Palmetto Bay Academy
The premier Miami-area, strengths-based school for unique, gifted and twice-exceptional learners — nearly 25 years of rigorous, personalized academics that prepare students for college and beyond.
Engaging academics in a supportive environment
We offer the experiences students love about traditional schools — in a socially and emotionally supportive setting. A true alternative to the traditional model, PBA pairs rigorous academics with whole-student wellness and our 4 C’s: Communication, Collaboration, Contribution and Critical Thinking.
The PBA difference
Nearly 25 years of seeing every student
Founded in 2000, PBA has been the premier Miami-area non-traditional school for nearly a quarter century — built on the principle that all students can succeed when they are treated as individuals.
For both our Academy (grades 6–12) and PBA Beginnings (primary) programs, we use a strengths-based, individualized approach that meets learners where they are and helps them grow in a supportive, nurturing environment. We’ve been home to Gifted, Bright-but-Struggling and twice-exceptional students for over two decades — and our administration and teachers are genuine experts in giftedness and 2e.
Preparing students for a changing future
We build on four pillars — tap each to explore.
And the 4 C’s run through everything we do:
Best practices that let every student succeed
To help every learner reach mastery, we follow research-based best practices — not one-size-fits-all testing.
“…Thank you all for helping me to believe in myself, for guiding me, and for making me love school again…”
— PBA StudentThe Academy — grades 6–12
Our secondary program supports learners needing every level of instruction — from Remedial to Honors, AP and Dual-Enrollment college courses. Mastery instruction guides our methodology, and every pathway is individualized.
Personalized pathways
Truly individualized academics that meet students where they are and stretch them forward.
Mastery instruction
Genuine understanding — not just test-taking — demonstrated through multiple formats.
Flexible & untimed
Self-paced work; students can recover credits or accelerate, with far less homework.
Accredited diploma
Cognia/SACS-accredited College Prep (24-credit) & General diplomas; many earn Bright Futures.
Whole-student wellness
Social-emotional support woven through the academic day, not bolted on.
Caring relationships
Teachers and staff — many 2e/gifted themselves — who see each student.
PBA Beginnings & Toucanet Academy
For bright, gifted and 2e primary learners, PBA Beginnings advances children in their area of giftedness — leadership, the arts, competitive athletics — while honoring asynchronicity (the gap between academic giftedness and emotional maturity) in a supportive, age-appropriate community. Our sister school, Toucanet Academy (T.A.P.P.), extends this to passionate young learners.
More than a class schedule
PBA blends rigorous, individualized academics with the experiences and support unique learners need — and the flexibility to pursue their passions.
The Academy (6–12)
College-prep secondary school — Remedial through AP & Dual-Enrollment, individualized for each learner.
PBA Beginnings
Strengths-based primary program for bright, gifted and 2e children who need challenge and support.
Bridge Program
Transitional support to help students step successfully into their next stage.
PEERS@PBA
Social-skills and connection support — because relationships matter as much as academics.
Summer Program & Camps
Summer learning, enrichment and orientation for new and returning students.
Tutoring & Test Prep
Academic consulting, tutoring and test preparation available as added services.
How to join PBA
A personal, get-to-know-your-learner process — not a test score. Here’s the path in.
A transcript from previous schools, a Florida health exam & immunizations, and any testing, IEPs or evaluations (teacher recommendations welcome, not required).
An initial meeting to understand your learner, their strengths, and how PBA can help.
Short diagnostics in English & Math to place your student in courses at the right level of academic rigor.
After the meetings, an offer of enrollment may be extended.
New students are strongly encouraged to join summer orientation before their first year.
Scholarships accepted
PBA accepts Florida school-choice scholarships:
These programs do not cover the full cost of enrollment. A small number of school-based scholarships are also available — please inquire with the office.
Not sure if PBA fits?
Try the quick fit check below to see how our strengths-based model matches your learner.
Is PBA right for your learner?
Answer a few quick questions — there are no wrong answers.
Understanding twice-exceptional
Twice-exceptional (2e) describes a learner who shows exceptional ability in one or more areas alongside one or more learning challenges. Gifted and challenged — and deserving of an education that honors both. PBA’s teachers are experts in giftedness and 2e; many are 2e or gifted themselves.
Gifted strengths
Exceptional capacity, competence, commitment or creativity in areas like math, writing, music or ideas.
Real challenges
ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism or sensory processing — met with understanding, not stigma.
Asynchronicity
A gap between academic giftedness and emotional maturity — a cornerstone of how we support 2e learners.
“A strengths-based approach considers the whole child — first as a gifted individual who deserves to develop their talents, and second as a student who deserves support in areas of challenge.”
— Dr. Susan BaumFor 2e families
Real books, articles, podcasts and support groups PBA recommends — including the Think Twice 2e Parent Support Group led by our director, Maggie Eubanks. Filter to explore.
Frequently asked questions
The answers families ask us most — tap any question to open it.
Life at Palmetto Bay Academy
Hands-on learning, spirit, community and time outdoors — a few moments from campus.
Our families
Hear from the PBA community about what a strengths-based, supportive school makes possible.
Brand & facts at a glance
Everything a partner, reporter or directory needs — tap a tab, tap a swatch to copy a color.
One-line description
Palmetto Bay Academy is a Cognia/SACS-accredited, strengths-based Miami school for unique, gifted and twice-exceptional learners (grades 6–12, plus primary), pairing rigorous, personalized academics with whole-student wellness — from potential to success.
Director: Maggie Eubanks, MEd · Member: Independent Schools of South Florida & the Learning Support Association of South Florida.
Tap any swatch to copy its hex value to your clipboard.
Who we serve
Gifted, twice-exceptional and neurodivergent students who need a strengths-based alternative to the traditional model — and the families who love them.
What makes us different
Teachers who are 2e/gifted themselves, positive niche construction, mastery instruction, untimed assessments and flexible scheduling.
Proof points
Nearly 25 years, Cognia/SACS accreditation, accredited college-prep diplomas & Bright Futures, and a trusted 2e resource hub.
Voice
Warm, hopeful, expert. We lead with strengths, speak plainly to parents, and celebrate every learner’s potential.
Ombre logo, full banner & icon
Community testimonial film
Family-facing explainers & reading list
Learning, spirit & community imagery
We’d love to meet your learner
Reach out to see how the PBA Way can make all the difference in your student’s life.
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