WEST PALM BEACH — Billionaire developer Stephen Ross is backing Pine Crest School’s expansion into West Palm Beach with a $100 million commitment from his foundation.
Pine Crest confirmed the gift, calling it an “extraordinary” investment that will help establish the private school’s third South Florida campus. The school currently serves about 2,700 students in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton.
“I believe in West Palm Beach’s future, and my commitment to Pine Crest reflects my long-term belief in this city,” Ross said.
The Stephen M. Ross Foundation’s donation will help finance the new campus while supporting academic programs, faculty and facilities across Pine Crest’s existing locations. The school said the gift will not fully fund the expansion and expressed hope that it will attract additional donors.
West Palm Beach commissioners approved a resolution in July supporting the sale of 57 acres of city-owned land along Roebuck Road to Pine Crest for about $6.6 million.
Additional city reviews and approvals are still required before the sale can be finalized. The proposed location is near Florida’s Turnpike.
If completed, it would become Pine Crest’s largest campus. Details including grade levels, enrollment, construction schedule and an opening date have not been announced.
Ross founded Related Companies and now serves as chairman and CEO of Related Ross, one of the developers driving West Palm Beach’s rapid transformation.
“World-class education is foundational social infrastructure for a growing community,” Ross said.
Pine Crest was founded in Fort Lauderdale in 1934. Tuition for the 2026-27 school year ranges from $39,010 for prekindergarten and kindergarten to $49,670 for grades nine through 12.
