WELCOME HOME
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WELCOME HOME: Our Case in Brief
2. OUR HISTORY: A Legacy of Faith, Leadership, and Vision
3. OUR VISION FOR ROYAL PALM ACADEMY: Building the Future of Catholic Education
4. WHAT ARE WE DOING: Building the Future Now
5. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
6. APPENDIX: Honoring Those Who Helped Shape Our Vision for Royal Palm Academy
The Mission of Royal Palm Academy is to partner with families to provide an education of rich academics with Catholic formation. We teach the mind, educate the heart, and form the character of tomorrow's leaders.
WELCOME HOME
OUR CASE IN BRIEF
At Royal Palm Academy, our mission is to shape tomorrow's leaders—leaders formed in virtue, guided by faith, and prepared to transform the world. For over 25 years, we have been a sanctuary for families seeking the best opportunities for their children: rigorous academics rooted in Catholic values and a community that nurtures the mind, educates the heart, and forms the character of tomorrow’s leaders.
Today, our mission is more critical than ever. In a world yearning for leaders with moral clarity, courage, and a commitment to serving others, Royal Palm Academy stands as a beacon of hope.
The "Welcome Home: Come See What We’re Building" campaign is not simply about constructing new facilities—it’s about securing a future where faith and virtue illuminate every corner of society.
This $8,000,000 initiative will transform our campus and ensure our ability to fulfill our mission for generations to come.
Our campaign focuses on four critical priorities:
• Building Our Permanent Home: A $6,500,000 investment to create a state-of-the-art academic and administrative facility with classrooms, science and technology labs, a chapel, and spaces for creativity and worship.
• Investing in World-Class Catholic Teachers and Curriculum: A $500,000 commitment to recruit and retain exceptional educators and develop a curriculum that inspires a lifelong love of learning.
• Science, Technology, and Art: A $500,000 investment to design modern, innovative spaces that ignite curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
• Elevating the Student Experience: A $500,000 initiative to enhance student life through improved transportation and expanded extracurricular opportunities.
Catholic education, faith formation, and leadership rooted in virtue are essential—not only for the students we serve today but for the future of our community, our nation, and our world. As North Naples’ only independent Catholic school, Royal Palm Academy serves families who believe in the transformative power of faith-filled education and formation.
THIS IS A DEFINING MOMENT.
If you value Catholic education, leadership, and the virtues that strengthen communities, Royal Palm Academy is an institution worth supporting. We invite you to explore this case, be inspired by our vision, and join us in creating a lasting legacy for generations to come. Together, we will ensure that Royal Palm Academy continues to shape leaders who will make an extraordinary impact on the world.
OUR HISTORY
A LEGACY OF FAITH, LEADERSHIP, AND VISION
THE EARLY YEARS
In 1998, Royal Palm Academy was founded with a bold vision: to provide an education that not only challenges the mind but also nurtures the heart and forms character. From our humble beginnings in three modest trailers, we grew rapidly, becoming a sanctuary for families seeking rigorous academics deeply rooted in Catholic values.
At the heart of this effort were Patrick and Carol Moore, whose belief in the transformative power of Catholic education inspired the creation of a school that would shape future generations. Their vision, supported by early families and educators who shared their faith and determination, laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of Catholic education in North Naples.
BUILDING MOMENTUM
In 2016, Royal Palm Academy celebrated a major milestone: the completion of its first permanent building, the Carol and Patrick Moore Athletic Center. This achievement demonstrated the strength of our mission and the unwavering support of a community committed to Catholic education.
Yet even as we reached this pivotal moment, much of our campus remained temporary, relying on modular buildings that could no longer meet the growing needs of our school. These limitations underscored the urgent need to build a permanent home that reflects the excellence of our mission and provides the facilities our students deserve.
A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
Our history is not just a story of perseverance—it is a testament to what can be accomplished when faith and community unite. Over 25 years, Royal Palm Academy has grown into a thriving community of over 300 students, partnering with families to cultivate leaders who embody integrity, faith, and service.
Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in our history. The "Welcome Home: Come See What We’re Building" campaign represents the next step in our journey, ensuring that Royal Palm Academy continues to thrive as a beacon of hope, faith, and leadership. This effort is not simply about constructing new buildings—it’s about creating a permanent campus where future generations will learn, grow, and lead.
Every classroom, chapel, and laboratory we build represents more than brick and mortar. It is an investment in the leaders of tomorrow and a commitment to the values that have guided us since our founding.
