American classical schools are popping up all over the country, and Florida is one of the best states to start a classical charter. A couple of weeks ago we found ourselves in Florida speaking to a crowd of over 400 about the Barney Charter School Initiative, and then we visited our affiliated schools in Florida, including the Pineapple Cove Classical Academies of West Melbourne and Palm Bay.
They are beautiful schools, and some of the biggest in the Hillsdale network. The Palm Bay school was founded in 2015, and now served students in K-10th grade. West Melbourne is newer, founded in 2018 with students in K-7th grade.
Walking up to the entrance at the Palm Bay campus. 
Here’s the entrance to the West Melbourne campus. 
At each campus, a beautiful lobby seats visitors and parents. 
The upper school lobby. Classical music plays in the background. 
The hallways are named after figures at the American Founding. 
A comfortable and beautiful place for visitors to sit. 
One of the playgrounds gives students a place to run and play. 
A music classroom equipped with ukuleles and Orff instruments. 
A cafeteria also has room for a stage. 
A big gym gives students a place for PE and after school sports. 
A playground for little ones. 
The exterior at the Palm Bay campus gives students a sheltered place to wait for pickup. 
The outside of the gym at the Palm Bay Campus. 
Happy Valentine’s Day, Veterans!
The Classical Classroom 