
The mission of Pineapple Cove Classical Academy is to develop graduates in mind and character through a classical, content-rich curriculum that emphasizes the principles of virtuous living, traditional learning, and civic responsibility. We are building intelligent, virtuous American citizens.
Administration

Kelly Gunter M.A., Ed.
Director of School Operations
Mrs. Gunter is a member of the Founding Board of Pineapple Cove Classical Academy and was the founding principal for the first three years of our school. Mrs. Gunter wrote the original charter application for Pineapple Cove Classical Academy at Palm Bay, as well as the subsequent applications for West Melbourne and our high school programs. In addition, Mrs. Gunter authored the Charter School Program grants for both schools, totaling over $850,000 in grant awards.
Mrs. Gunter brings 15 years of education experience as a classroom teacher, college professor, and faculty advisor to PCCA. She is certified in Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, and English 6-12.
As Director of School Operations, Mrs. Gunter handles much of the business tasks associated with the school, manages grants, ensures district, state, and federal compliance, and continues to mentor school leadership. She is currently completing her Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Email Mrs. Gunter here.

Mrs. Erika Lucarotti
Principal
After fourteen years in education, Mrs. Lucarotti has joined Pineapple Cove Classical Academy as Principal. She comes to PCCA-WM with a variety of different experiences. Mrs. Lucarotti has served as an assistant principal, guidance counselor, Exceptional Student Education teacher for grades 1, 3 and 4, and a general education teacher for grades K, 1 and 2.
Mrs. Lucarotti has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in School Counseling, and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Lucarotti is professionally certified in School Principal-All Levels, Educational Leadership-All Levels, Exceptional Student Education K-12, School Counseling PreK-12, Elementary Education K-6, and PreK-Primary Education Age 3-Grade 3.
Mrs. Lucarotti’s vision is to build a community which focuses on utilizing individual strengths to create the best learning environment possible. She believes that TOGETHER we will continue to build virtuous and intelligent scholars.
E-mail Mrs. Lucarotti here.

Mrs. Paris Koblitz
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Paris Koblitz is a founding member of the Pineapple Cove Classical Academy faculty. She began her career in teaching at Westside Elementary where she worked as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher and Title 1 Coordinator. She came to Pineapple Cove in 2015 at our Palm Bay campus as a third grade teacher. In 2018, when the West Melbourne campus opened, Mrs. Koblitz became the Student Services Coordinator and eventually the Assistant Principal in 2019.
E-mail Mrs. Koblitz here.

Mrs. Denise Forsythe
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Forsythe is a founding faculty at Pineapple Cove Classical Academy. She taught first grade and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) at the Palm Bay campus. Mrs. Forsythe transferred to the West Melbourne campus in the 2018-2019 school year and continued her teaching practice as an ESE teacher. Subsequently, she accepted the role of Student Services Coordinator. As an administrator, Mrs. Forsythe’s approach to leadership and student learning exemplifies PCCA’s core beliefs.
Mrs. Forsythe has a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and currently pursues a doctoral degree in Reading, Literacy, and Curriculum. Mrs. Forsythe is professionally certified in Elementary Education K-6, ESOL K-12, Exceptional Education K-12, and Reading K-12.
As an educator dedicated to promoting deep learning through literacy development, Mrs. Forsythe works closely with teachers and stakeholders in various student services programs to facilitate the continuum of rich learning experiences through the classical learning model. In fulfilling her different roles, Mrs. Forsythe stays committed to PCCA’s mission and vision by providing support, mentorship, and guidance to the students and teachers in our school community.
E-mail Mrs. Forsythe here.

Tara Engeron, M.A.
Coordinator, Special Projects
Ms. Engeron began working with PCCA at its inception as a founding member of the governing board. After serving on the board, she taught third grade at the school for two years, and then served in the role of Assistant Principal at the Palm Bay campus for three years. In her role as Coordinator of Special Projects, she assists the school-based leadership teams and serves with the Director to provide support of school-based initiatives.
Ms. Engeron brings 9 years of education experience as a classroom teacher, adjunct college instructor, and student academic advisor. As a complement to her role in student services at Eastern Florida State College, Ms. Engeron earned her master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from the University of Central Florida. Her student services experience includes student scheduling, program coordination, and admissions.
E-mail Ms. Engeron here.
Our Virtues
Courage
Perseverance
Courtesy
Self-Government
Honesty
Service
Governing Board
PCCA’s Governing Board plays an essential role in the school’s success through its initial leadership and ongoing oversight of the school’s operations.

School Accountability Reports
The annual Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) School Public Accountability Reports (SPARs) meet ESEA’s requirement for schools and districts to provide parents with an annual school status report at the beginning of each school year.