The King's Academy (West Palm Beach, Florida)
School in Florida, US
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The King's Academy is a three-time National Blue Ribbon, private Christian pre-K–12 college-preparatory school in West Palm Beach, Florida. Established in 1970, it is run by an independent board of governors.
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| The King's Academy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Location | |
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8401 Belvedere Road , , 33411 26.6941°N 80.1815°W | |
| Information | |
| Type | College Preparatory, Private |
| Motto | Fiat Lux ("Let There be Light") |
Religious affiliation | Christian |
| Established | 1970[1] |
| President | Randal L. Martin |
Chairman | Steven T. Rasmussen |
Principals | Deborah Rantin, John Raines, Adam Miller, Natasha Smith |
Headmaster | Douglas Raines |
| Age | 2 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 1,925 |
| Colors | Red, White and Royal Blue |
| Athletics | FHSAA |
| Team name | Lions |
| Accreditation | Cognia, ACSI |
| Yearbook | The Sceptre |
| Website | tka |
History
The King's Academy was founded by a group of Christian business leaders and pastor and theologian C. Ernest Tatham[2] in August 1970 and opened on the campus of Belvedere Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida.[3] In 1971, the school purchased a 20-acre campus on Cherry Road where it remained until the 2004 school year.[4] In August 2005, The King's Academy moved to its current location, 65 acres at Belvedere Road and Sansbury's Way in Palm Beach County, Florida.[5]
Since 1970, four presidents have overseen the daily operations of the school:
- Kye Harris (1970–1974)
- M. Nelson Loveland (1974–1999)
- Jeffrey M. Loveland (1999–2016)
- Randal L. Martin (2016–present).[6]
Since the school's inception, seven chairs of the board of governors have served:
- M. Nelson Loveland (1970–1974)
- Lloyd Prouty (1974–1975)
- Stanley F. Frederick (1975–1987)
- Gene Martin (1987–1993)
- David Fiebig (1993–2006)
- Clyde S. Meckstroth (2006–2019)
- Steven T. Rasmussen (2019–present).[3]
National awards and recognition
The King's Academy has received a number of national honors, including:
1986: The school received national recognition for excellence in education from President Ronald Reagan and U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett as one of the top 60 private schools in the country.[7]
1988: The band performed at the White House during President Ronald Reagan's term.[8]
1989: The school's band students were selected to play for President George H. W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle at their inaugural parade.[8]
2000: The school's fine arts students performed the world amateur premiere of Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical.[9]
2007: Christian school researcher Dr. Gene Frost cited the school as one of the seven best Christian schools in America in his book, Learning from the Best: Growing Greatness in the Christian School.[10]
2013: The school's fine arts students performed the world premiere of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (an English adaptation of the German-language musical Der Glöckner von Notre Dame).[11]
2014: Dr. Frost reiterated the school's top seven national ranking.[12]
2014: Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education for President Barack Obama, named the school a National Blue Ribbon School as an Exemplary High Performing School; one of 50 private schools to receive the honor.[13][14]
2015: The National Football League named the school to its Super Bowl High School Honor Roll.[15]
2016: The school's musical theatre program was named one of the nation's five best by the American High School Theatre Festival, winning the award for its performance of "Jekyll & Hyde."[16]
2016: The school's boys golf team won a national championship at the Antigua National High School Golf Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona; defeating the Utah state champion team by 11 strokes, the Arizona champion by 15 strokes, and the Illinois winner by 25 strokes.[17]
2017: The school's choir and dance students were selected to perform for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at their inaugural concert.[18]
2017: For a second time, the school's musical theatre program was named one of the nation's five best by the American High School Theatre Festival, winning the award for its performance of "Les Miserables."
2017-2020, 2022, 2026: The school's competitive cheerleading team earned six National Grand Champion honors, defeating all teams, at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders ("FCC") National Championships in Orlando, Florida.[19][20]
2018: The school's conservatory students performed the world high school premiere of "Newsies" the musical.
2022: The school hosted the Fox News Hannity Town Hall Special Live Event which included Governor Ron DeSantis, US Senator Marco Rubio, and US Senator Rick Scott.[21]
2022: TKA became the first brick-and-mortar K-12 school to earn a YouTube silver play button for 100,000 subscribers. By 2025, the school's @TKAWPB channel had more than 300,000 subscribers.[22]
2023-2024: The school's conservatory students performed the world school and world amateur premieres of Sight & Sound's "Ruth" and "Joseph" musicals, respectively.
2024: Broadway's Jeremy Jordan performed a Christmas concert with the school's jazz ensemble.
2025: The school earned Exemplary Accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), one of approximately 25 Christian schools in the USA to earn ACSI's highest award.
2025: Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education for President Donald Trump, nominated the school for a third National Blue Ribbon School as an Exemplary High Performing School; one of 50 private schools to receive the honor.
2025: First Lady Melania Trump, invited the school's jazz ensemble to perform Christmas favorites in the White House's East Room; one of 25 musical groups to be selected.[23][24]
2026: Best-selling jazz saxophonist Kenny G collaborated with the school's jazz ensemble on a recording of "You Raise Me Up."[25]
Academic profile
The King's Academy offers a college preparatory program for students from early childhood to 12th grade. The King's Academy is fully accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International.[27] The school's most recent re-accreditation study resulted in an extension of the school's exemplary accreditation through 2030.[28]
Middle and high schools
The King's Academy's secondary schools educate students from 6th to 12th grade. On average, 99% of The King's Academy's graduates enter college, with 96% of graduates matriculating into a four-year university or college. Other graduates commit to service in the United States military branches. Recent commencement speakers have included Vice President Mike Pence,[29] Mac Powell, Bob Goff, Dr. Ben Carson, Tim Tebow, Benjamin Watson, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Brian Mast, and TKA alumni Dr. Juli Slattery, US Tax Court Judge Emin Toro, and Gary Wallace.[27]
The King's Academy offers 21 Advanced Placement courses and 39 hours of dual enrollment credits in partnership with Palm Beach Atlantic University and Southeastern University.[30]
Business Program of Distinction
In 2013, the school established a business track for high school students. Business-minded students can earn a certificate of completion by taking electives in American entrepreneurship, economics, ethics, foreign language, marketing and statistics; along with becoming a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA-PBL).[31][32] In 2023, the school's accounting program was endowed by an anonymous donor.[33]
DiMino Engineering & Technology Program of Distinction
In 2015, the school established a STEM magnet program for high school and elementary students, offering an academically rigorous science, technology, engineering and math curriculum.[34] Students that complete the STEM track receive a certificate of completion.
