Palm Beach Day Academy (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked FL School
Grades: Prekindergarten-9
Enrollment: 586 students
Yearly Tuition: $42,600
Acceptance rate: 98%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Palm Beach Day Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS)
Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-9

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Palm Beach Day Academy
Nursery	42
Pre-K	115
Kind	43
1	54
2	53
3	35
4	47
5	46
6	45
7	52
8	47
9	7

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Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1921

Colors

Blue, Gold

First Day of School

Tue. Sep 8, 2026

Last Day of School

Fri. Jun 11, 2027

Student Body

Total Students

586 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

11%

State avg.: 48%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

72 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

Average Class Size

12 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

(View more info)

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$42,600

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

The tuition rates for the 2026-2027 school year range from $26,500 to $42,600. For more information, please visit: www.pbday.org

% on Financial Aid

14%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$21,138

Acceptance Rate

98%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Dorothea Cvelbar

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

9 sports

Sports

BasketballField Hockey

Flag FootballGolf

Intramural Sports OnlyLacrosse

SoccerTennis

Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

23 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

After School Enrichment ProgramCartooning

Chess ClubMarine Science Outreach

PianoProgramming Club

ScienceSkateboarding

STEAM ClubSTEM Program

StorytimeTV Production

Yearbook Club

Arts and Music Programs:

ArtsCeramics

Music ProgramMusical Productions

Painting

Recreational Athletic Programs:

BalletCheerleading

Gymnasticsmartial arts

Running

School Notes

Established in 1921 as the first independent school in the state of Florida, Palm Beach Day Academy is proud of its history, its traditions, and its commitment to academic excellence in a compassion-rich environment.
Whether 2 years old or a 9th grader, Palm Beach Day Academy students thrive under the guidance of experienced and dedicated teachers who challenge them to excel in mind, body, and character.

School Motto: Work Hard. Be Kind.
School Mascot: Bulldogs

Palm Beach Day Academy's small class sizes encourage students to take an active, hands-on role in their own learning amidst an academic environment that also promotes play and camaraderie.
PBDA students live in a school culture that expects and honors personal effort, achievement, and character. Core values are an integral part of our curriculum where students are taught the value of sustained effort, focused thinking and open-mindedness.
Considerable time is devoted to athletics and the arts where artists and athletes of varying ability have endless opportunities to succeed and perform. Global awareness and environmental stewardship permeate the culture of our school and students of all ages are consistently encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and participate in wide-ranging experiential learning opportunities.
Our graduates go on to lead productive and meaningful lives beyond PBDA at top-ranked secondary and undergraduate schools, both locally and nationally. In fact, 98% of our 8th and 9th grade graduates attend their first-choice secondary school. Ultimately, these combined experiences create leaders who are thoughtful, generous and kind and will go on to make their mark in an ever-changing world.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Palm Beach Day Academy cost?

Palm Beach Day Academy's tuition is approximately $42,600 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Palm Beach Day Academy?

The acceptance rate of Palm Beach Day Academy is 98%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.

What sports does Palm Beach Day Academy offer?

Palm Beach Day Academy offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Golf, Intramural Sports Only, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball.

What is Palm Beach Day Academy's ranking?

Palm Beach Day Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Palm Beach Day Academy?

The application deadline for Palm Beach Day Academy is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (6 reviews)

5 5/21/2020

Our family could not be happier with our daughter's transition from a highly regarded Northeast private school to PBDA. She has not only been warmly welcomed by the entire staff, faculty and students, she is continuing to receive and be challenged by the rigorous academic program at PBDA. Administration and teachers alike are very involved in the development of the whole child and the athletic programs provide a variety of excellence for every student. The beautiful campus on the island of Palm Beach, combined with the gorgeous South Florida weather, combines for a truly special learning experience for the students at Palm Beach Day Academy!

- Posted by Parent - Janine

5 3/12/2020

Children are encouraged intellectually and socially. I would highly recommend PBDA to any parent looking for a school that enhances children's wellbeing and development as a whole.

- Posted by Parent - Lauren

5 2/23/2019

Best Private School education in Palm Beach County!

- Posted by Parent - Diana

5 5/17/2016

Rich in tradition, PBDA strives for excellence and gives children the skills to excel academically, in sports, and in the arts. The one on one attention, openness, and constant interaction between facility and parents is an additional bonus. A true academic community, we can't imagine our children at any other school in southeast FLA.

- Posted by Parent - linda

5 7/27/2012

PBDA is considered by many, as the best independent school in Florida, as its origins stem from founding Northeastern families, who wintered on the island many generations ago and whose high educational standards set the foundation for its current reputation as rigorous, yet balanced with sports and arts, as well as diverse demographics with a respect for tradition. Matriculation to the best New England Boarding Schools is common, as PBDA is one of the most well respected schools in this region of the country.

- Posted by Parent - deedy

5 7/27/2012

PBDA has one focus, The Children(students)! From Pre-K thru 9th grade, they provide the highest quality learning experience/environment in the Palm Beaches. From student/teacher ratio to National award winning Academic programs to Family focus and tradition, PBDA delivers the total package.

- Posted by Parent - rober

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Palm Beach County, FL is $20,306 for elementary schools and $21,427 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Palm Beach County, FL is 80% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).