Riviera Beach Maritime Academy

Science, technology and maritime environment with the opportunity for 18 college credits in Microsoft Technology, acquisition of a Captain's License, classes taught on a floating classroom, hands on experience in boat and engine repair, AP honors classes and dual college enrollment.

Linda M. Colombo-Bonikowski
Guidance Coordinator
Ryan Blanton, Teacher and E.S.E. and ESOL Representative

Dell and IMAC computers in classrooms

The R.O.V. club is one of the most exciting - students build an underwater robot and compete with schools internationally. Each year we even beat colleges like M.I.T. !

In the Ply-wood Regatta students build a boat from plywood in 1 day using nothing but wood and glue, then race it against other high schools and colleges. We won 1st place the last three years and counting!

RBMA offers several exciting clubs/activities:

The R.O.V. club is one of the most exciting - students build an underwater robot and compete with schools internationally. Each year we even beat colleges like M.I.T. !

In the Ply-wood Regatta students build a boat from plywood in 1 day using nothing but wood and glue, then race it against other high schools and colleges. We won 1st place the last three years and counting!

Scuba club (get dive certified), mechanics club, environmental club, chess club, year book club, fishing club, Coast Guard Auxiliary...and last but certainly not least ---if you can "hook" good grades and have good character you can be tapped into the National Technical Honor Society and have a chance to compete for scholarships and work on "cool" technical projects.

Yes, paved lot with reserved parking

School issues short sleeve shirt with logo, long black, blue, or khaki pants (no jeans), shorts same color, length 1" above knee, hard toe shoes (no sneakers), navy or gray sweatshirt with no adornments or writing.

Riviera Beach Maritime Academy is committed to providing students with a rigorous and hands on education in career exploration within the maritime industries.

We are one of the most innovative schools in Florida.

Our caring and committed teachers and staff make the difference for our students!

Creative "hands-on" experiential learning is one of the hallmarks of our school as well.

We believe in equipping our students to critically think and approach real world problems.

We believe in academic rigor and will always challenge our students to strive for excellence.

We believe in parents partnering with us to provide the best educational experience for their child(ren).

Riviera Beach Maritime Academy was established to answer the call for skilled labor in an ever evolving marine industry. It began as a vocational course offering at Palm Beach High School, and grew into the emerging high school campus of today. Florida is home to a 14.1 billion dollar marine industry. Marine businesses in Florida include, but are not limited to, port and marina operations, boat and yacht builders, charter brokers, and other maritime support services. Our courses include, but are not limited to Boat & Yacht Design, Marine Services, Seamanship, and Marine Sciences, striving to meet the demands.

The need for professionals to enter the maritime workforce is crucial. Forecasts indicate economic growth, and employers will be seeking skilled technicians to fill new jobs, as well as positions vacated by retirees.

Sean Wolfe refurbished 1968 Dutch-built sailboat and upon graduation was hired by the Palm Beach Harbor Pilots.
Eugene Bukhgalter employed by Viking Yachts Service Center and Volunteers for Toys for Tots collections in annual holiday boat parade.
Chad Hicks - reservist for US Navy

Maritime related classes include:

* Marine Science: Classes are geared toward applied learning with many trips to the ocean for research and "hands-on" labs

* Marine Service: An in-depth look at how marine engines work and how to maintain and repair them. Students learn on outboard two strokes, outboard four strokes, inboard gas and inboard diesels. 10 test engines are available for use in our classes.

* Boat and Yacht Building and Repair: A full scale boat building class in a shop with all of the tools and supplies needed to build both fiberglass and wood boats.

* Seamanship: You'll learn everything you need to know about boats and all their different designs and functions. What other school can boast a 40' floating classroom? RBMA uses the Trident pontoon boat for hands-on learning (docking, navigation, tying up the boat and yes, driving).

Fall 2009-- RBMA launched Information Technology (IT) program where students can earn Microsoft certifications, college credits, and valuable internship experiences. Can you imagine the advantage of leaving high school and already being able to troubleshoot computer problems, repair computers, and service computer networks? Now imagine having the official Microsoft certifications on your resume as you leave high school! That's the RBMA advantage. Real world training and certifications!

Most of RBMA's classes are honors level courses; dual enrollment for college credit is an option also. And our P.E classes even visit the beach for all types of outdoor sports including swimming, and fishing. We offer the best of both worlds - academic rigor, but lots of fun too!

Our students love "hands-on" learning. Here are some of the field trips or projects we've recently completed:

* Students designed and built an alternative energy project (a wind turbine linked to solar panels) that provides power for one of the portable classrooms on our campus. Our students are learning about alternative energy "hands-on" by working on real-world solutions!

* Students designed, built, and deployed a huge "artificial reef" in Kelsey Park to enhance the habitat for sea life in that area.

* Our students have: traveled to and participated in, and won awards in an international underwater robotics competition; looked after, maintained, and cleaned up our "adopted" island - Munyon Island; rode the waves on the Blue Heron while deep sea fishing; slept with the polar bears and dolphins at Sea World; camped at Peace River (west coast of Florida), raced in the Plywood Regatta (a boat-building competition where we have snagged the 1st place trophy the last 3 years); toured the Port of Palm Beach to see what goes on there; watched the launching of a wooden sloop that cost several million dollars to restore; engaged in a formal debate on election issues and done numerous trips and/ or projects to reinforce what is being taught in class.

We offer internships and hands on training, and currently have students or graduates who are working for Albury Brothers Boats, Viking Yachts, Sail Fish Marina, and independent contractors in the marine fiberglass industry and marine mechanics industry. One student is working side-by-side with a marine biologist to observe the habits of sea turtles during nesting season. Another is shadowing computer experts to learn more about computers. Who would believe you could get so much experience while still in high school?

If it's a career in the maritime industry you desire, you couldn't have looked into a better place. From epoxy to echinoderms, to licenses on the road and off, we are a growing family that any student would love to be part of. If you love boats, the ocean, or sea life we would love to have you! We are now enrolling 9th - 12th graders. Come experience the RBMA difference!

Here's what one teacher at RBMA has to say: "I look back on my high school experience and wish that a school like this had been available for me. Aside from the maritime- focused curriculum, the small class sizes allow every teacher to know the names of all the students in the school. This environment also allows the student to feel like part of a family. Everyone is personable and working toward a common goal. No freshman anxiety about hundreds of upper classmen will weigh heavily on you the first day of school! Yes, you may still be a 'little fish', but the pond is a little more inviting. In our classes you are a student with a name, not a number."

Here's what parents at RBMA have to say: "I have enrolled all three of my children at RBMA. I am very pleased that since they have come to RBMA they have all done better academically. They are learning great new things and are actually excited about coming to school! RBMA is a fantastic school where the teachers nurture the students to succeed both academically and in their intended career.

"I love the small environment at RBMA. The teachers are caring and will bend over backwards to help the student's succeed. I am amazed at all the hands-on experiences that the students are exposed to as they prepare for college and for a career!"

I am thoroughly pleased with my child's education at RBMA. The administration, teachers, and staff listen to parents and are responsive. I look forward to talking with my child about all that she is learning and experiencing at school. Where else can students experience such a unique learning environment?

4 Day School Week to begin January 2011

Student Impact

• Students will receive the same amount of instruction time on a 4-day school week as a 5-day school week
• Less discipline issues
• Decrease in student absences
• Time to schedule doctor and other appoints without missing Instructional time
• More days to complete homework
• Extra day for dual-enrollment students to devote to their college courses
• Increased time for academic support and extracurricular activities

Community Impact

• More time available for older students to work, intern or job shadow
• More employers willing to hire students for more hours
• More available time for job shadowing