In 2018, Frank DiMino gifted $1 million to endow the school’s engineering track and to establish the DiMino Engineering Program.[35][33]
O'Keeffe Pre-Law Studies Program of Distinction
In 2016, the school established a pre-law track for high school students. Students interested in the field of law can earn a certificate of completion by taking six electives in law-related classes.[36] In 2018, the Esther B. O'Keeffe Foundation donated $1 million to the Pre-Law Program, and King's named the program after the foundation.[37][33]
Pre-Medical Program of Distinction
In 2017, the school established a sports medicine track for high school students. Students interested in the field of athletic training can earn a certificate of completion by taking five electives in sports medicine-related classes. Subsequently, the school added medical science terminology, pathology, applied research, and anatomy and physiology classes to allow students to also pursue a pre-medical certificate.[33]
Christian Leadership Program of Distinction
In 2017, the school established a Christian leadership track for high school students. Students interested in a future career in ministry can earn a certificate of completion by enrolling and successfully completing three advanced biblical electives including Interpreting the Bible, Introduction to Christian Ministry, and Evangelism and Apologetics. In 2025, this program was endowed by an anonymous donor.[33]
Aviation Program of Distinction
The school has also established an aviation program by which juniors and seniors can pursue a private pilot's license. In 2023, the program was gifted an on-campus flight simulator. In 2025, an anonymous donor endowed the program's annual scholarships.[33]
Elementary school
The King's Academy's elementary school educates students from pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade. The school's elementary students' average scores ranked in the top 15 percent of private schools nationally for 2013 and 2014 academic standardized testing; qualifying the school as a Blue Ribbon Elementary School according to the U.S. Department of Education.[38] As a result, the school was named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School.[39] In addition to academic subjects, the School's elementary program provides instruction in art, band, cognitive development, Latin, music appreciation, physical education, Spanish, science laboratory, technology and vocal music. Optional after-school extracurricular activities are offered for athletic and fine arts development.[40]
Early childhood program
The King's Academy's early childhood program educates students from age 2 to pre-Kindergarten at its on-campus home, the Frank DiMino Early Childhood Center, which opened in 2024.
Athletics
The King's Academy's Lions athletics program competes in the following sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Swimming and Diving, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball (Indoor, Boys, and Beach), Weightlifting and Wrestling.[41][42]
As a full member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), the school fields approximately 60 boys and girls teams in 30 FHSAA-sanctioned varsity sports.[43]
Team championships
In 1992, The King's Academy's baseball team defeated Tallahassee Maclay for the school's first Florida state championship,[44] and won another state title in 2001.[45] The King's Academy volleyball team won the Florida state title in 1993,[46] in 1994,[47] and again in 2006.[48] The King's Academy competitive cheerleading team won five consecutive FHSAA state championships from 2010 to 2014 and a sixth in 2019.[49][50][51][52][53] In 2025, the school's boys' volleyball program won its first state championship with a 3-0 sweep of SLAM (Tampa) in the finals.[54] In 2026, the school's girls' soccer program won its first state championship with a 5-4 penalty kick victory over Palmer Trinity.[55]
In 2016, The King's Academy's boys' golf team won the school's first national championship at the Antigua National High School Golf Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona.[56] The school's competitive cheerleading team earned National Grand Champion and FHSAA Public School Champion honors at the 2017 through 2020, 2022, and 2026 FCC National Championships in Orlando, Florida.[19][20]
In all, varsity teams competing for The King's Academy have won 181 FHSAA district championships, 64 FHSAA regional titles, 3 football conference titles, 7 Palm Beach County championship, 13 FHSAA state championships, and 7 national championships:[57]
| Sport | District Titles | Regional/Conference/County Titles | Final Fours | State/National Titles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 1975, 1977–78, 1983, 1992, 1998–2001, 2003, 2012–13, 2021 | 1992, 1997, 2001 | 1992, 1997, 2001 | 1992, 2001 | |
| Basketball (Boys) | 1977–86, 1988–90, 2023, 2025 | 1978, 1982–84, 1986, 1989 | 1983, 1986 | ||
| Basketball (Girls) | 1976–78, 1980, 1984–88, 1990, 1993–95, 2008–09, 2013, 2021–24 | 1976–78, 1984, 1990, 1993, 2022–23 | 2022-23 | ||
| Bowling (Boys) | 2020 | ||||
| Bowling (Girls) | 2020 | ||||
| Competitive Cheerleading | 2002-04(^), 2014–15, 2017, 2019–22, 2024, 2026 | 2009(**), 2010–15, 2017-18(**), 2019, 2020, 2024–25, 2026(**) | 2010–14, 2017-20(*), 2019, 2022(*), 2026(*) | ||
