Palm Beach Maritime Academy secures permanent home for two Lantana campuses

Palm Beach Maritime Academy has locked in long-term facilities for its two Lantana campuses through a $21.3 million transaction backed by Grow Schools and School Infrastructure Fund II Holdings LLC. The deal gives the K-12 charter school nearly 1,000 students stability as it expands enrollment and continues academic gains in Palm Beach County.

Why it matters: - Palm Beach Maritime Academy now has stable, mission-aligned facilities for both campuses, reducing uncertainty around leases and long-term planning. - The deal supports a K-12 charter school serving nearly 1,000 students in a high-need Palm Beach County community. - The transaction positions the school to keep growing as enrollment trends upward and academics improve.

What happened: - Grow Schools supported a $21.3 million facilities transaction for Palm Beach Maritime Academy in Lantana, Florida. - School Infrastructure Fund II Holdings LLC, a school facilities owner managed by American Infrastructure Partners, LLC, acquired both PBMA campuses. - The acquisition covers PBMA’s elementary campus at 1518 Lantana Road and its secondary campus at 600 S East Coast Avenue. - The school serves grades K–12 across the two campuses.

The details: - Palm Beach Maritime Academy was founded in 1999 and is the longest-running general education charter school in Palm Beach County. - PBMA serves nearly 1,000 students and offers a STEAM curriculum centered on marine sciences. - Students take part in shark tagging, boat building and coastal conservation. - More than 61% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. - More than 79% of students come from minority backgrounds. - PBMA has been recognized as a Best of Palm Beach County school for multiple consecutive years. - The elementary campus moved from a C to a B rating in the 2024–25 school year. - Both campuses are on track for continued academic gains. - Enrollment for the upcoming school year is tracking 11% above the same point last year. - Grow Schools is also working with PBMA on enrollment marketing through its Kids to Fill Your School program. - Grow Schools supports schools through its Money to Buy Your School, Money to Run Your School and Kids to Fill Your School programs. - Grow Schools is affiliated with School Infrastructure Fund II Holdings LLC and its investment entities involved in the acquisition and ownership of public and charter school facilities. - American Infrastructure Partners serves as investment manager to School Infrastructure Fund II Holdings LLC.

Between the lines: - The acquisition reflects confidence in PBMA’s academic direction and community demand. - Permanent facilities can make it easier for charter schools to invest in staff, programs and long-range growth. - The deal also shows how facilities finance is becoming part of charter school enrollment strategy, not just real estate strategy.

What’s next: - PBMA will continue operating both Lantana campuses under the new ownership structure. - Grow Schools will keep supporting the school’s family outreach and enrollment efforts. - The school expects to build on its current academic trajectory and enrollment growth across Palm Beach County. - More information is available in Grow Schools’ announcement and Palm Beach Maritime Academy’s social page.