Riviera Beach Maritime Academy

This is an awesome school. Two of my four kids attend, and the other two will be starting there next year. The teachers really care about the students and their learning. This is one of a handful of "A" rated high schools in Palm Beach County (which was acheived during a four day school week)! With their small student body (150 students), the teachers have smaller classroom sizes & go ABOVE & BEYOND to assist struggling students. Their PTO is active and hosts quite a few events thoughout the year (Spaghetti Dinner, Super Bowl Tailgate Party etc.) My son is in the SCUBA club, but they also have the ROV (underwater robotics) club, Fishing club, Garden Club, Computer club & the National Technical Honor Society (which my daughter is a member of). They also have a floating classroom (large boat which they take out often) & many trips they take to Peace River, Venice Beach, Sea World and even the Florida Keys! They have a bus schedule, that is strategically placed around the county to get our children to and from school safely. I am confident that my kids are learning what is necessary for them to attend a good university!
--Submitted by a parent

I would not send your child to this school!We made this terrible mistake and I would hate for other caring parents to do the same...Let's start with the Principal, Mrs. Hicks.My experience dealing with her was shocking to say the least.She speaks to you as if you are having a conversation on the "streets".She is not professional or consistant at all.She makes all the decisions regarding the student body.She makes choices based upon parents who give $ to the school.The teachers and very limited staff do not make any decisions pertaining the students. The students wear their pants hanging off their bottoms.The students are rough and the environment of the school is poor.The children eat lunch outside in the heat...This is not a good school, please do a surprise walk of the school during operating hours and you can make an informed decision yourself.I rate this school one star for a couple of good teachers.Also you will see random students hanging around the school while class is in session.They do not have any consistency with rules for the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately my family and I have had to move around a lot these past few years. RBMA is the first school my son has really felt comfortable at. He has made friends easily and has been excelling in academics. I highly recommend the school to anyone who does not want their child to just be another number out of the 1000s in the schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a student at RBMA. He has only been there for this year and has adjusted well. He seems to like his teachers and they seem to like him. He feels that his science classes are chalenging and likes his boat and yacht classes (he built a boat today and says it is quite the experience). If you are interested in marine related fields, this is the place for you.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the WORST when it comes to education. The teachers are interested in what goes on outside the school, rather than teaching the children. Good luck with getting your kid into a fine college if they go to Riviera Beach Maritime Academy!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great, has 147 students (2/10/2010) very small teacher/student ratio. Active PTO, great learning field trips, a 40' floating classroom, active teachers and staff. Great for children who want to learn about maritime studies and boat/yatch building and repair.
--Submitted by a parent

If your child is truly interested in the Maritime Industry, I would consider enrolling them into the academy, as it's a great school if the child has those interests. I think some students enroll just so they don't have to attend the overcrowded public high schools, which disrupts the learning environment for those students who are interested in Maritime academics. The students do have the opportunities for fishing, boating, and club days, all which make learning enjoyable. Yes, to sending your child their if they have the interest, other non-interested students...need not apply. The school has small enrollment (150 approx.) of both boys and girls. Nice small class sizes, uniforms are worn, teachers all seem interested in education, and administration does a good job.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a fun school with many extra-cirricular activities.
--Submitted by a student