| Cross Country (Boys) | 2011, 2016–18, 2021 | 2018-19, 2022(^^^) | 2019 | ||
| Cross Country (Girls) | 2012–14, 2016–18, 2020, 2023-24 | 2022-23(^^^) | 2019 | ||
| Football | 1976, 2004–05, 2022–24 | 2016-18(^^), 2018 | 1996, 2018(**) | ||
| Golf (Boys) | 2013–14, 2016–17 | 2015 | 2016(*) | ||
| Lacrosse (Boys) | 2015 | ||||
| Lacrosse (Girls) | 2017, 2019 | ||||
| Soccer (Boys) | 2012–13, 2019, 2021, 2026 | ||||
| Soccer (Girls) | 1998–2000, 2007–12, 2026 | 2009, 2026 | 2009, 2026 | 2026 | |
| Softball | 1988–89, 1993, 1995, 1997–2001, 2012–13, 2026 | 1993, 1998, 2012–13 | 1993(**), 1998(**), 2012–13 | ||
| Swimming (Boys) | 2019-21, 2023–25 | 2019(^^^), 2019–20 | 2020(**), 2023 | ||
| Swimming (Girls) | 2022-24 | 2021-22(^^^), 2022, 2024 | 2022-24 | ||
| Tennis (Girls) | 2006-08 | 2008 | |||
| Track (Boys) | 1980, 1990, 2001, 2009–12, 2017–18, 2021, 2025-26 | 2018, 2026 | |||
| Track (Girls) | 1980–81, 1984, 1987–90, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2025-26 | 2006, 2018, 2022(^^^) | 2006(**) | ||
| Volleyball (Beach) | 2021-25 | 2023 | 2023 | ||
| Volleyball (Boys) | 2023-26 | 2023, 2025 | 2023, 2025 | 2025 | |
| Volleyball (Girls) | 1977–78, 1984, 1992–94, 1996, 2000–02, 2005–08, 2015, 2017, 2020–25 | 1977–78, 1984, 1992–94, 2000, 2002, 2006–07, 2020 | 1993–94, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007(**), 2020 | 1993–94, 2006 | |
| Weightlifting (Boys, Olympic) | 2025-26 | 2025-26 | |||
| Weightlifting (Boys, Traditional) | 2025-26 | 2025-26 | |||
| Weightlifting (Girls, Traditional) | 2026 | 2026 | |||
| Wrestling (Boys, Duals) | 2026 | ||||
| Wrestling (Boys, Team) | 2025-26 | ||||
(*) National title. (**) State runner-up. (^) FCC Division championship. (^^) Southeastern Football Conference championship. (^^^) Palm Beach County championship.
Individual Championships and Hall of Fame
While competing for The King's Academy, student-athletes have won 38 individual state and national athletic titles in cross country, golf, swimming, and track:
| Year | Athlete(s) | Sport | Event | Winning Time/Distance/Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Zoboke Lehtinen | Track (Boys) | Shot Put | 46-6[58] | |
| 2001 | Kathryn Hallquist | Swimming (Girls) | 100y Backstroke | 57.55[59] | |
| 2001 | Kathryn Hallquist | Swimming (Girls) | 100y Butterfly | 57.08[59] | |
| 2003 | Danielle Bradley | Track (Girls) | 800m | 2:18.20[60] | |
| 2003 | Hailey (Mercer) Neal | Track (Girls) | 1600m | 5:06.86[61] | |
| 2003 | Hailey (Mercer) Neal | Track (Girls) | 3200m | 11:28.86[61] | |
| 2004 | Hailey (Mercer) Neal | Cross Country (Girls) | 5K | 18:08 | |
| 2004 | Danielle Bradley | Track (Girls) | 800m | 2:15.72[62] | |
| 2005 | Danielle Bradley | Track (Girls) | 800m | 2:13.08[63] | |
| 2005 | Danielle Bradley, Hailey (Mercer) Neal, Hillary (Mercer) Neal, Amanda Jenkins | Track (Girls) | 4 × 800 m Relay | 9:35.42[62] | |
| 2005 | Hailey (Mercer) Neal | Track (Girls) | 1600m | 5:11.29[62] | |
| 2005 | Hailey (Mercer) Neal | Track (Girls) | 3200m | 11:09.40[62] | |
| 2006 | Danielle Bradley | Track (Girls) | 800m | 2:15.19[62] | |
| 2006 | Danielle Bradley, Hailey Neal, Hillary Neal, Gilda Doria | Track (Girls) | 4 × 800 m Relay | 9:36.77[62] | |
| 2006 | Hailey Neal | Track (Girls) | 1600m | 5:03.87[62] | |
| 2007 | Vincent Mercurio | Track (Boys) | Shot Put | 53-5 1/4[62] | |
| 2007 | Hillary Neal | Track (Girls) | 800m | 2:15.72[62] | |
| 2007 | Hillary Neal | Track (Girls) | 1600m | 4:57.16[62] | |
| 2008 | Vincent Mercurio | Track (Boys) | Shot Put | 55-7[64] | |
| 2008 | Ian Williams, Bryan Carpenter, Henry Cabrera, Burk Hedrick | Track (Boys) | 4 × 400 m Relay | 3:24.99[64] | |
| 2009 | Ian Williams | Track (Boys) | 200m | 22.41[65] | |
| 2009 | Ian Williams, Bryan Carpenter, Dallas Herrmann, Ricky Roy | Track (Boys) | 4 × 100 m Relay | 43.37[65] | |
| 2010 | Jamaal Wallace | Track (Boys) | Discus | 156-4[62] | |
| 2010 | Ian Williams | Track (Boys) | 200m | 22.15[62] | |
| 2013 | Daysi Wilkinson, Payton Campbell, Katie Wentz, Emily Cohen | Track (Girls) | 4 × 400 m Relay | 4:03.14[66] | |
| 2015 | Andrew Kozan | Golf (Boys) | FHSAA State Golf Championship | 141 (-3)[67] | |
| 2016 | Andrew Kozan (*) | Golf (Boys) | Antigua National H.S. Golf Invitational | 137 (-7)[68] | |
| 2017 | Justin Bridgewater | Track (Boys) | 800m | 1.55.11[69][70] | |
| 2018 | Joshua Zuchowski | Swimming (Boys) | 100y Backstroke | 49.20 | |
| 2019 | Joshua Zuchowski, Christian Proscia, Noah Sipowski, Will Coady | Swimming (Boys) | 200y Medley Relay | 1.31.87 | |
| 2019 | Joshua Zuchowski | Swimming (Boys) | 200y Medley | 1.47.44 | |
| 2019 | Joshua Zuchowski | Swimming (Boys) | 100y Backstroke | 47.85 | |
| 2020 | Joshua Zuchowski | Swimming (Boys) | 200y Medley | 1.46.85 | |
| 2020 | Joshua Zuchowski | Swimming (Boys) | 100y Backstroke | 47.45 | |
| 2021 | Joshua Zuchowski | Swimming (Boys) | 200y Individual Medley | 1:45.51(#) | |
| 2021 | Joshua Zuchowski | Swimming (Boys) | 100y Backstroke | 47.29 | |
| 2022 | Ava Fasano, Aly Bozzuto, Emma Herrera, Julianne Bell | Swimming (Girls) | 200y Medley Relay | 1:42.41 | |
| 2022 | Aly Bozzuto | Swimming (Girls) | 50y Freestyle | 22.69 | |
(*) National champion. (#) Florida state record.
