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Western Academy principal highlights 780 pupils, 19 years of A ratings and STEAM programs
Summary
Western Academy Principal Siri Miller presented school performance data and programs to the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board, citing 780 K–8 students, 19 consecutive years of an A rating and a 5% teacher raise, and showcased STEAM projects and extracurricular activities.
Principal Siri Miller of Western Academy Charter School presented to the Education Advisory Board on Dec. 8, describing the school’s enrollment, curriculum and extracurricular programs and opening the meeting with a student choir performance directed by Mrs. Martinez.
“We have 780 students enrolled now, kindergarten through eighth grade,” Miller said, and added that Western Academy has been in the village for “over 20 years.” She told the board the school has been an A-rated school for 19 consecutive years and holds designations as a high-performing charter school and a Florida School of Excellence.
Miller credited sustained instructional practices and supports for student outcomes and noted recent investments in staff: “Because of our strong fiscal management, we were able to give our teachers a 5% raise this year,” she said. She described the school’s elementary CLASS model (clusters, looping and stallion stations), in which students remain with the same three teachers for three years, and highlighted the Advanced STEAM Academy at the middle-school level, including engineering and IT tracks that offer advanced coursework and opportunities such as VEX coding and 3D printing.
Miller gave examples of student projects and team competitions — tug-of-war bots, a treasure-hunter robot and SECME placements — and described service-learning activities, including an NJHS food drive that partnered with Cross Ministries. She also outlined the school’s admissions lottery and priorities (local zip codes, siblings, staff children, board members’ children and active military) and said two open houses will be held in January and February for prospective families.
Board members praised the students and the instructional model, and asked about curriculum choices; Miller said the charter school chooses state-approved curriculum and involves teachers in selection. The presentation closed with Miller inviting board members to tour the campus and with holiday greetings.
What happens next: Miller said she will answer any follow-up questions and welcomed board visits; no formal action was required on the presentation.
