Holy Nativity Episcopal School

It is the purpose of Holy Nativity to provide a Christian environment where students with promise receive challenging academics, enriching opportunities, and a solid foundation for developing their potential as good, caring, and responsible citizens.   

Holy Nativity Episcopal School is an independent school that has served the community for over 60 years. We are proud to offer a blend of traditional and modern education that caters to our students' evolving needs. Our school is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), which sets the standards for private school education in the state of Florida. For over 30 years, we have maintained the FCIS seal of approval, ensuring our students receive the highest quality education. 

Our middle school offers challenging Language Arts and Social Studies courses, as well as advanced Math classes and STEM-focused Honors Science programs. It's not surprising that each year, 100% of our graduates are accepted into advanced high school programs, or that our students achieve a high pass rate on the state EOC (End of Course) math test. In addition to core classes, students have the opportunity to explore their interests through a variety of elective courses, including visual arts, life skills, tennis, yoga, running club, musical theater, technology classes, yearbook, math teams, Robotics, French, Student Government Association, and BETA Club.

In grades 1 through 5, we strive to instill a passion for learning in our students. To achieve this goal, we have adopted the Singapore Math style program since 2012 and provide project-based social studies that offer hands-on learning opportunities. Our curriculum includes various exciting student activities, such as virtual reality trips into space, green screen video productions, and student-led vegetable gardens. Additionally, students receive weekly instruction in music, art, technology, library, P.E., and Spanish. These programs make our school a fun and engaging place for students to learn and grow.

Our classrooms are filled with the happy faces of children aged 3 to 5. We organize campus-wide parades where children dress up as Pirates and Princesses, Community Helpers, and 100-year-olds for the 100th day celebration, and everyone, both BIG and SMALL, cheers on. Our curriculum includes investigative science, reading and reading readiness, handwriting HWT, math concepts, social studies, and social skills to provide a strong academic foundation for our pre-school and kindergarten learners. We have dedicated teachers for P.E., library, music, technology, and Spanish, and kindergarteners also have the opportunity to explore art. This provides an enriching and diverse range of options for children each week.

At Holy Nativity Episcopal School, we take great pride in our graduates' remarkable accomplishments and our students' ongoing success. Their achievements are a testament to the exceptional standard of education we provide and the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff to nurture and support every student's growth and development. We are honored to play a role in shaping the futures of these bright young minds and are dedicated to maintaining our reputation as a beacon of excellence in education.

—————————————-

Cynthia Fuller is the current Head of School (HOS) at Holy Nativity Episcopal School (HNES) in Panama City, Florida. HNES serves the educational needs of nearly 300 students from preschool to eighth grade. The school building, which was constructed in 1937, holds a significant place in the community's heart. HNES was founded in 1959 by members of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church and has been accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) since 1993. Cynthia is one of the many esteemed HOS who have served at the school over the years.

Cynthia's journey began in Dothan, Alabama, where she was born. When she was three years old, her family moved to Bay County, where she grew up on the west end of Panama City Beach. After graduating from high school, Cynthia left for the University of North Florida in Jacksonville to complete her Bachelor's Degree. In 2004, Cynthia graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice, intending to continue her education in law school. However, she and her husband, Michael, returned to Panama City to start their family. After the birth of her first child, Brody, Cynthia discovered her passion for education and helping children achieve their fullest potential. Her second child, Sydney, only reinforced her desire to pursue a career in education. In 2011, Cynthia began the process of obtaining her teaching certificate, and two years later, she was hired as a teacher at HNES, where she has worked happily ever since. At HNES, Cynthia continued her educational experience and earned her Master's in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2020 with honors.

Cynthia has demonstrated her leadership abilities outside of the classroom as well. She graduated from the Bay County Chamber's Leadership Bay Program in 2017. She was appointed by the Bay County Commission to serve on the county's Park and Recreation Advisory Board, where she continues her service today as vice chairwoman. She is also an active member of the following esteemed organizations: Impact 100, Women's Club 24, Bay County Military Affairs Committee, and the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. In 2020, she was a featured speaker at the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) conference for a session titled "Navigating Trauma as a New Head of School." In 2022, she was a featured speaker at the Florida Council of Independent Schools Annual Convention (FCIS) for a session titled "Hurricane Preparedness; Lessons Learned." 

Cynthia's dedication to education and leadership has been recognized by Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction twice, naming her the top representative for the State of Florida in Educational Leadership in 2022 and 2024. She serves FCIS as a commissioner on their accreditation board while also volunteering to serve as Chair and Co-Chair on a number of FCIS accreditation teams. Under her leadership, HNES was named Best Private School in the State of Florida by Guide to Florida in 2023 and 2024. Cynthia's journey has been marked by her commitment to educational excellence and her passion for helping others. She is a true inspiration to her students, colleagues, and community alike.

Cynthia's journey at HNES began as a teacher in the classroom. Her dedication and love for the school and its students were evident all around her, and she was promoted to Dean of Students in 2016. Her passion and drive led her to be named Head of School in February 2020, a position she embraced with enthusiasm. However, not long after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, creating an unprecedented challenge for schools across the country. Cynthia worked tirelessly throughout the move, teaching to a virtual format and beyond, preparing for her tenure as Head of School while navigating the challenges the pandemic presented.

HNES had already faced a major crisis just two years before when Hurricane Michael, a category five hurricane, hit Bay County and severely damaged the school. As one of the administrators on campus, Cynthia worked closely with the previous Head of School, Mrs. Judy Hughes, to aid in the rebuilding and recovery process. 

Cynthia's first year as Head of School was marked by resilience and dedication. The school successfully completed its five-year re-accreditation process, a testament to the hard work of the faculty, staff, and the school community. HNES is more than just a school; it's a community that cares deeply for its students and is committed to providing the best educational experience possible. Cynthia's leadership has been instrumental in helping HNES navigate these crises and emerge stronger than ever.

To gain a true appreciation of Cynthia's character, it is vital to recognize her unwavering commitment to serving the well-being of all students. She prioritizes the education, safety, and needs of each of her students and their families with the utmost care and attention. Her devotion to these priorities is unparalleled, and she works tirelessly to ensure the continued success of every individual who walks through the halls of HNES. Cynthia's remarkable dedication and unwavering focus are an inspiration to all who know her.