U.S. Secretary of Education, State Officials Tour Pineapple Cove Classical Academies in Palm Bay

PCCA schools focus on literature, mathematics, history, natural sciences, the fine arts, Latin and physical education

Pineapple Cove Classical Academies Attracts Visits from County, State, and Federal Officials

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Pineapple Cove Classical Academies (PCCA) continues to draw elected officials to visit and learn firsthand why its classical educational program is so successful.

As part of the current national reexamination of American school programs and processes, these fact-finding missions began earlier this year when the Pineapple Cove Classical Academies Palm Bay campus hosted U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

Secretary McMahon toured classrooms and conferred with principals, students, teachers, and parents.

U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos has also visited Pineapple Cove Classical Academies as part of his team’s assessment of best practices in education. He now believes classical education is setting the standard for academic excellence by teaching students to think and lead with integrity.

Representative Haridopolos and Secretary McMahon both advocate Florida’s approach to education and school choice.

At the state level, Florida State Representative Debbie Mayfield visited the Palm Bay and West Melbourne campuses, where she met with students, faculty, and administrators. She was impressed with how the high-achieving schools implement their classical education approach.

“I applaud their mission to develop students ’minds and character through a classical curriculum which emphasizes virtuous living, traditional learning, and civic responsibility,” said Representative Debbie Mayfield.

“Under the leadership of John Moran and Beth Scott, Pineapple Cove Classical Academy is focused on providing a high-quality, relevant education to ensure the success of all students.”

Pineapple Cove Classical Academies students’ success was recently reflected in their high SAT scores, as mean reading and writing scores outperformed those of the district, state, and U.S. territories.

Unlike non-classical education schools, Pineapple Cove Classical Academies does not teach students how to study for SAT college entry exams. Instead, PCCA schools focus on core disciplines of literature and mathematics, history and the natural sciences, the fine arts, Latin, and physical education.

Pineapple Cove Classical Academies principals Lisa Wheeler, Michelle Melian, and Paris Koblitz welcome visits to their campuses. As veteran educators, they had an average of 15 years of teaching experience before joining PCCA.

The transition to classical schools was refreshing and provided hope for our future. Seeing scholars excel academically and develop strong characters is rewarding.

“The culmination of a half century of radical ideas, increasingly lower scholastic standards, and politically biased government overreach has taken its toll on our nation’s students and their ability to compete in a global marketplace,” said John Moran, president and CEO of Pineapple Cove Classical Academy.

“Periodically, Americans need to reset and focus on what is known to be effective, not easy. I believe our model for K-12 schools is the answer.”

On the county and municipal levels, Pineapple Cove Classical Academy has been visited by Brevard County Commissioner Kim Adkinson, Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina, and Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello.

“Our schools are always open to those seeking a school culture of moral virtue, decorum, respect, discipline, and studiousness among both students and faculty,” said Beth Scott, Co-Founder of Pineapple Cove Academy.

“We are proud to share our successful approach to classical education.”

The mission of Pineapple Cove Classical Academy is to develop graduates in mind and character through a classical, content-rich curriculum that emphasizes the principles of virtuous living, traditional learning, and civic responsibility.

Pineapple Cove Classical Academy is affiliated with Hillsdale College’s K-12 School initiative.

In addition to offering K-12 charter school options for classical education, Pineapple Cove is also developing trade schools, a community pool, and a fitness center.

The community pool is being developed with the help of local donors, including Summit Construction and Platinum Roofing and Construction, among others.

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