High School at TPA
High School at The Palmas Academy is a time for students to pursue their interests with greater depth, take on new challenges, and prepare for life beyond graduation. Students have access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Language and Composition and the AP Capstone program, which develops advanced research, writing, presentation, and critical-thinking skills through AP Seminar and AP Research. Through this pathway, students become eligible to earn the AP Capstone Diploma.
As students begin exploring their future goals, they receive individualized guidance throughout the college search and application process. Learning extends beyond the classroom through opportunities such as THIMUN, where students participate in an international Model United Nations experience in The Hague, Science Fair research experiences that have led students to compete at the international level, and a Broadway experience trip that exposes students to professional performing arts and cultural learning in New York City. Athletics, performing arts, clubs, and leadership opportunities further enrich the high school experience.
What truly sets our High School apart is its balance. Students are encouraged to pursue ambitious academic goals while remaining actively involved in athletics, the arts, leadership opportunities, and student life. In a close-knit community where teachers know them well, Dolphins are supported as they grow into confident, thoughtful, and engaged young adults ready for college and beyond.
Program Spotlight
Academic Excellence & AP Pathways
Students challenge themselves with Advanced Placement and AP Capstone courses that build college-level research, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
Leadership & Involvement
From Drama and Art to Philosophy, Entrepreneurship, and Strength & Conditioning, students explore passions while building leadership, initiative, and collaboration skills across academics, athletics, and student life.
College & Life Readiness
With personalized counseling, real-world experiences, and global opportunities, students are supported as they prepare for college and life beyond TPA.
Beyond the Classroom
- Leadership in Action: High School Dolphins grow as leaders across every part of school life—through AP coursework, student government, athletics, clubs, and the arts. Leadership is not limited to titles; it is developed through initiative, collaboration, and responsibility in everyday experiences.
- Beyond the Classroom: Learning extends into meaningful real-world experiences, from performing arts exposure such as our Broadway experience trip in New York City, to environmental exploration in places like El Yunque, to academic opportunities such as Model United Nations and Science Fair participation. These experiences help students connect what they learn in class to the world around them.
- Character in Practice: The Dolphin Learner Profile is integrated throughout the high school experience, guiding students to act with integrity, resilience, and purpose. Students are also required to complete a minimum of 100 service hours for graduation, reinforcing the expectation that learning is connected to meaningful contribution.
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Find Your Place: Whether through Drama Club, Model UN, Math Club, band, or athletics, including both intramural and competitive teams, students have many ways to get involved and belong. At TPA, every Dolphin can find a community where they are known, supported, and able to grow.
A Day in the Life of a High School Dolphin
A High School Dolphin’s day moves between engaging AP classes, collaborative projects, and electives where students deepen their interests and skills. Students may also spend time preparing for AP Capstone work, clubs, a rich sports life, or upcoming experiences such as Model UN or Science Fair. After school, campus comes alive as students head to practices, rehearsals for the school musical in the SRT room, or sound tests with the band as opening night approaches. Others stay for club meetings, including community service initiatives through the National Honor Society (NHS) and the Red Cross Club, or spend time with teachers and peers who know them well. High school at TPA is balanced, active, and full of opportunities to grow academically, artistically, athletically, and as members of their community.