Your support honors this history and propels us toward a future where Royal Palm Academy can continue to form virtuous leaders who will impact our world in extraordinary ways. Together, we will build on this legacy and create a permanent home for Catholic education in North Naples.
OUR VISION
WHY THIS VISION MATTERS
This vision is about more than infrastructure—it is about securing the future of Catholic education in our region and fulfilling our sacred mission to form virtuous leaders. In a world that increasingly needs individuals with integrity, courage, and faith, Royal Palm Academy plays an essential role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
FOR ROYAL PALM ACADEMY BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
For over 25 years, Royal Palm Academy has been a sanctuary where children learn, grow, and thrive. As we look toward the future, our mission remains steadfast: to educate minds, nurture hearts, and form virtuous leaders who will transform our community and our world. Fulfilling this mission requires bold action and a long-term plan for growth and sustainability.
Informed by the recommendations of the 2022 Strategic Planning Committee and developed in collaboration with a diverse group of Board members, parents, and school stakeholders in 2023, our Master Site Plan represents a comprehensive and ambitious vision for Royal Palm Academy’s future. This plan ensures that we remain the premier Catholic educational institution in North Naples, serving families for generations to come with state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the excellence of our mission.
THE MASTER SITE PLAN: A 25-YEAR VISION
The Master Site Plan, also known as our Vision for Royal Palm Academy, is a roadmap for transforming our campus into a vibrant hub of faith, learning, and leadership. This plan reflects our commitment to fostering a 21st-century education while honoring our Catholic identity.
PHASE II: BUILDING THE FUTURE NOW
The next step in this vision begins with Phase II of the Master Site Plan, set to launch in Summer 2025. This transformative project will include:
• A permanent academic and administrative building designed to serve students in grades 5–8.
• Fully equipped science and art facilities that elevate the student experience.
• Thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect our commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and leadership development.
When completed in Fall 2026, this new facility will not only meet the immediate needs of our middle school students but also serve as a foundation for future growth.
YOUR ROLE IN OUR VISION
We have the plan. We have the faith. This transformation cannot happen without your support.
By joining the "Welcome Home: Come See What We’re Building" campaign, you are investing in a bold vision that will impact countless lives for generations to come.
TOGETHER WE CREATE
Together, we can create a campus where young minds flourish, hearts are nurtured, and leaders are formed. Join us in this extraordinary effort to secure the future of Royal Palm Academy, our mission, and the generations we serve.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
BUILDING THE FUTURE NOW
At Royal Palm Academy, our vision is bold, and our mission is clear: to create a permanent campus that reflects the excellence of our faith-filled education and secures the future of Catholic education in North Naples. Phase II of our Master Site Plan is the critical next step in transforming this vision into reality.
This phase focuses on constructing a modern academic and administrative facility designed to serve students in grades 5–8. Scheduled for completion in Fall 2026, this new building will provide the spaces and resources necessary to foster academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. Additionally, Phase II includes the construction of a covered basketball court adjacent to the middle school building, providing a space for physical education, athletics, and community events.
WHAT PHASE II INCLUDES
Phase II combines the construction of this state-of-the-art facility with strategic investments that elevate the student experience. Specifically, it includes:
• Thirteen Classrooms: Dynamic, collaborative learning environments tailored to the needs of middle school students.
• Middle School Science Lab: A cutting-edge space for hands-on, inquiry-based exploration that fuels curiosity and critical thinking.
• Art Studio:
A creative space designed to inspire self-expression and a lifelong love of the arts.
• School Library:
A modern library that enriches academic achievement and spiritual development.
• Chapel:
A sacred space for prayer, reflection, and worship, reinforcing our Catholic identity and providing a spiritual cornerstone for our students and families.
• Administrative Hub:
A central location that ensures the seamless operation of the school and serves as a welcoming space for families.
• Covered Basketball Court:
An outdoor, covered facility for physical education, athletic events, and recreational activities, enhancing student wellness and school spirit.
• Science, Technology, and Art Initiative:
A $500,000 investment to fully equip our labs and studios with the latest tools and resources, empowering innovative and creative learning.
WHY NOW?
For more than two decades, Royal Palm Academy has relied on temporary modular buildings that no longer meet the needs of a growing school committed to excellence. These structures have served us well, but they have outlived their usefulness. The time has come to create a permanent home where students and teachers can thrive.
