Rosarian Academy
WellingtonPrivate Catholic School for Wellington, FL Families
For over a century, Rosarian Academy has been the leading choice for Wellington, FL families seeking an exceptional, faith-based education. Founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1925, we offer a unique blend of academic excellence and moral formation for students ages 18 months through 8th grade.
Located just east of Wellington in scenic West Palm Beach, Rosarian’s waterfront campus provides a vibrant and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to grow in faith, intellect, creativity, and character.
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 Wellington Families Trust Rosarian Academy
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One of the only independent Catholic schools in the region
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Low student–faculty ratio ensures every child is known and supported
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Grounded in Christian values, yet open to families of all beliefs
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Advanced programming in STEM, arts, and athletics
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Nearly 100% of Rosarian graduates move on to their top-choice high schools
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And a straightforward commute via Southern Blvd, Florida’s Turnpike, or US-441
Educational Programs Welcoming Wellington Students
Montessori Preschool & Pre-K
At Rosarian, young learners begin their journey in a Montessori-inspired environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and independence. Children from 18 months through Kindergarten learn through hands-on experiences guided by caring, certified educators. Wellington parents choose Rosarian for the early structure and warmth that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
Elementary School (Grades 1–4)
In the Lower School, students benefit from a balanced curriculum that blends academic depth with creativity and personal growth. Through small-group instruction, exposure to fine arts, physical education, and emerging technologies, students are challenged to grow intellectually and spiritually in a supportive community.
Middle School (Grades 5–8)
Our Middle School is where Wellington students rise to new academic challenges and leadership opportunities. Featuring departmental instruction, accelerated coursework, and a range of electives in robotics, music, language, and drama, students are prepared to succeed at top-tier high schools and beyond.
Faith-Based Values in a Welcoming Environment
Rosarian is more than a school—it’s a values-driven community. Built on the Dominican pillars of prayer, community, study, and service, we create an environment where students from Wellington are called to become not only scholars, but compassionate leaders.
Our spiritual programming includes:
- Daily reflection and intentional prayer
- Monthly school-wide Mass
- Active student participation in service projects
- Catholic identity rooted in Gospel values, yet inclusive of all faiths
Easy Access from Wellington
Rosarian Academy is a convenient 25–30 minute drive from Wellington, with direct routes via Southern Boulevard, Forest Hill Blvd, or the Turnpike. Families living in The Isles, Olympia, Binks Forest, and Versailles enjoy quick and predictable access to our North Flagler Drive campus. Many parents commute along this corridor daily, making Rosarian an easy addition to the morning routine.
Rosarian by the Numbers
✓ 100 Years Serving Palm Beach County
✓ 478 Students Enrolled | 96 Faculty & Staff
✓ 13 Competitive Interscholastic Sports Teams
✓ Leading-Edge Media Center, STEM Lab, Fine Arts Wing
✓ 21st-Century Learning Tools in All Classrooms
✓ High School Credits Offered in:
— Algebra I & II Honors
— Geometry Honors
— Spanish I
✓ Accredited by SAIS and Cognia
Creative, Athletic & Leadership Opportunities
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Fine Arts
Our award-winning arts programs give Wellington students the chance to shine in:
- Visual art and multimedia design
- Vocal and instrumental music
- Stage productions including fall plays and spring musicals
- Annual art showcases and seasonal performances
Athletics
Athletes from Wellington enjoy access to:
- 13 Interscholastic sports teams in basketball, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, and more
- Intramural programs for skill-building and fitness
- A strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship
Student Organizations
Beyond the classroom, students participate in:
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Three competitive levels of robotics
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National Junior Honor Society
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Student Council and Leadership Ambassador Program
Our Mission
Rosarian Academy is an independent, coeducational Catholic school sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. We are committed to educating the whole person through the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service. We guide students to lead lives of purpose, compassion, and academic achievement.
Proudly Serving Wellington and Western Communities
We welcome students from all over Wellington, including neighborhoods like Palm Beach Polo, Lakefield, Buena Vida, and Wellington Green, as well as surrounding communities like Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, and Greenacres. Our families appreciate the balance of values-based education and academic excellence that sets Rosarian apart.
Nearby Amenities & Parent-Friendly Location
Many Wellington parents take advantage of Rosarian’s location near the heart of West Palm Beach. From the Norton Museum of Art to The Square, and from local favorites like Field of Greens, Hive Bakery, or Sant Ambroeus, our location allows busy parents to run errands, work remotely, or grab coffee while their children are thriving on campus.
Schedule Your Visit Today
We invite Wellington families to visit Rosarian Academy, tour our waterfront campus, meet our expert faculty, and experience the vibrant community that makes us one of Palm Beach County’s most respected private schools.
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
