The Best Private Schools in Anthony, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Anthony. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Lutheran School
St. John Lutheran Church
St. John Lutheran School has been serving the Anthony and Ocala community since 1979 with a Christ-centered education. The school offers programs from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation integrated with faith-based values. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEAM education, music programs, and competitive sports. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school is known for its family atmosphere, experienced teachers, and strong parent involvement. Many graduates successfully transition to top regional high schools.
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Oak Hall School
Independent College Preparatory School
Oak Hall School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from Anthony and surrounding North Central Florida communities. Founded in 1970, the school offers a rigorous academic program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes whole-child development with robust arts programs, competitive athletics, and extensive community service opportunities. Oak Hall consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and is recognized for academic excellence.
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Meadowbrook Academy
Independent Christian School
Meadowbrook Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Anthony and greater Ocala area. Established in 1989, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from Pre-K through 12th grade. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, Advanced Placement courses, and strong STEM programs. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, fine arts, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Anthony, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families in Anthony, Florida, and what are their educational approaches?
Anthony, Florida, offers a few established private school options, each with a distinct character. **Meadowbrook Academy** is a Christian college-preparatory school serving grades K-12, emphasizing a rigorous academic curriculum within a faith-based environment. **St. John Lutheran School** provides a Christ-centered education from preschool through 8th grade, focusing on spiritual development alongside core academics. While **Oak Hall School** is a highly-regarded independent school in nearby Gainesville, it is a common consideration for Anthony families seeking a secular, comprehensive Pre-K through 12 program with extensive extracurriculars. The availability of local options is more limited than in larger metro areas, so some families also explore private schools in Ocala or Gainesville.
How does tuition for private schools in the Anthony, FL, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Anthony area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, local parochial schools like St. John Lutheran may have tuition ranging from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 annually, which is often below the Florida private school average. Meadowbrook Academy's tuition is higher, aligning more closely with college-prep standards. Florida's **Family Empowerment Scholarship Program** is a critical financial consideration, as many families in Anthony qualify for state-funded scholarships (like the FES-UA for unique abilities or FES-EO for educational options) that can be applied to private school tuition, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. All schools have individual financial aid processes, and it's essential to apply early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Anthony, Florida, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in and near Anthony often integrate North Central Florida's environment and community into their programs. **Meadowbrook Academy** emphasizes agricultural science and hands-on learning, which resonates with the region's rural character. Many schools, including those in the broader Marion County area, have strong connections with the University of Florida in Gainesville, facilitating science fairs, guest lectures, and dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students. Athletics programs frequently focus on sports relevant to the community, such as swimming, baseball, and equestrian activities. Faith-based schools incorporate local service projects, connecting students directly with the Anthony and Fort McCoy communities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Anthony, FL, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process in Anthony begins early, often in the January-February period for the following fall, with rolling admission thereafter if spaces remain. **Meadowbrook Academy** and **St. John Lutheran School** typically require an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for older students, a placement test. Admission competitiveness is school-dependent; smaller class sizes mean spots can fill quickly, especially in popular early elementary grades. Sibling and church member (for parochial schools) applicants often receive priority. Given the limited number of local schools, it is highly advisable to attend open houses (usually held in the fall) and initiate the process at least 6-9 months before the desired start date.
For a family in Anthony, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school (like Anthony Elementary) and a private school?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. **Marion County Public Schools**, like Anthony Elementary, offer a standardized curriculum with no tuition. The primary draws for private options in Anthony are smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, a specific religious or moral foundation (in the case of Meadowbrook or St. John), and often a more consistent academic environment. For families seeking advanced or specialized curricula, such as a strong college-prep track, the local private schools may offer more structured pathways. Transportation is also a factor, as public schools provide busing, while private schools usually require parent-provided transportation. Utilizing Florida's scholarship programs can make the cost difference less prohibitive for qualifying families.