Mission
To offer a world-class education in a safe, positive, and supportive environment that will foster scholarship, creativity, self-discipline, independent thinking, leadership and will promote values for living in a culturally diverse world.
Vision
- To create a nationally-recognized, dynamic academic program that will be a leader among college preparatory and independent schools.
- To create a community of learners that recognizes, develops, and fosters the students’ many innate talents and traits by participating in scholastic and athletic activities, fine art programs, special interest clubs, and community service.
- To have graduating students admitted and matriculate to the best colleges in the U.S.A., Puerto Rico, and abroad.
- To maintain a nurturing school environment that positively reinforces a culture of respect and strong student-faculty relationships.
THE dolphin Learner profile
Each member of our diverse community at The Palmas Academy is a learner. From the students to the teachers, the parents to the alumni, and the administration to our support staff, we are all committed to growing and becoming better versions of ourselves. Our Dolphin Learner Profile explicitly states that each of us is a principled servant leader and lifelong learner, and that requires being a combination of knowledgeable, compassionate, courageous, flexible, and effective communicator.
We believe that developing each component of The Dolphin Learner Profile is essential to having a successful, fulfilling, and purposeful life. At the Palmas Academy, we commit to these ideals, knowing that:
Learner Profile
Each member of our diverse community at The Palmas Academy is a learner. From the students to the teachers, the parents to the alumni, and the administration to our support staff, we are all committed to growing and becoming better versions of ourselves. Our Dolphin Learner Profile explicitly states that each of us is a principled servant leader and lifelong learner, and that requires being a combination of knowledgeable, compassionate, courageous, flexible, and effective communicator.
We believe that developing each component of The Dolphin Learner Profile is essential to having a successful, fulfilling, and purposeful life. At the Palmas Academy, we commit to these ideals, knowing that (follow the tabs):
Principled servant leaders . . .
- Understand that everyone has the capacity to lead, and leadership is only as strong as the leader’s character and guiding principles.
- Acknowledge that leadership is a set of behaviors, not just a title or office.
- Know that true servant leaders co-create a clear vision and focus on the growth of the people, space, and institutions around them.
Lifelong learners . . .
- Understand that learning is a lifelong commitment to oneself that extends far beyond academic achievement.
- Know that learning is a deeply reflective process that depends on a growth mindset.
- Recognize that it is the responsibility of the learner not just to memorize new material but to master the skillset of learning.
Knowledgeable learners . . .
- Explore concepts and ideas to create meaning-making for themselves and others, always acting from a depth of understanding.
- Use previous knowledge to inform creative, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Value experience and the process of learning more than the end product.
- Know how to seek out, challenge, synthesize, and retain new information that is relevant and powerful.
Compassionate learners . . .
- They are caring and kind to all who are around them.
- Believe in the power of compassion and belonging.
- Give of themselves to help others.
Communicators . . .
- Speak and act with intention and impact their audience.
- Express their ideas confidently and effectively in multiple languages and in non-verbal ways.
- Understand that communication is bidirectional, and listening is essential.
Courageous learners . . .
- They take risks to become better versions of themselves.
- They are brave enough to be vulnerable and celebrate mistakes with high intentionality and learning opportunities.
- They are highly accountable for their actions, and they speak up for what they believe in the face of opposition and injustice.
Flexible learners . . .
- They are open-minded, going far beyond mere “tolerance” to truly respect, regard, and allow perspectives and lived experiences that are not their own to inform their thinking.
- Recognize the strength in diversity and honor differences in opinions and perspectives.
- Are resilient problem solvers who believe in the power of iteration and learning through experience.
- Focus less on comparing themselves to others and more on working toward their goals.
As The Palmas Academy Dolphins, we wholeheartedly embrace the ideals in this Learner Profile, committing ourselves to these principles 24/7.
*We created this profile through a full-action research approach during the 2023-2024 school year. We gathered and used data from students, faculty, parents, and administration and synthesized our findings to create our final document.
Get to Know Us
The Palmas Academy (TPA) is an independent, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational, and college preparatory private institution located in the resort community of Palmas del Mar, in Humacao. English is the language of instruction for all grades, from preschool to 12th grade. TPA takes pride in its cultural diversity, serving students from more than half a dozen municipalities, including the San Juan metro area and the eastern side of Puerto Rico. We are proud to mention that our school is certified by the Middle States Association and CADIE, emphasizing our commitment to academic excellence and quality education.
- 2023-24 school year: 511 students from Preschool through Grade 12.
- 64% of students reside in the Palmas del Mar (PDM) community.
- 36% of students reside in Humacao and neighboring towns.
- A leadership team including
Head of School, Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning, Early Childhood Coordinator, Elementary School Principal (PK-5th Grade), Secondary School Principal (6th-12th Grade), Dean of Students, School Psychologist, College Counselors (2), Communications and Marketing Specialist, IT Specialist, Registrar, and Student Life Coordinator.
More About Us
- A highly dedicated, professional faculty continuously engaging in professional development and personal growth initiatives.
- Beautiful campus near the Palmas del Mar resort amenities with sports, academic, and arts facilities.
- Multi-sport complex, including a covered court for basketball, volleyball, and futsal, baseball and softball fields, a FIFA regulation-size soccer field (in progress), outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball, futsal, tennis, and pickleball.
- The best tennis center in the Caribbean and two championship golf courses are located within one (1) mile of the school.
- A newly remodeled library (2023) with well-equipped science laboratories.
- A Fine Arts program that comprehensively integrates different artistic disciplines and modalities.
- A children's playground with open green spaces.
- A
full-service cafeteria serving breakfast & lunch daily.
We Have a lot to Offer
