New Leaders Steer Innovation at Boca Raton's Elite Schools

Boca Raton, Florida, USA - In a significant move aimed at bolstering student-centered education, Stanza Education Corporation has recently announced the appointments of new leadership for its Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA) and the Holston Academy. Lori Kubach will take the reins as the Head of School at PBIA’s Boca Raton campus, while Cory Plough has been designated Head of School at Holston Academy, an online platform catering to grades 6 through 12. These appointments reflect a broader commitment to innovation and personalized learning within the educational landscape of Florida.

Lori Kubach comes highly qualified, with extensive experience in one-on-one instruction, mentorship, and the development of robust academic programs. Her approach is aligned with Stanza’s vision, focusing on creating small learning environments that cater to individual student needs. Meanwhile, Cory Plough, who boasts over 20 years in the realm of online education, is set to emphasize the importance of personalized education at Holston Academy. His expertise is well-timed, as the demand for tailored educational experiences continues to rise.

New Direction in Education

Dr. Christina Seamster has been appointed as the Head of Schools for the broader network that includes both PBIA and Holston Academy. Her tenure promises to usher in an era of transformation, as she is dedicated to integrating innovative teaching methods and technology in classrooms. With over 20 years of experience in diverse educational settings, Dr. Seamster’s credentials are impressive: she holds a bachelor’s degree in child development, a master’s in educational leadership, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, particularly focusing on educational technology.

Dr. Seamster has previously opened two new campuses at Fusion Academy and served as Assistant Principal at Florida Virtual School (FLVS), which equips her with firsthand insight into both brick-and-mortar and online educational environments. She is committed to fostering an atmosphere where every student feels valued and empowered to pursue their interests, setting a course for the upcoming PBIA microschool campus slated to open this winter in Boca Raton.

A New Model of Learning

The educational approach being adopted at PBIA and Holston Academy aligns with a burgeoning trend towards microschools. Defined as small, tuition-based institutions serving around 15 students, microschools emphasize personalized and flexible learning experiences. Recent interest in this model has surged, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional schooling. Although rigorous evaluations of their academic impact are still limited, the appeal of smaller class sizes and individualized instruction cannot be overlooked.

Dr. Seamster’s vision for PBIA and Holston Academy aims to cultivate these necessary elements. Her ambition is to grow PBIA’s microschool campuses throughout Florida, ensuring that students engage in a meaningful learning environment tailored to their unique needs and passions. As educational innovation increasingly takes center stage, families are taking note of how microschools like PBIA and Holston Academy might meet their children’s evolving educational needs.

As both schools open their doors for applications for the 2025-26 school year, the excitement and anticipation surrounding these transformative appointments are palpable. Megan O’Reilly Palevich, the Executive Director at Stanza, has expressed her confidence in the new leaders’ abilities to drive forward the mission of these institutions. With this leadership team at the helm, it seems that a promising future lies ahead for students in Boca Raton and beyond.

For further details on these developments, you can read the full announcements on Morningstar, Yahoo Finance, and insights into microschools on RAND.