Individual athletes with significant accomplishments in both high school and the collegiate or professional levels are inducted into The King's Academy's Athletic Hall of Fame. To date, the following individuals have been included:
| Name | Class of | Sport(s) | Induction Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Loveland | 1975 | Football, Basketball, Baseball | 2002 | |
| Kerry Smith Paguaga | 1978 | Volleyball, Basketball, Softball | 2002 | |
| Scott Hamilton | 1981 | Football, Basketball, Track | 2002 | |
| Amy Freeman | 1995 | Volleyball, Basketball, Softball | 2002 | |
| Kristi Frenier | 1996 | Volleyball, Basketball, Softball | 2002 | |
| Heath Evans | 1997 | Football, Basketball, Track | 2002 | |
| Steve Hustad | 1980 | Baseball, Football, Basketball | 2003 | |
| Pedro Arruza | 1992 | Football, Soccer, Baseball | 2003 | |
| Kimmy Carter Bloemers | 1998 | Softball, Volleyball, Soccer | 2003 | |
| John James | 1983 | Football, Basketball, Baseball | 2004 | |
| Jennifer Mossadeghi | 1999 | Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, Softball | 2004 | |
| Karen Jackson Chapin | 1994 | Volleyball, Basketball, Softball | 2005 | |
| Troy Roberson | 1998 | Baseball | 2005 | |
| Rebekah Sentgeorge Haine | 1993 | Volleyball, Basketball, Softball | 2006 | |
| Carrie Lorenz Himes | 2001 | Soccer, Cross Country, Track | 2006 | |
| Mark Roncase | 1991 | Baseball, Basketball | 2007 | |
| Janet Meckstroth Alessi | 1978 | Basketball, Softball, Volleyball | 2007 | |
| Jon Roncase | TKA Coach 1972-2004 | 2007 | ||
| Thomas "Gator" Brooks II | 2001 | Baseball, Football | 2009 | |
| Kathryn Hallquist | 2002 | Swimming | 2009 | |
| Danielle Bradley | 2006 | Basketball, Cross Country, Track & Field | 2012 | |
| Colt Morton | 2000 | Baseball | 2012 | |
| Hailey Neal | 2007 | Track, Cross Country | 2013 | |
| Hillary Neal | 2007 | Track, Volleyball | 2013 | |
| Andrew Woodward | 1984 | Basketball | 2014 | |
| Christina Alessi | 2010 | Basketball, Volleyball | 2016 | |
| Gilda Doria | 2010 | Soccer, Cross Country | 2016 | |
| Emmanuel Lamur | 2007 | Football | 2017 | |
| Sammuel Lamur | 2007 | Football | 2017 | |
| Brooke Garmon | 2010 | Basketball, Track | 2020 | |
| Richie Leber | 1996 | Basketball, Baseball, Coach | 2020 | |
| Ian Williams | 2010 | Football, Track, Basketball | 2020 | |
| Brian Grove | 2012 | Football, Track | 2022 | |
| James Holland | 2014 | Football, Basketball | 2022 | |
| Sarah Collins Wilson | 2014 | Soccer, Track & Field | 2023 | |
| Kristen Wright | 2015 | Softball | 2024 | |
| Andrew Kozan | 2017 | Golf | 2024 | |
Athletic facilities
The King's Academy's football, soccer and lacrosse teams play home games on campus at Kahlert Stadium, a lighted, natural turf facility with seating for 1,850 fans.[71] Lion and Lady Lion volleyball and basketball teams compete in the M. Nelson Loveland Athletic Center's gymnasium, which houses a game court and two practice courts and has seating for 800 spectators. The School's property also contains lighted baseball and softball fields, a track and field facility with seating for 300, six competition tennis courts, three beach volleyball courts, and a USATF certified 5-K cross-country course.[72][73] In 2015, the school built the Full-Page Aquatic Center, comprising a 25-meter competition swimming pool and pool house, for use by its swimming teams.[74]
On-campus athletic training facilities include a field house and weight and athletic training rooms, a covered basketball and volleyball pavilion, a golf practice facility,[75] and three prescription athletic turf practice fields (football, multi-purpose and lacrosse). In all, The King's Academy maintains 15 acres of natural turf fields for its athletic program.[76]
The Smith Family Conservatory of the Arts
The King's Academy offers a comprehensive arts education to its preschool through high school students. Students perform in Broadway-style musicals, His People and His Voice choirs, jazz, band, percussion, strings, dance, visual arts, broadcasting, film and digital arts, and stagecraft. They can also earn diploma distinctions in theatre arts, instrumental arts, vocal arts, dance arts, visual arts, and digital arts. In 2016 and 2017, the school's conservatory program was ranked in the top five schools nationally by the American High School Theatre Festival.[16]
Elementary Arts (Kidservatory)
Kindergarten through third grade students are taught music theory and receive beginning vocal training. They also participate in basic visual art classes.
