School Life

Teachers & Staff

We are proud of our well-trained, caring teachers and staff. At Potentia Academy we maintain a safe, nurturing environment with a consistent structure which works best for our students.

Janice Meeks,

Principal

jmeeks@potentiaacademy.org 

Diploma, Community Services Developmental Services Worker, Centennial College (Toronto, Canada)


Ann Coughlin,

CCREST Program Coordinator, Mathematics, Reading, and Computer Technology

acoughlin@potentiaacademy.org

B.A., Sociology & Psychology, Rutgers University


Hali Klopman,

Mathematics, Reading, and Computer Technology

hklopman@potentiaacademy.org

B.A..


Dorla McDonald,

Mathematics, Computer Technology, & History

dmcdonald@potentiaacademy.org

B.S., Applied Mathematics & Statistics, State University of New York at Stony Brook


Lori Schulman,

Mathematics, Reading, & English Language Arts

lschulman@potentiaacademy.org

B.E.S., Education, University of Bridgeport


Sonia Wilson,

English Language Arts, & Biology

swilson@potentiaacademy.org

B.S., Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans

  • Principal, Janice Meeks

    Principal, Janice Meeks

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  • Ann Couglin

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    Ann Couglin

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  • Dorla McDonald pointing something out in a textbook to a student

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    Dorla McDonald

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  • Sonia Wilson helping a student with something in a textbook

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    Sonia Wilson

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Dress Code

Potentia Academy enforces a strict dress code. All students are expected to be neatly and cleanly dressed in the designated school uniform, whenever on campus or at any school events held off campus. 


Potentia Academy uniforms must be purchased from Harris School Uniforms and may be ordered online. 

Boys:  Red, white or navy blue polo shirts that display the Potentia Academy logo worn with navy blue or khaki slacks


Girls:  Red, white, or navy blue polo shirts that display the Potentia Academy logo worn with plaid skorts


In cold weather, sweatshirts and sweatpants bearing the Potentia logo may be worn. Sweatshirts must be worn over regular Potentia polo shirts. Navy blue fleece jackets and zip-up hoodies, both with the Potentia logo, are also available for purchase at Harris School Uniforms. No other outerwear may be worn by students inside the Potentia building.


All students must wear socks and closed-toe shoes. For safety reasons, sandals or open-toe shoes of any kind are not permitted. 

All students wear dress uniform on Wednesdays.


Boys:  Long-sleeved white oxford shirts that display the Potentia Academy logo worn with khaki slacks, red tie and black blazer with Potentia logo. As with all other items of student attire, shirts, ties and blazers must be purchased from Harris School Uniforms.


Girls:  Long-sleeved white oxford shirts that display the Potentia Academy logo worn with plaid skorts.  

Daily Schedule

The school day at Potentia Academy begins each morning at 7:55 a.m. and students are dismissed at 3:05 p.m. Students may arrive at 7:30 a.m. and socialize on the grounds behind the school building. We do not currently have provisions for after-school care and request that students be picked up by 3:15 p.m. at the latest.

Sample Schedule


  • 7:55 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.  Homeroom
  • 8:05 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  Mathematics
  • 9:05 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  English
  • 10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Reading
  • 11:05 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Social Skills
  • 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Lunch, students bring their lunches and eat in our lunchroom or outside, weather permitting. We order pizza on Fridays (advance order required).
  • 12:30 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.  Science
  • 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Math, Reading & Social Skills Study Groups
  • 2:05 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.   History
  • 3:05 p.m.     Dismissal 


Academic Calendar

Because our classes are 55 minutes long, Potentia Academy follows a 170-day academic calendar (as opposed to the 180-day schedule used by the School District of Palm Beach County). There are many similarities between our calendar and that of the PBSD, including the first day of the school year, the Thanksgiving holiday and spring break. However, there are significant differences between the two; Potentia Academy offers extra holidays and ends the school year earlier. 


Please see the 2024-25 Academic Calendar and the 2025-26 Academic Calendar for details.

Student & Parent Handbook

Our expectations for student behavior and parental obligations are clearly and carefully articulated in the Potentia Academy Student & Parent Handbook. 


By signing the Potentia Academy Registration Application, parents agree that they have read, understood, and will abide by the provisions of the handbook.