NAPLES, Fla. - s4story -- Construction is underway on a new permanent middle school building at Royal Palm Academy in North Naples, with school leaders targeting an August 2026 completion ahead of the new academic year.

The project is the centerpiece of the school's $8 million "Welcome Home" campaign, an effort that has already secured more than 79 percent of its goal through support from families, donors, and community partners. When finished, the 22,000-square-foot building will allow the school to expand its middle school program and welcome up to 40 additional students.

"Royal Palm Academy has long provided an exceptional education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and the formation of the whole child," said Head of School Michael Bussman. "This new building will allow our campus to more fully reflect the strength of the mission already taking place inside our classrooms."

The school has come a long way since its founding in 1998, when it opened with six students across three grades and called temporary structures home. Today, Royal Palm Academy serves Pre-K3 through 8th grade and has become one of the area's most respected independent Catholic schools. Its approach draws families who want more than strong test scores — they want their children formed in faith, character, and the habits of lifelong learning.

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That reputation is only growing. North Naples has emerged as a hub for families who prioritize education, with a cluster of schools serving students from early childhood through high school. Royal Palm Academy sits at the foundation of that pipeline.

"As Naples continues to grow, so does the demand for high-quality educational options," Bussman said. "We play a vital role in that landscape by offering a strong Catholic foundation that prepares students for success in the next stages of their academic careers."

The new building will feature several donor-naming opportunities, including a library, student spaces, and outdoor areas designed for collaboration. A dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting are planned for August 2026.

For the school's leadership, the milestone is about more than square footage.

"This is truly a relaunch for Royal Palm Academy," Bussman said. "The campus will reflect the strength of the education happening here every day and ensure we can serve Naples families for generations to come."

Updates on construction progress will continue throughout the year at https://www.royalpalmacademy.org/