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A Personal Education
SUPPORTING FAMILIES SINCE 1994
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About Our School
Royal Academy was founded to support families who want a more personal approach to education—one that keeps parents in charge while providing trusted academic guidance. Drawing on years of experience working alongside the homeschool community, the academy was created to offer flexible pathways that meet students where they are. From full-time online enrollment to individual course support and transcript services, Royal Academy was built to help families personalize education without losing the freedom and values that make homeschooling meaningful.
Over time, Royal Academy expanded its services to support the many different needs homeschool families encounter throughout their educational journey. In addition to curriculum design and tutoring, the academy offers portfolio reviews, testing, credit validation, credit recovery, and diploma pathways to help students document their learning and move confidently toward graduation. At its core, Royal Academy remains committed to the same guiding principle it began with: providing thoughtful, personalized support so every student can follow their own path to success.
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Julie and Bernie Tajonera
Meet The Team
Owner, Executive Director, and Teacher
High School English & Social Studies
Middle School Language Arts & Social Studies
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BA in Religious Education from New England Bible College, 1995
Owner, Director, and Teacher
High School & Middle School Science, Health, and Performing Arts
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Medical Assistant Certificate, Seacoast Career School 2008
Teacher and Prior Owner
High School Math, Science, and Social Studies
Middle School Math
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American Psychological Association, Associate Member
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Associates Law Enforcement, University of Maine, 1978
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BA in Humanities, Southern New Hampshire University, 2005
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MA in International History, Staffordshire University, England, 2011
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MS in Psychology, Walden University, 2016
Rachel Booth, MA, BA
Teacher
High School Science
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BA in Studies of War and Peace. Norwich University, 2010-2014
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MA in Diplomacy and International Terrorism, 2015-2017
Jamie Smith, MA, BS
In-Studio Art Teacher
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BS in Commercial Art and Graphic Design, minor in Advertising, Pensacola Christian College, 1999
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MA in Commercial Art, Pensacola Christian College, 2002
Sarah Tajonera, BA
Online Art Teacher
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BA in Art, Major in Dance, Dean College
Our History
Royal Academy Education was founded to support families seeking a more personalized, flexible approach to education. From its earliest years, Royal Academy has focused on meeting students where they are - academically, developmentally, and personally while honoring the central role of parents in directing their child’s education.
Founded by Shirley Minster, Royal Academy grew out of a commitment to individualized learning, homeschool support, and alternative educational pathways. Based in Gray, Maine, the organization developed early expertise in curriculum guidance, assessments, and personalized academic planning for home-educated and non-traditional learners.
As homeschooling and alternative education evolved, Royal Academy expanded its reach through virtual and real-time services, allowing families both in Maine and beyond to access support without sacrificing flexibility. Leadership under educator Penny Cote continued this mission, emphasizing real-world readiness, apprenticeships, and individualized post-secondary planning.
Today, Royal Academy Education continues to serve families who value education that adapts to the student—not the other way around. The school is located in New Gloucester, Maine and owned by Julie and Bernie Tajonera. Through flexible enrollment options, personalized learning plans, and supportive guidance, Royal Academy remains committed to helping students grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Royal Academy graduates follow a variety of paths based on their goals, strengths, and interests. With personalized guidance and flexible learning, students are prepared to move forward with confidence into the next stage of their journey.
Our Graduates
Colleges & Universities
Graduates pursue higher education at colleges and universities, supported by strong academic preparation and thoughtful planning for their next steps.
Trade Schools and Certifications
Students enter skilled trades and certification programs equipped with practical knowledge and a clear direction for career-focused success.
Entrepreneurialism
Some graduates choose to build their own path through entrepreneurship, applying their skills and initiative to start and grow their own ventures.
Performance Arts & Alternative Pathways
Students pursue creative and nontraditional paths, including the performing arts and other specialized fields, supported by flexible learning that adapts to their unique goals.