Seaview Campus
Palm Beach Day Academy's history began in 1921 with the establishment of two schools, the Palm Beach School for Boys and the Palm Beach School for Girls. The boys' school was founded by Willard W. Ferguson from Burlington, Vermont, and Edward M. Shields of West Chester, Pennsylvania and was located at 437 Chilean Avenue. The girls' school was founded by Ada E. Davis of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She started the school in her home at 306 Cocoanut Row. The schools were originally limited to the elementary grades, but soon, each included a kindergarten and a high school.
Both schools had a short term, from December to March, which met the needs of winter residents. During the 1920's the term was lengthened to include November and all of March to accommodate longer staying residents. The students followed course outlines sent by their northern schools so that they were able to return to their homes in the spring and rejoin classmates there.
In 1930, a group of parents combined the two schools into one and called it Palm Beach Private School. In 1931, an Art Deco style building was constructed at 241 Seaview Avenue.
As more of Palm Beach Private School families became year-long residents, the school extended its term from September to June, but continued to accommodate winter term students. As the student body grew, so did the facilities to include the Matthews auditorium and Wean Library, and most recently the Halmos Activities Center.
The school changed its name to Palm Beach Day School in 1966, but continued its tradition of excellent preparation for secondary school and beyond.
Flagler Campus
The Academy of the Palm Beaches, formerly the Children's House of the Palm Beaches, was founded by a group of dedicated parents in May of 1981. It was their desire to provide for their children the best possible foundation for life. The founders were Mr. and Mrs. H. Loy Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Goodman, Mr. and Mrs. Faxon Henderson, and Mr. and Mrs. John F. Koons, together with Barbara Durrer, Head of School.
The School opened on September 10, 1981, for children between the ages of two and six regardless of faith, race, or ethnic background. The school was originally located at 211 Trinity Place in West Palm Beach. The facilities were leased from Holy Trinity Church.
In 1994, following the acquisition of its own facilities, the Children's House expanded its mission to encompass not only a Pre-primary program (age 2) and a Primary program (ages 3-6), but also an Elementary program (grades 1-6). The change in the mission of the Children's House precipitated the name change, which took place in September, 1995. Emphasizing its commitment to developing a quality elementary school, the Board of Trustees renamed the school The Academy of the Palm Beaches. It expanded further, to encompass the middle school years, through grade 8, in 2003-2004.
Palm Beach Day Academy
On July 1, 2006, the Academy of the Palm Beaches merged with the Palm Beach Day School to form a new entity, Palm Beach Day Academy. The educational philosophy remains centered on the individual needs of children at each stage of their growth. Students at every level are encouraged to develop their natural desire to learn, thus becoming responsible, contributing members of the community.
