Rendering of the front entry of Royal Palm Academy. -COURTESY PHOTO
Royal Palm Academy is advancing its “Welcome Home” campaign as construction continues on a new permanent middle school building expected to be completed by August 2026, marking a major milestone in the school’s long-term investment in Catholic education in Naples.
The project is part of an $8 million campaign designed to enhance campus facilities while preserving the school’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. More than 79 percent of the campaign goal has already been secured through grassroots philanthropic support from families, donors, and community partners.
When completed, the new 22,000-square-foot building will allow Royal Palm Academy to expand its middle school program and potentially welcome up to 40 additional students, helping the school continue to grow while maintaining the close-knit environment that defines its educational model.
“Royal Palm Academy has long provided an exceptional education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and the formation of the whole child,” said Head of School Michael Bussman. “This new building will allow our campus to more fully reflect the strength of the mission already taking place inside our classrooms.”
A faith-based education
Royal Palm Academy Head of School Michael Bussman. -COURTESY PHOTO
Founded in 1998 with just six students across three grades, Royal Palm Academy has steadily grown into one of Naples’ respected independent Catholic schools. RPA serves students from pre-K3 through 8th grade. The school was originally housed in temporary structures but was always envisioned as a permanent and thriving campus dedicated to forming students intellectually, spiritually, and morally.
Today, the school is known for its rigorous academics, leadership formation, and strong emphasis on Catholic values. Families are increasingly drawn to educational environments where faith and learning are deeply integrated. At Royal Palm Academy, students are formed not only as scholars, but also as thoughtful, compassionate young men and women of character. The smartphone-free campus emphasizes human connection.
“Families are looking for an education that develops the whole child,” said Bussman. “At Royal Palm Academy, faith and academics are deeply integrated, helping students grow in wisdom, character, and confidence.”
Naples’ Emerging Education Hub
Royal Palm Academy’s expansion also reinforces the school’s presence within what many are beginning to view as an emerging education hub in North Naples.
Located in an area that is home to multiple institutions serving elementary, middle, and high school students, Royal Palm Academy provides an essential foundation for younger learners preparing for advanced academic pathways.
The school’s leaders believe the concentration of educational institutions in North Naples creates a unique ecosystem where families can envision a long-term academic journey for their children.
“As Naples continues to grow, so does the demand for high-quality educational options,” said Bussman. “Royal Palm Academy plays a vital role in that landscape by offering a strong Catholic foundation that prepares students for success in the next stages of their academic careers.”
Campus built for the future
The new middle school building will feature donor-naming opportunities throughout, including a library, student spaces, and outdoor learning areas designed to bring students together and spark creativity. The project will wrap up with a dedication and grand opening celebration in August 2026, right before the start of the new school year. For school leaders, the expansion represents something much bigger than a construction project.
“This is truly a relaunch for Royal Palm Academy,” said Bussman. “The campus will reflect the strength of the education happening here every day and ensure we can serve Naples families for generations to come.”
The school will share construction milestones and community updates throughout 2026 as it counts down to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony this August.
For more information, visit www.royalpalmacademy.org.
View of new Royal Palm Academy from Livingston Road. -COURTESY PHOTO
