Rosarian Academy
North Palm BeachPrivate Catholic School of Choice for North Palm Beach, FL Families
For 100 years, Rosarian Academy has supported families in North Palm Beach with a faith-filled, academically challenging private school education. As Palm Beach County’s only independent Catholic school, we welcome students from 18 months through 8th grade, offering a nurturing environment rooted in the Dominican traditions of prayer, community, study, and service.
Located just 20 minutes south of North Palm Beach along the Intracoastal, our waterfront campus in West Palm Beach offers convenience, beauty, and an educational experience that helps students thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
Academically, Rosarian Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that challenges students to reach their highest potential. From early childhood through middle school, the academy offers a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and a passion for learning. Small class sizes and personalized attention enable students to thrive in core subjects while also exploring their interests in STEM, humanities, and more.
The fine arts program is a key component of the school’s holistic educational approach. Students are encouraged to express themselves through visual arts, music, and theater, with opportunities to participate in annual performances and exhibitions that highlight their talents and creativity.
Beyond academics and arts, student organizations and athletics play a crucial role in fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. Rosarian Academy offers a variety of clubs, including student government and service organizations, alongside an athletics program that promotes physical fitness and sportsmanship through sports like basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming. These programs equip students with the skills necessary for success in all areas of life.
100 Years of Rich History
- 1925
- 1928
- 1939
- 1953
- 1959
- 1960
- 1974
- 1975
- 1985
- 1991
- 1992
- 1998
- 2000
- 2009
- 2019
- 2020
- 2023
- 2024
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1925
Determined to bring Catholic education to the southern part of his vast Florida diocese, Bishop Barry founded St. Ann On-The-Lake Academy, where four dedicated Sisters began teaching in the humble surroundings of Saint Ann's Church and its rectory in West Palm Beach. With no street in front of the Academy, the property extended all the way to the lakefront, allowing the Sisters to enjoy a pier that stretched into the lake. -
1928
Hurricanes wreaked terrible damage in Florida demolishing the Academy buildings and grounds, windows blown out, staircases blocked, and towers atop the buildings blown off. -
1939
featureThe school's name was changed to Rosarian, honoring Ann Bradley, the mother of our generous benefactor who funded the rebuild of Bradley Hall, which had originally housed out-of-area girls. -
1953
magnis disEducators from around the world came to the Academy, drawn by a project partially funded by the State Department's Office of Education, eager to observe and learn from our innovative teaching methods. In 1954, the State Road Department acquired additional land to widen Flagler Drive, establishing the current boundaries at the front of the property. -
1959
A new swimming pool and bathhouse were added, marking a milestone where students began enjoying swimming classes as part of their daily school experience. -
1960
Embracing a vision of forward-thinking education, Rosarian introduced language labs and a guidance department. It also celebrated the opening of the Margaret Tighe Machlin Fine Arts Center, which would later bring beloved classics like Brigadoon and The Sound of Music, Oliver, and Annie, with the original dog, Sandy, making a special appearance in the school's production. -
1974
The Montessori program, affectionately known as the "Little School," was established for Rosarian’s youngest learners, ages two and a half to five, laying the foundation for future generations. -
1975 – Golden Anniversary
The Golden Anniversary Gala at The Breakers Hotel marked 50 years of growth and success, with esteemed guests like Rose Kennedy and Perry Como joining in the celebration. -
1985
Rosarian Academy transitioned to a coeducational Kindergarten through 8th-grade program, reflecting our evolving commitment to inclusive and comprehensive education. -
1991
The Academy furthered our dedication to coeducational excellence by phasing out the high school program, focusing on a robust Kindergarten through 8th-grade experience. -
1992
The graduation of our first co-ed 8th-grade class signaled a transformative era, leading to the expansion and construction of the Mary Alice Fortin Building, a testament to our growth. -
1998
The middle school moved to the newly completed Fortin Building, accompanied by the addition of a soccer field, tennis courts, track and field, and basketball courts, enhancing our campus and athletic opportunities. -
2000
In celebration of our 75th anniversary, a capital campaign was launched, resulting in the development of campus facilities, including our first-ever full-size gymnasium. -
2009
Sr. Corinne Sanders led the RA Community in the Dedication and Grand Opening of the new Picotte Center for Athletics and Fine Arts, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, music suites, drama suite, art suites, and versatile event spaces. -
2019
The opening of the Freitas STEM Innovation Center marked a significant leap in hands-on learning, with Rosarian becoming Florida’s first Carnegie STEM Excellence Pathway partner. -
2020
We revitalized the Kindergarten and Lower School play areas and expanded the Jake Rubin Field, adding the astroturf Smith Moore Practice Field and new outdoor pickleball and basketball courts, enhancing our campus facilities. -
2023
As Rosarian approaches our 100th anniversary, we have embarked on an ambitious Centennial Capital Campaign to honor our rich history and support future growth - new classrooms, playgrounds, drop-off area, security systems, and a full-sized athletic field. -
2024
Rosarian acquired all the properties between 7th and 8th streets east of Olive Avenue, and officially launched the public phase of its Centennial Capital Campaign with a May Crowning, ribbon cutting, and blessing of the new Stockard Learning Center.
ROSARIAN ACADEMY FAMILY
What Rosarian Academy Offers
Athletics
Intramural and Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities
Fine Arts
Annual Art Show, Show Choir, Christmas Programs, Fall Play, Spring Musical Productions
Student Clubs & Organizations
Art Club, Math Club, Drama Club, STEM/Robotics, National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Student Ambassador Program
Spiritual Life
Why Choose Rosarian Academy?
