Planning and Zoning Board approves Palm Beach International Academy at Boca Raton Innovation Campus

On March 19, 2026, the City of Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board approved separate resolutions to allow the Palm Beach International Academy to operate a 5,711-square-foot hybrid middle and high school at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, 5000 T Rex Avenue. The board approved the conditional use and the site-plan amendment on separate roll calls and the chair announced both measures passed 6–0.

Brandon Chad, the city’s development services director, told the board staff supports the application and recommended conditions that would limit the on-site school use to grades 6 through 12 and cap simultaneous on-site attendance at 50 students. Chad described the school as a hybrid facility: “There is no set arrival or departure time, and the students are not required to visit the campus,” and said students who choose in-person instruction would typically be on-site for about 10 to 25 hours per week.

The site-plan amendment adds 20 short-term bicycle parking spaces, 14 of which staff said would be in outdoor racks at three locations and six within the tenant bay, and updates the northern portion of the property to reflect existing landscaping and paving. Staff also noted previously approved surface parking shown in 2021 plans was not constructed and that approval has expired; the transcript includes transcribed counts that appear unclear in places and the project’s backup materials in the meeting packet contain the precise parking figures.

Applicant representative David Millage described the intended student population and operations, saying the program will serve need-based students and that “a lot of these students are elite athletes” with staggered schedules and on-site tutoring available. Millage told the board operator polling at similar facilities indicated very low bicycle-commuting rates and said the operator does not anticipate substantial student bicycle use at this location.

Board members asked about bicycle and pedestrian access. Member Mister Mitchell asked whether planned bicycle facilities would allow students to safely access the unit; Chad said the property’s current bike infrastructure is limited but that other applications in process for the BRIC would, if built, “include very significant, streetscape improvements that would include robust bicycle facilities,” improving walkability over time.

The board’s approval is subject to the conditions listed in the resolutions and staff’s recommendations. Chad noted that city council approval will be required for the project to proceed as proposed. The public hearing recorded no members of the public speaking for or against the project.