Millpond Equity Partners-backed Galileo Education Expands Florida Footprint with Acquisition of Putnam Classical Academy and New Generation Christian School
Boca Raton, FL & Franklin, TN – Millpond Equity Partners (“Millpond”), a Boca Raton-based lower middle market private equity firm, and its Franklin, TN-based portfolio company Galileo Education (“Galileo”), today announced the acquisition of Putnam Classical Academy in Palatka, Florida, and New Generation Christian School in Lake City, Florida. These acquisitions mark the latest step in Galileo’s strategic growth and expansion of its network of private K-12 institutions offering individualized, purpose-driven education across the Southeastern United States.
Galileo Education — already serving students through its existing schools in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida — continues to build on its mission of providing flexible, high-quality private schooling tailored to families seeking alternatives to traditional public school models. The addition of Putnam Classical Academy and New Generation Christian School will expand access in northeast Florida and complement Galileo’s existing offerings while preserving the unique identity and strengths of each local school.
“We are excited to welcome Putnam Classical Academy and New Generation Christian School into the Galileo family,” said Larry Shagrin, Partner at Millpond Equity Partners. “These schools share our commitment to academic excellence, individualized attention, and a values-based approach to education. We believe their addition strengthens our platform and furthers our ability to deliver high-quality, community-centered schooling across Florida.”
“Galileo’s mission has always been to offer families a personalized, purpose-driven education option,” said Mark Claypool, CEO of Galileo Education. “By adding Putnam Classical Academy and New Generation Christian School, we broaden our reach and provide more students and families access to our proven educational philosophy — while respecting the legacy, culture, and community roots of each school.”
Under the new ownership, Putnam Classical Academy and New Generation Christian School will retain their names, campus leadership, and core values — while benefiting from Galileo’s operational infrastructure, curriculum resources, and best practices drawn from the broader school network. Families at both schools can expect continuity in day-to-day schooling, along with enhanced support and access to expanded resources as part of the Galileo platform.
These acquisitions represent the next step in Galileo’s long-term strategy to build a network of high-quality and efficacious private schools across Florida and the Southeastern U.S. The company remains highly acquisitive and is excited to add other quality institutions that share its educational philosophy and community-first approach to the Galileo family.