Junior Conservatory
Students in fourth through eighth grade are given the opportunity to enroll and perform in theatre arts, instrumental arts including piano laboratory, vocal arts, photography and digital arts, and dance arts classes.
Theatre Arts
In April 2013, the school's students performed the world premiere of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (an English adaptation of the German-language musical Der Glöckner von Notre Dame). This performance was made in collaboration with Walt Disney Executive Studios.[11] After viewing the performance, Disney executive Brian Turwilliger commented, "The story was so beautifully crafted and displayed in new and fresh ways." He explained that Disney will now offer The Hunchback of Notre Dame to be performed at other schools and amateur theaters, as it did with Beauty and the Beast after another Disney-The King's Academy collaboration in 2000 resulted in the world amateur stage premiere of the musical.[9]
In 2015, the school's production of The Sound of Music was featured on an episode of ABC News' 20/20.[77][78] The school's production of Jekyll & Hyde earned a 2016 top high school musical theatre program award from the American High School Theatre Festival and an invitation to perform Les Misérables at the 2017 Fringe Festival in London, England and Edinburgh, Scotland.[79] In 2017, the school earned a second top theatre program award for its productions of "Les Miserables" and "Funny Girl." In 2018, the school premiered the nation's first high school production of Disney's Newsies (the musical). In 2023 and 2024, the school's conservatory students performed the global school and world amateur premieres of Sight & Sound Theatres' Ruth and Joseph musicals.
Other recent stage productions have included:
Instrumental Arts
The King's Academy offers instrumental classes for students starting with beginning band in 5th grade and intermediate band in 6th grade. Secondary students may choose to continue their studies in the school's concert and symphonic bands and symphony orchestra. The King's Academy also offers classes in jazz performance, woodwinds, percussion and strings.
TKA Jazz Ensemble
In 2024, the TKA Jazz Ensemble became the first high school group to perform onstage at New York City's renowned 54 Below Supper Club.[112] In December 2025, First Lady Melania Trump invited the Ensemble to perform Christmas favorites in the White House's East Room.[113][114] At its annual Night of Jazz performances, the Ensemble has also performed with notable musical guests including drummer Duffy Jackson (2018),[115] trumpeter Wayne Bergeron (2022),[116] trombonist Wycliffe Gordon (2023),[117] The Voice's Wendy Moten (2024),[118] Broadway star Jeremy Jordan (2024),[119] flautist Nestor Torres (2025), jazz vocalist Nicole Henry (2025), and pianist Peter Cincotti (2026),[120]. In 2026, best-selling jazz saxophonist Kenny G collaborated with the Ensemble on a recording of "You Raise Me Up."[25] The TKA Jazz Ensemble is under the direction of Wes Lowe and Mickey Smith Jr., a 2020 Grammy Award winner.[121]
The King's Regiment
The school's marching and parade band, The King's Regiment (formerly known as the Marching Lions) was a 3-time state runner-up (2008, 2010 and 2012) in Class A at the Florida Marching Band Championships. In 2013, the Marching Lions finished 10th in the nation (Class A) at the Bands of America's Grand National Championships, held at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. In the mid-2010s, the band began performing solely as a parade band.
Past performances by the Marching Lions included:
| Season | Show Title | Composer | Championship Ranking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Chase | Bill Chase | 3rd, Class A (Florida)[122] | |
| 2005 | Cirque du Magique | music of La Nouba | 3rd, Class A (Florida)[123] | |
| 2006 | Bon Voyage | Joseph Curiale | 3rd, Class A (Bands of America Regionals) | |
| 2007 | Amazonian Rainforest | Key Poulan | 4th, Class A (Florida)[124] | |
| 2008 | Groove | Michael Pote | 2nd, Class A (Florida)[125] | |
| 2009 | Aquasonic | Andrew Yozviak | 9th, Class A (Florida)[126] | |
| 2010 | Classic Schizophrenia | Key Poulan | 2nd, Class A (Florida)[127] | |
| 2011 | Transformed | Key Poulan | 8th, Class A (Florida)[128] | |
| 2012 | Pyramids of Egypt | Gary P. Gilroy | 2nd, Class A (Florida)[129] | |
| 2013 | A Pirate's Life | Gary P. Gilroy | 10th, Class A (Bands of America Grand Nationals) | |
| 2014 | My Many Colored Days | Richard Einhorn | 4th, Class A (Florida)[130] | |
| 2015 | At The Crossroads | David Skinner & William Smith | 3rd, Class A (Florida) |
Digital Arts
The King's Academy's film program is named "Studio 70" in honor of the year of the school's founding in 1970. The program offers classes in film, photography, social media, and game design. Studio 70 student-produces short films, a summer feature film, and video games. The film program utilizes two LED volumes, offering adaptive virtual backgrounds, in its Studios A and B.[131]
Studio 70's features include:[132]
