Florida Private School Doubles Reading Scores in One Year

When Fuller Academy opens its doors this fall for year five, nearly 50% more students will walk through them compared to last year. The reason? Test scores that prove what educators have long believed: small class sizes and personalized attention can transform academic outcomes.

The private elementary school in Boca Raton, Florida serves families who typically couldn't afford private education. More than $1 million in annual scholarships make that possible through state funding and Fuller Center support.

The 2025-2026 school year delivered results that caught even school leaders by surprise. Reading proficiency more than doubled from the start to the end of the year. Students also boosted math scores by 16%, even though they already outperformed public school peers when the year began.

"Every child enters our school with unlimited potential," said Dr. Jacqueline Berlin, Head of School. "Through learning, encouragement, and opportunity, we help them build the knowledge, confidence, and character needed to become the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow."

The academy invested over $1 million in curriculum used by leading private schools nationwide. Small class sizes allow teachers to tailor instruction to each child's pace and learning style. That individual attention translates into meaningful teacher-student relationships that extend beyond academics.

The Ripple Effect

Fuller Academy students don't just attend school and go home. Most participate in afterschool programs that reinforce classroom learning through homework support and literacy intervention. Combined with family empowerment services, this wraparound approach creates a comprehensive support system.

The model serves more than 1,000 children annually across Palm Beach and Broward counties. Fuller Center has spent 55 years embracing, educating, and empowering under-resourced families throughout South Florida. The organization provides 430,000 meals and snacks each year, ensuring nutrition doesn't become a barrier to learning.

CEO Eric Roby credits strategic investments in proven educational resources. "With student success at the forefront of every educational decision, we made a strategic investment in curriculum utilized by the nation's leading private institutions," he said. "The resulting academic performance affirms that these investments are equipping Fuller Academy students with the tools necessary for long-term success."

Families across 60 ZIP codes now have access to the same quality education previously available only to those who could afford it. When schools, families, and communities work together, children gain more than knowledge—they gain confidence to succeed in life.