Construction is set to begin in Summer 2025, with the new building and facilities ready to welcome students in Fall 2026. Every classroom built, every lab equipped, and every chapel blessed is a step toward creating an environment where young minds and hearts can flourish.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
At Royal Palm Academy, we are not just building a school—we are building the future. A future where young leaders, formed in faith and virtue, will carry their values into the world, transforming their families, their communities, and our society. This is more than bricks and mortar—it’s about shaping hearts, inspiring minds, and ensuring that the light of Catholic education shines brightly for generations to come.
BUT WE CANNOT DO IT ALONE.
The "Welcome Home: Come See What We’re Building" campaign is our bold step forward, and your support is essential to its success. Together, we can create a campus that reflects the excellence of our mission, provides a permanent home for our students and teachers, and secures the future of Catholic education in North Naples.
YOUR PARTNERSHIP MAKES THIS POSSIBLE
When you support this campaign, you are building:
• A Safe and Inspiring Environment: A sanctuary where children can grow in faith, knowledge, and leadership, preparing to meet the challenges of the modern world with courage and integrity.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Innovative spaces that foster creativity, exploration, and academic excellence, empowering students to reach their God-given potential.
• A Legacy of Faith Formation: An enduring gift to future generations—leaders grounded in the virtues of faith, hope, and love, ready to serve and inspire.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. Make a Gift: Your financial contribution—large or small—directly supports the construction of our future and the formation of tomorrow’s leaders.
2. Share Our Vision: Spread the word about our campaign and the transformative impact it will have on our school and community.
3. Offer Your Talents: Volunteer your time, skills, or expertise to help bring this vision to life.
4. Pray for Us: Lift up Royal Palm Academy in your prayers, asking for strength and wisdom as we undertake this bold journey.
EVERY GIFT MATTERS
This is a defining moment in the history of Royal Palm Academy—a moment that will determine how we serve our families, our faith, and our community for decades to come. Your generosity ensures that Royal Palm Academy will remain a beacon of hope, faith, and excellence for generations to come.
Every dollar given, every prayer offered, and every talent shared is an investment in a brighter future—not just for the students we serve today, but for the world they will transform tomorrow.
JOIN US TODAY
Be a part of something extraordinary. By joining the "Welcome Home" campaign, you are building a foundation of faith, learning, and leadership that will echo through time.
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HONORING THOSE WHO HELPED SHAPE THE VISION
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE (2022)
Karen Avery, Board President
Michael Bussman, Head of School
Bob Almond
Jackie Balandra
Erin Brady
David Buelow
Jen Clarke
Chuck Ciuni
Jared Ford
Dennis Frodsham
Vanessa Garribay
Katie Groff
Olesya Karakosta
Jenny Kastroll
Andrea Koch
Lafonda Miller
Joe Murgalo
Douglas Meschko
James Nulf
Joe O'Malley
Mary Kay O'Malley
Baron Ringhofer
Michel Saadeh
Gisele Saadeh
Chrissie Saluan
Tim Schwartz
Sherri Waller
Roxanne Whiddon Fr. Van Zee
Mari-Elean Vickers
MASTER SITE PLAN COMMITTEE (2023)
Karen Avery, Board President
Michael Bussman, Head of School
Joseph Alig
Bob Almond
Jeremy Arnold
Jackie Balandra
Joe Bonura
Erin Brady
Dennis Frodsham
Lisa Gorda
Jenny Kastroll
Joe O'Malley
Michel Saadeh
Tim Schwartz
Douglas Meschko
David Corban, Architect
Adriana Perez-Leyva, Architect
HEAD OF SCHOOL CABINET “CASE FOR SUPPORT” (2024)
Karen Avery, Board President
Tim and Trish Schwartz, Co-Chairs
Michael Bussman, Head of School
Amanda Arnold
Jaime Bonura
Joe Bonura
Jennifer Bussman
Meghan Demchenko
Nicholas Demchenko
Dennis Frodsham
Andrea Galt
Christian Galt
Mary Kay O'Malley
Sherri Waller
Robert Rice, CCS Fundraising
Vann Ellen Mitchell, CCS Fundraising
PHASE II PROJECT TEAM (2025)
Tim and Trish Schwartz, Co-Chairs
Bob Almond, Honorary Chair
Michael Bussman, Head of School
Dennis Frodsham, CFO/COO
David Corban, David Corban Architects
Adriana Perez-Leyva, David Corban Architects
Norm Gentry, BUILD (General Contractor)
Kevin Dowty, BOWMAN (Civil Engineering)
Jeff Curl, eMERGE design (Landscaping Architect)
Jeremy Arnold, Atwell (Owner’s Rep)
Jackie Larocque, Atwell (Owner’s Rep)
Nick Demchenko, Pique Technologies (Technology Engineering)
