The Best Private Schools in Astatula, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Astatula. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school located just 15 minutes from Astatula. Serving students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and honors courses. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for its diverse international student body and exceptional college placement record, Montverde provides comprehensive extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and leadership development.
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Windy Hill School
Windy Hill School
Located just 10 minutes from Astatula in neighboring Minneola, Windy Hill School has been providing quality Montessori education for over four decades. The school serves students from infancy through elementary grades with a child-centered approach that emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and development of independence. The campus features spacious classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized Montessori materials. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and strong academic foundation that prepares students for future success.
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Foundation Academy
Foundation Academy
Foundation Academy is a respected Christian private school located approximately 20 minutes from Astatula in Winter Garden. Serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, the school combines rigorous academics with faith-based education. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The 55-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong college acceptance rates and active parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Astatula, Florida
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Astatula, Florida, and are there any located directly within the town?
While Astatula itself is a small residential community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate surrounding Lake County area. The most prominent options include Montverde Academy (approximately 15 minutes away in Montverde), known for its global boarding program and elite athletics; Windy Hill School (in Clermont, about 20 minutes away), offering a Montessori-based education for preschool through 8th grade; and Foundation Academy (in Winter Garden, roughly 25 minutes away), a Christian school serving K-12. There are no major private school campuses directly within Astatula's town limits, so transportation is a key consideration for local parents.
How does tuition for private schools near Astatula, FL, compare, and are there Florida-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Astatula area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000-$12,000 annually for lower grades at schools like Windy Hill, to over $30,000 for upper-grade day students at Montverde Academy. A critical Florida-specific resource is the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), formerly known as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. This state-administered program provides funding for eligible students to attend private schools, and all the mentioned schools typically accept it. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations do private schools near Astatula offer that leverage the Central Florida environment?
Schools in this region capitalize on Central Florida's unique assets. Montverde Academy is internationally recognized for its sports academies (e.g., basketball, soccer, tennis), attracting student-athletes globally. Foundation Academy emphasizes STEM and digital arts, with potential connections to the nearby tech and tourism industries. Furthermore, the natural environment of the Lake County chain and rural setting is often integrated into science and environmental programs. While not a coastal program, some schools may facilitate educational trips to Florida's space coast or ecosystems, providing a distinct experiential learning advantage.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Astatula, FL, families, and how early should we apply?
The enrollment process for competitive schools like Montverde Academy, Foundation Academy, and Windy Hill School often begins a full year in advance. Key dates generally include: opening applications in August-September for the following fall, with priority deadlines between January and March. The process almost always includes a campus tour, submission of academic records, teacher recommendations, and a student assessment or shadow day. For Astatula residents, it's crucial to factor in application timelines for both the private school and for state scholarship programs (FES), which have their own deadlines. Starting research and tours in the fall is highly recommended.
For an Astatula resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between a local public school (like Astatula Elementary) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Astatula Elementary is a well-regarded public school (grades K-5), offering proximity and community integration. Choosing a private school in Montverde, Clermont, or Winter Garden involves a daily commute of 15-30 minutes each way, requiring a significant time and transportation commitment. The trade-off often includes smaller class sizes, specific religious or pedagogical approaches (like Montessori), or specialized academic/athletic tracks not available in the public system. Parents should also calculate the net cost after state scholarships and weigh the value of the broader, sometimes international, student community at a private school against the hyper-local experience of the neighborhood public school.
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