| Year | Title | Length | Awards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Fountain of Youth | 79 minutes | Telly Award (Siver), AVA Digital Award (Gold), Viddy Award (Platinum)[133] | |
| 2022 | The Wreck of Echo 10-4 (miniseries) | 87 minutes | Communicator Award (Platinum), AVA Digital Award (Platinum), Viddy Award (Platinum)[134] | |
| 2023 | Flamingo Heist | 78 minutes | Telly Award (Gold, Silver), Communicator Award (Platinum), AVA Digital Award (Platinum), Viddy Award (Platinum)[135] | |
| 2023 | The Making of The Wreck of Echo 10-4 (documentary) | 71 minutes | Telly Award (Gold, Silver), AVA Award (Gold)[136] | |
| 2024 | Star Wars: Gray Trials (fan film) | 83 minutes | Telly Award (2X Silver), AVA Digital Award (Platinum), Viddy Award (Platinum)[137] | |
| 2024 | Iron Dusk | 95 minutes | Telly Award (2X Silver), AVA Digital Award (Platinum), Viddy Award (Gold)[138] | |
| 2026 | Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic--Escape from Taris (fan film) | 125 minutes[139] | ||
Notable alumni
- Pedro Arruza (Class of 1992), head football coach, Randolph–Macon College
- Heath Evans (1997), former professional football player, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints[140][141]
- Lauren Jelencovich (2003), professional soprano singer
- Emmanuel Lamur (2007), former professional football player, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings,[142] Oakland Raiders, and New York Jets
- Sammuel Lamur (2007), former professional football player, Tampa Bay Storm
- Larry the Cable Guy (Daniel Whitney, attended late 1970s-1980), stand-up comedian and actor[143][144][145]
- Mike Miller (2010), offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, UNC Charlotte
- Colt Morton (2000), former professional baseball player, San Diego Padres[146]
- Gigi Perez (2018), singer-songwriter
- Rachel Rossin (2005), artist[147]
- Emin Toro (1993), federal tax court judge[148][149][150]
Notable faculty
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia was the school's varsity baseball coach.[151][152] Saltalamacchia was drafted in the first round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves.[153] He won 3 Gold Medals with Team USA in 2000, 2003, and 2005 and the World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. Saltalamacchia also had stints with the Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, and Toronto Blue Jays.[154]
- Keith Allen was the school's STEM faculty chair and head football coach.[155] Allen is the head football coach for Schreiner University, a position he has held since 2025. He was the head football coach at Southwest Baptist University from 2007 to 2012 and The King's Academy from 2013 to 2021.
- Brad Wilkerson was the school's head baseball coach.[156] Wilkerson was a Major League baseball outfielder and first baseman who played college baseball for the University of Florida. During his professional career, Wilkerson played for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. He also won a gold medal in the 2000 Olympics with the United States.
- Glenn Blackwood was a school board member and served as the school's head football coach in 2001 and 2002 and as an assistant football coach from 2003 to 2006.[157][158] Blackwood played safety for the Miami Dolphins for ten NFL seasons and competed in two Super Bowls.
Faculty and staff with 25 or more years of service are honored with a wall plaque on the exterior of the Loveland Athletic Center. To date, the following individuals have been included in the school's Wall of Fame:
| Name | Position(s) | Dates of Service | Tenure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C. Ernest Tatham | Founding Board Member | 1970-1977 | 8 Years | |
| M. Nelson Loveland | Founding Board Chair and President | 1970-1999 | 29 Years | |
| Mary Anderson | Spanish Teacher | 1972-2001 | 29 years | |
| Jean A. Frazier | Elementary Teacher | 1972-2002 | 30 Years | |
| Jon F. Roncace | Athletic Director, Coach, Teacher, Administrator | 1972-2004 | 31 Years | |
| Andreana M. Wisniewski | Secondary Dean, Science Teacher | 1975-2004 | 29 Years | |
| Retta Calcutt | Elementary Teacher | 1971-1973, 1980-2005 | 27 Years | |
| Robert G. Fletcher | History Teacher, Department Chair | 1979-2009 | 30 Years | |
| Sharon Caldwell | Elementary Dean, Teacher | 1979-1984, 1993-2013 | 27 Years | |
| Andrew Camizzi | Art Teacher | 1977-2016 | 39 Years | |
| Patricia Reelitz | English Teacher, Department Chair | 1974-1981, 1986-2016 | 28 Years | |
| Wendy Nordine | Elementary Teacher, Librarian | 1991-2016 | 25 Years | |
| Jonathan K. Otto | Elementary Principal, Chaplain, Teacher | 1978-1982, 1983-2017 | 38 Years | |
| Eugene A. George | Band Director | 1985-2017 | 32 Years | |
| Carolyn Slade | Elementary Teacher | 1975-1977, 1987-2019 | 34 years | |
| Robin Phillips | Elementary Music Teacher | 1991-2020 | 29 Years | |
| Delia Albee | Elementary Teacher | 1977-2021 | 43 Years | |
| Scott Coxson | Director of Security | 1983-1984, 1985-2021 | 37 Years | |
| Cathy Simons | Elementary Teacher | 1995-2021 | 26 Years | |
| Ann Gill | Elementary Academic Support | 1996-2021 | 25 Years | |