Catholic Faith Foundation, Welcoming All Faiths
The Only Independent Catholic School in Palm Beach County
99 Years of Rich History
7:1 Student Faculty Ratio
13 Interscholastic Sports Teams
3 Levels of Robotics Teams
21st Century Technology Integrated in All Classes
Cutting-Edge Fine Arts, Media Center, and Athletic Facilities
Accredited By Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
High School Credit
Courses Offered in Algebra I Honors, Algebra II Honors, Geometry Honors, and Spanish I
Wide Range of Student Organizations
478 Students
96 Faculty and Staff
Nearly 100% of Graduates Attend Their High School of Choice
Why North Palm Beach Families Choose Rosarian
- Independent Catholic school with nearly a century of proven excellence
- Low student-to-teacher ratio (7:1) for maximum individual attention
- Inclusive Christian environment grounded in Gospel values
- Premier programs in STEM, fine arts, world languages, and leadership
- Graduates are consistently accepted into top-tier high schools
- Only 20 minutes from North Palm Beach via US-1 or I-95
Academic Programs for North Palm Beach Students
Montessori Preschool & Pre-K
Our Early Childhood Program serves children ages 18 months to Kindergarten in a warm, Montessori-inspired setting. Through hands-on learning, students gain independence, focus, and early academic confidence. Families from North Palm Beach consistently choose Rosarian for our exceptional early start and nurturing philosophy.
Elementary School (Grades 1–4)
In our Lower School, students enjoy personalized instruction in a close-knit environment where strong academics are paired with creative learning and values-based formation. With an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, Rosarian lays a firm foundation for elementary-aged students from North Palm Beach and nearby communities.
Middle School (Grades 5–8)
Our Middle School prepares students to succeed at top high schools and grow into purposeful leaders. Through departmental teaching, honors-level coursework, and electives in STEM, arts, and languages, students are challenged academically while being supported spiritually and emotionally.
A Faith-Based Foundation That Inspires
Our mission is to form students who live with purpose, grounded in the values of the Catholic faith. Rosarian students experience:
- Daily prayer and reflection
- Regular Masses and liturgical participation
- Community outreach and school-wide service projects
- An inclusive spiritual culture where every child is known and supported
Our Dominican approach helps students from North Palm Beach develop empathy, self-awareness, and resilience, key traits for lifelong leadership.
Convenient for North Palm Beach Commuters
Rosarian Academy is easily accessible from North Palm Beach via US-1, I-95, or Prosperity Farms Road, connecting families from neighborhoods like Lost Tree Village, Harbour Isles, Juno Isles, North Palm Beach Country Club, and Lake Point Tower directly to our waterfront campus on North Flagler Drive. Morning commutes are efficient, and many parents enjoy the scenic coastal drive as part of their daily routine.
Rosarian by the Numbers
✓ 100 Years of Academic Excellence
✓ 478 Students | 96 Dedicated Faculty & Staff
✓ 13 Interscholastic Sports Teams
✓ New STEM Lab, Performing Arts Facilities, and Media Center
✓ Google Classroom, iPads, and smart tech in every room
✓ High School Credit Courses Available in:
— Algebra I Honors
— Algebra II Honors
— Geometry Honors
— Spanish I
✓ Fully Accredited by SAIS and Cognia
More Than a School
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Arts & Creativity
Students express themselves through:
- Choir and instrumental music
- Seasonal drama productions and musicals
- School-wide art exhibitions
- Fine arts and studio design
Athletics & Wellness
Our comprehensive athletics program includes:
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Competitive sports teams in basketball, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, and more
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Intramural leagues focused on fitness, teamwork, and fun
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Opportunities for students of all experience levels
Student Life & Enrichment
Rosarian students are active beyond the classroom through:
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Robotics teams at three competitive levels
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Clubs in math and STEM
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Leadership opportunities through Student Council and ambassador roles
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National Junior Honor Society
Our Mission
Founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Rosarian Academy is an independent Catholic school that educates the whole child in the light of the Gospel. We build students’ character, intellect, and sense of service through a rich academic and spiritual program grounded in Dominican tradition.
Proudly Serving North Palm Beach and the Northern Corridor
Rosarian Academy proudly welcomes students from North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Singer Island, and nearby coastal communities. Whether you’re in Seminole Landing, Twelve Oaks, or Frenchman’s Harbor, you’ll find a welcoming community and transformative education just minutes away.
Nearby Amenities & Lifestyle Perks for Parents
Parents appreciate Rosarian’s location near downtown West Palm Beach, The Square, The Royal Poinciana Plaza, and the Norton Museum of Art. Favorite nearby spots like Hive Bakery, Grato, and Field of Greens make it easy to manage errands, meet friends, or work remotely while your children learn in a safe, vibrant environment.
Visit Rosarian Academy
If you’re a family from North Palm Beach looking for a faith-driven, academically outstanding private school, we invite you to come tour Rosarian Academy and discover why so many families make the short drive south for a lifetime of value.
Rosarian Academy Mission
Rosarian Academy, founded in 1925 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is an independent, coeducational Catholic school based on the Dominican pillars of prayer, community, study, and service. We educate the whole person in light of the Gospel values and provide a foundation for life.
At A Glance
- Coeducational independent school (Early Childhood, K – 8th grade)
- Founded in 1925 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters
- Sponsored by the Dominican Veritas Ministries
- Catholic-faith foundation, welcoming all faiths
- Beautiful and convenient waterfront location in Palm Beach County
