The Best Private Schools in Auburndale, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Auburndale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lakeland Christian School
Independent Christian
Lakeland Christian School is a highly-regarded independent Christian school serving families throughout Central Florida, including Auburndale. The school offers a comprehensive classical Christian education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual formation. Their 45-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, fine arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The school offers robust college preparatory programs, championship athletics, and comprehensive arts programs while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention.
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All Saints Academy
Independent
All Saints Academy is a premier independent school serving the greater Polk County area, including Auburndale families. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program from pre-K through 12th grade, featuring rigorous academics combined with character education. Their 60-acre campus includes state-of-the-art STEM labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, robotics, and fine arts.
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Santa Fe Catholic High School
Diocese of Orlando
Santa Fe Catholic High School is a diocesan Catholic school that serves students from Auburndale and throughout Polk County. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and specialized STEM programs. Their campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong community atmosphere with numerous service opportunities and extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, performing arts, and academic clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Auburndale, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Auburndale, Florida?
While Auburndale itself is a smaller city, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Polk County area. The most prominent are All Saints Academy (Pre-K through 12th grade) in Winter Haven, Santa Fe Catholic High School (9-12) in Lakeland, and Lakeland Christian School (Pre-K through 12th). These schools are all within a reasonable commuting distance from Auburndale. It's important to note that there are very few, if any, private school campuses physically located within Auburndale's city limits, so planning for transportation is a key consideration.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Auburndale residents?
Florida's school choice programs significantly impact affordability for Auburndale families. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) provide state-funded scholarships that can be used at participating private schools, including All Saints Academy, Santa Fe Catholic, and Lakeland Christian. Eligibility is based on household income, and these programs can cover a substantial portion, if not all, of tuition. It's crucial for parents to apply early through state-approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) as funding is limited. These programs make private education in the Auburndale area accessible to a broader range of families.
Given Auburndale's location between major lakes and its agricultural industry, do local private schools offer any unique academic or extracurricular programs related to these features?
Yes, the local environment influences several programs. All Saints Academy, with its campus near the Chain of Lakes, has a strong marine biology program and offers relevant science electives. Furthermore, schools like Lakeland Christian School and All Saints often integrate environmental science and sustainability projects that can relate to Central Florida's ecology and agriculture. While not exclusively an "agricultural" program, their robust STEM curricula provide foundations applicable to local industries. Extracurriculars like fishing clubs or science fairs often feature projects relevant to the Auburndale region's natural resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the top private schools near Auburndale, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like All Saints Academy, Santa Fe Catholic, and Lakeland Christian typically begins in the fall (October-January) for the following academic year. The process involves an application, student assessment/testing, family interview, and submission of records. Due to their reputations and limited seats, these schools often have waitlists, particularly for popular entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. It is highly recommended that Auburndale families initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance. Many schools host open houses in the fall, which are essential first steps for prospective families.
For an Auburndale family, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school (like Auburndale Central Elementary or Stambaugh Middle) and a private school in the area?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Auburndale's public schools are part of the Polk County Public Schools district, offering a standard curriculum and larger class sizes. The nearby private options provide distinct alternatives: a faith-based education (at Santa Fe or Lakeland Christian), a college-preparatory focus with smaller classes (all three), and often more resources for arts and athletics relative to school size. Transportation is a major practical difference—public schools provide busing within Auburndale, while private schools usually require personal transportation. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether a family prioritizes the specialized environment and mission of a private school versus the convenience and no-tuition cost of the local public system, potentially augmented by Florida scholarship funds.
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