| Kim Smith | Elementary Teacher | 1995-2022 | 27 Years | |
| Bonnie Mutz | Elementary Teacher, Academic Support, Admissions Director | 1997-2022 | 25 Years | |
| Jeffrey M. Loveland | President, COO, Business Manager, Teacher, Coach | 1979-2024 | 45 Years | |
| Jeffrey S. Gentry | Secondary Principal, Teacher, Counselor | 1982-2024 | 42 Years | |
| Robyn Wentz | Transportation Manager | 1994-1996, 2000-2024 | 26 Years | |
| Jean A. Albert | Elementary Assistant Principal, Dean, Teacher | 1999-2025 | 26 Years | |
Campus
The King's Academy is located on approximately 65 acres at the northeast corner of Belvedere Road and Sansbury's Way in Palm Beach County, Florida.[159] Most of the campus was constructed in 2005 and consists of 19 buildings (Lower Elementary, Administration, Upper Elementary, High School Administration, High School Science, High School Education, M. Nelson Loveland Athletic Center, Elementary Music, Smith Family Cafe, Rosemary Beaumont Library, Jeffrey & Gloria Loveland Field House, Bus Garage/Maintenance, Events Center (completed in 2012), Full-Page Aquatic Center (completed in 2015),[74] Page Family Center for Performing Arts (completed in 2017),[160] Boswell Science & Technology Center (completed in 2018), Frank DiMino Student Union (completed in 2022),[161] the Esther B. O’Keeffe Innovation Center (completed in 2023), and the Frank DiMino Early Childhood Center (completed in 2024)) encompassing approximately 267,000 square feet under air.[162]
In 2015, the school added Studio 70, a film and television broadcasting facility.[163][164]
Online learning
In 2010, The King's Academy established an internet-based school for middle and high school students called The King's Academy Online. The online program offered approximately 140 courses, with advanced placement courses and dual enrollment credits from Christian institutions including Indiana Wesleyan University and Taylor University.[165]
In 2022, TKA's online school was relaunched as The King's Online Academy (TKOA), with 100 percent self-developed, proprietary classes; including dual enrollment classes from Palm Beach Atlantic University. TKOA offers more than 100 classes for students in grades 7 through 12, including honors and advanced placement courses and classes from all seven of TKA's Programs of Distinction. Additionally, TKOA offers master classes from notable Christian instructors including Bob Goff, Dan Cathy, Lee Strobel, and Mac Powell.[166]
Publications
The King's Academy publishes student-produced elementary (EL) and high school (HS) yearbooks (both named The Sceptre) annually,[167] student-written newspapers (Roar, formerly The Lion Ledger and The Scroll)[168] and semi-annual magazines (The Chronicle).[169] During the school year, the school also issues a weekly online edition of TKA E-News.[170]
From 2014 to 2016 and 2023 to 2025, the school's yearbook program was named a Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence.[171][172][173]
Recent yearbooks have included:
| Year | Title | Dedicated To | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026EL | A WALK IN OUR SHOES | Jennifer Pope, 4th Grade Teacher | 232 (full color) |
| 2026HS | WE ARE 8401 BELVEDERE ROAD | Debbie Rantin, High School Principal | 392 (full color) |
| 2025EL | LONG STORY SHORT | Kelly Martin, 3rd Grade Teacher | 208 (full color) |
| 2025HS | STAND OUT | Tyler Hamilton, Athletic Trainer | 392 (full color) |
| 2024EL | GROWING UP TOGETHER | Rett Paulsen, Academic Support Teacher | 184 (full color) |
| 2024HS | LIMITLESS | Susan Lockmiller, Journalism and Print Media Teacher | 368 (full color) |
| 2023EL | STRONG IN NUMBER | David Burke, Director of Facilities | 192 (full color) |
| 2023HS | SEALED WITHIN | Joel Henning, Science Teacher | 344 (full color) |
| 2022EL | BUILT ON THIS | Adam Miller, Elementary Principal | 200 (full color) |
| 2022HS | THROUGH THE EYES OF A LION | Rosario Larson, Director of Development | 312 (full color) |
| 2021EL | GRATEFUL TOGETHER | Kim Smith, 5th Grade Teacher | 144 (full color) |
| 2021HS | OUR SILVER LINING | John Raines, History Teacher | 272 (full color) |
| 2020EL | PAWS FOR THE MOMENT | Sandy Erneston, Physical Education Teacher | 164 (full color) |
| 2020HS | DON'T BLINK. | David Snyder, Artistic Director | 320 (full color) |
| 2019EL | DEFINE US | Heidi Patchin, 3rd Grade Teacher | 176 (full color) |
| 2019HS | RIPTIDE | Donna Phillips, Science Teacher | 280 (full color) |
| 2018EL | RADIANT | Dan McDonald, 6th Grade Teacher | 148 (full color) |
| 2018HS | BEYOND MEASURE | Tammy Richardson, Department of Mathematics Chair | 302 (full color) |
| 2017EL | MORE COLORFUL TOGETHER | Bunny Crocetti, Receptionist | 144 (full color) |
| 2017HS | CONSTANT CHANGE | Jennifer Arrington, Science Teacher | 268 (full color) |
| 2016EL | HIDE & SEEK | Deborah Lopez, Housekeeping | 148 (full color) |
| 2016HS | RELENTLESS | Jim & Michelle Kolar, Asst. Principal & Dir. of Student Life | 302 (full color) |
From the school's inception to 2015, its yearbooks were as follows:
| Year | Title | Dedicated To | Pages | Year | Title | Dedicated To | Pages | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | SCEPTRE- Volume I | William H. Vimont, Founding Headmaster | 58 (8 color) | 2000 | YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER | Mary Anderson, Spanish Teacher (2nd Dedication) | 296 (68 color) | |
| 1972 | SCEPTRE- Volume II | Kye Harris, Founding President | 77 (4 color) | 2001 | ONE FOCUS | Jeffrey M. Loveland, President | 314 (98 color) | |
| 1973 | SCEPTRE- Volume III | Robert C. Brooks, Assistant Headmaster | 109 (14 color) | 2002 | FOR FUTURE REFERENCE | United States of America | 306 (82 color) | |
| 1974 | SCEPTRE- Volume IV | David A. Frazier, History Teacher | 145 (8 color) | 2003 | THE TIME IS NOW | Shannan Kiedis, Choral Assistant | 292 (116 color) | |
| 1975 | SCEPTRE- Volume V | M. Nelson Loveland, President | 175 (8 color) | 2004EL | STAND OUT | Jon Otto, Elementary Principal | 124 (full color) | |
| 1976 | GOD BLESS AMERICA | TKA Board of Governors | 159 (14 color) | 2004HS | STAND OUT | Andreana Wisniewski, High School Dean (2nd Ded) | 232 (96 color) | |
| 1977 | SCEPTRE- Volume VII | Paul A. Tatham, Executive Vice President | 169 (16 color) | 2005EL | OLD SCHOOL | Retta Calcutt, Second Grade Teacher | 128 (full color) | |
| 1978 | SCEPTRE- Volume VIII | Stanley Frederick, Board of Governors Chairman | 197 (17 color) | 2005HS | OLD SCHOOL | Catherine Hilliard, Receptionist | 227 (116 color) | |
| 1979 | MEMORIES | Tom Mossop, Director of Operations | 185 (17 color) | 2006EL | BLUEPRINTS TO FOOTPRINTS | Sharon Caldwell, Elementary Dean | 103 (full color) | |
| 1980 | WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN | Richard Harrington, High School Counselor | 186 (17 color) | 2006HS | BLUEPRINTS TO FOOTPRINTS | David Snyder, Choral & Artistic Director | 240 (65 color) | |
| 1981 | ONCE UPON A YEAR | Jon Roncase, Athletic Director | 189 (17 color) | 2007EL | LEAVE YOUR MARK | Carolyn Slade, Sixth Grade Teacher | 111 (full color) | |
| 1982 | SCEPTRE- Volume XII | Caroline Sigmon, High School Counselor | 191 (16 color) | 2007HS | STAR QUALITY | Douglas Raines, History Teacher | 256 (b&w/color) | |
| 1983 | SCEPTRE- Volume XIII | Mary Anderson, Spanish Teacher | 179 (15 color) | 2008EL | BETTER TOGETHER | Anthony & Laurie Campbell, Elem Coord & Acad Support | 110 (full color) | |
| 1984 | SCEPTRE- Volume XIV | Andreana Wisniewski, Science Teacher | 208 (16 color) | 2008HS | BETTER TOGETHER | Anthony & Laurie Campbell, Elem Coord & Acad Support | 248 (full color) | |
| 1985 | SCEPTRE- Volume XV | Mary Purdie, Elementary Principal | 208 (16 color) | 2009EL | I LIVE | Paula DeJesus, School Nurse | 113 (full color) | |
| 1986 | THE YEAR IN PICTURES | Oliver Steele, High School Principal | 240 (16 color) | 2009HS | BECOMING THE ARCHETYPE | Andy Camizzi, Art Teacher | 272 (full color) | |
| 1987 | LET THERE BE LIGHT | Cecil Walker, History Teacher | 235 (16 color) | 2010EL | BREAKING FREE | Jean Albert, Elementary Assistant Principal | 139 (full color) | |
| 1988 | A TOUCH OF CLASS | Gary Slade, Physical Education Teacher | 231 (49 color) | 2010HS | inTENse | Bob & Fatima Silva, Spanish & Latin Teachers | 280 (full color) | |
| 1989 | SCRAP THE '80s | Wilbur Mundt, Janitor | 239 (b&w/color) | 2011EL | WHAT REALLY COUNTS | Bev Hodel, Elementary Assistant Principal | 140 (full color) | |
| 1990 | GENUINE LION | M. Nelson Loveland, President (2nd Dedication) | 215 (b&w/color) | 2011HS | ONE SCHOOL | David Linder, Security | 252 (full color) | |
| 1991 | MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER | Jean Frazier, Elementary Supervisor | 225 (b&w/color) | 2012EL | LINKED | Greg Dulkowski, Elementary Physical Education Teacher | 144 (full color) | |
| 1992 | A SHARPER IMAGE | Cecil Walker, History Teacher (2nd Dedication) | 247 (b&w/color) | 2012HS | THRIVE | Randal & Heidi Martin, VP, CFO & Mathematics Teacher | 288 (full color) | |
| 1993 | RECYCLE THE TIMES | Robert Fletcher, Bible & Economics Teacher | 251 (b&w/color) | 2013EL | HOW WE GET THERE | Kim Phillips, Fourth Grade Teacher | 147 (full color) | |
| 1994 | ETCHED IN STONE | Jeff Gentry, English Teacher | 261 (b&w/color) | 2013HS | AND LIFTED UP | Nancy Stack, English Teacher | 279 (full color) | |
| 1995 | ONCE UPON OUR TIME | M. Nelson (3rd Ded) & Jane Loveland, Pres & Asst | 272 (b&w/color) | 2014EL | SMALL CHANGE | Robin Wentz, Transportation Coordinator | 160 (full color) | |
| 1996 | THE BIG PICTURE | Delia Albee, First Grade Teacher | 271 (b&w/color) | 2014HS | MAKE YOURSELF CLEAR | Anne Spell, Business Teacher | 291 (full color) | |
| 1997 | ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING | Karen Moore, Receptionist | 273 (b&w/color) | 2015EL | TAKE YOUR TURN | Robin Phillips, Elementary Vocal Music Teacher | 144 (full color) | |
| 1998 | OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW | Carol Lynne Hirsh, Cafeteria Manager | 284 (b&w/color) | 2015HS | BIGGER & BETTER | Sonya Jones, High School Principal | 284 (full color) | |
| 1999 | SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST | Chris Huether, Bible Teacher | 310 (b&w/color) |
