) In nearly all cases, students who are not seeking our diploma will be able to transfer any credits earned at Palmetto Bay Academy to a traditional secondary school.
Can students make up lost credits or graduate sooner?
Yes, students can recapture lost credits or earn extra credits depending on how much time and effort they put into their classes. Because students can work at their own pace, they can complete extra classes if they are motivated to work harder. In addition, if students use their class time wisely, they should have much less homework than in a traditional school, freeing them to pursue other interests such as: sports, fine arts, community service or a part-time job.
What are the tuition and fees?
For the 2011-2012 school year, our tuition and fee schedule is:
Tuition $18,750.00
Books $500.00 (Includes 5 PBA Courses, additional charges for additional or third-party courses)
Grad Fee $250.00 (Seniors Only)
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes, we are able to offer the McKay Scholarship to approved students with learning disabilities. For more information on this program, please visit:
http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/Information/McKay/. In addition, PBA offers a very limited number of partial scholarships depending upon funding availability.