PALM BEACH DAY ACADEMY, INC.
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Mission / Vision The mission of the school is to challenge our students academically in the most deliberate way … but it’s also about developing character. Our Mission & Vision Mission / Vision The mission of the school is to challenge our students academically in the most deliberate way … but it’s also about developing character. Our Mission & Vision I’m excited to welcome to you to Palm Beach Day Academy. Our school is a pioneering institution of 95 years with an outstanding legacy of achievement. Known as the oldest independent school in Florida, Palm Beach Day Academy is the destination for smart, thoughtful and ambitious boys and girls who seek a transformative education, who always strive to achieve more. With small classes, a strong emphasis on faculty-student interaction and an academic program that emphasizes intellectual rigor along with appropriate support, we help students become thoughtful, critical thinkers and leaders for the future. Our students are passionate about all that they do, inside the classroom and out, and they work and play hard. Our faculty are committed to their teaching, using the latest research and best practices to ensure students are prepared for a life of meaning and purpose. And finally, our two campuses support the work of students and faculty, and also provide a vibrant culture that complements and expands on the knowledge created in our classrooms and labs. I invite you to experience Palm Beach Day Academy for yourself. Tour one campus or both. See our classes in action. Meet our students and talk with our faculty and staff. I promise you’ll be impressed by what you discover — a community where students take chances, discover their strengths and are excited about what lies ahead. Come discover the essence of Palm Beach Day Academy! Palm Beach Day Academy’s Board of Trustees is composed of prominent community members, involved business leaders and supportive parents who are dedicated to maintaining and advancing Florida’s oldest independent school. Meghan Albanese is the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, and has been at PBDA since 2002. She graduated with a B.A. in Communications from Florida State University. Meghan is the parent of Paige 2027. Billy Coyle is the Director of Finance and Operations, and has been at PBDA since 2007. He graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University, and holds a B.S.Ed. in Business Education from Central Connecticut State University. Billy is the parent of Amanda 2011 and Ryan 2013. Dorothea Cvelbar is the Associate Director of Admission and has been at PBDA since 1990. She graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education - Early Childhood from Bridgewater State College. Dorothea is the parent of Marin 2021. Julissa Lane is an Administrative Assistant on the Lower Campus, and has been at PBDA since 2017. She graduated with a A.A. in Business Management from Borough of Manhattan Community College. She serves as the Assistant to the Head of Lower School. Karen Lucchesi is the Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, and has been at PBDA since 2007. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Alabama and a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. in addition to her duties as Assistant to the Head of School, Karen provides Secondary School Guidance to students and their families. She is the parent of Stephanie 2019. Admission Meghan Albanese is the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, and has been at PBDA since 2002. She graduated with a B.A. in Communications from Florida State University. Meghan is the parent of Paige 2027. Dorothea Cvelbar is the Associate Director of Admission and has been at PBDA since 1990. She graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education - Early Childhood from Bridgewater State College. Dorothea is the parent of Marin 2021. Business Office Cindy Pflaumer is a Business Office Assistant, and has been at PBDA since 2005. Cindy is the parent of Lauren 2014 and Hailey 2016. Robyn Huff teaches Music on the Lower Campus, and has been at PBDA since 2005. She graduated with a B.S. in Music Education & Voice from Hobe Sound Bible College, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Florida Atlantic University. She currently teaches lower school Vocal Music and produces and directs the Lower Campus Musical Productions and the Summer Quest Musical Theatre. Chris Neibling teaches Upper Campus Athletics, and has been at PBDA since 2017. He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Towson University. Chris currently teaches 4th – 9th Grade Athletics, and also serves as a JV & Varsity Soccer Coach. Dina Paolella teaches Spanish on the Lower Campus, and has been at PBDA since 1999. She graduated with a B.B.A in International Business from the University of Miami, and a M.A. in Curriculum Instruction in Spanish Language from Florida Atlantic University. Karie Petrovics teaches 2nd Grade on the Lower Campus, and has been at PBDA since 2009. Having graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education & Educational Psychology with an Endorsement in Kindergarten from Ball State University, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Intstruction from Florida Atlantic University, she also holds a State of Florida, Professional Educator's Certificate for Elementary Education (Grades 1-6), and a Nova Southeastern University, English To Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Certificate, and is a certified Thinking Maps Trainer. In addition to teaching 2nd Grade, she also serves as the 2nd Grade Coordinator; Museum Partnership Liaison; FCIS Master In-Service Program Coordinator; Centennial Strategic Planning Commission Co-Chair; Thinking Maps Trainer. Karie is the parent of Alexa 2021 and Chloe 2023. Elizabeth Shine teaches 1st Grade on the Lower Campus, and has been at PBDA since 2017. She graduated, Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Madison - Wisconsin. She is a 1991 graduate of the New York City Interschool Teaching Fellow program.