The Best Private Schools in Baker, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Baker. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Crestview Academy
Independent
Crestview Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving the North Okaloosa County area, including Baker. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their comprehensive STEM program includes advanced science and mathematics courses, robotics, and technology integration. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent college placement record. The school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on developing well-rounded individuals through academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities.
Programs:
St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
St. Mary's Catholic School is a long-established private institution that serves families throughout Okaloosa County, including the Baker area. The school provides a faith-based education integrated with strong academic programming from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Their curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and service learning. The campus includes dedicated science labs, a chapel, art studios, and athletic facilities. The fine arts program offers comprehensive instruction in music, visual arts, and drama. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and strong sense of community. The school has a reputation for preparing students exceptionally well for high school and beyond.
Programs:
Laurel Hill School
Independent
Laurel Hill School serves students from Baker and surrounding North Okaloosa County communities with a unique educational approach focused on hands-on, project-based learning. The school serves grades K-12 and features a distinctive agricultural science program that utilizes their campus farm and outdoor learning spaces. Their dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credits through partnerships with local colleges. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and agricultural learning areas. Parents value the personalized attention, strong teacher-student relationships, and the school's commitment to developing practical skills alongside traditional academics.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Baker, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families in Baker, Florida, and what educational approaches do they offer?
Baker, Florida, offers a few established private school options, primarily serving the northern Okaloosa County area. Crestview Academy is a notable private institution in the region offering a college-preparatory curriculum. St. Mary's Catholic School, located in nearby Crestview, provides a faith-based education integrated with a strong academic program. Laurel Hill School, while a public school in the district, is sometimes confused with a private option due to its small size and community reputation; however, for strictly private education, families in Baker often look to Crestview Academy and St. Mary's, or consider private schools in the larger Crestview or even Pensacola areas. The educational approaches range from secular college-prep to parochial, giving parents distinct choices.
How does tuition for private schools in the Baker, FL, area compare to state averages, and are there any Florida-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for private schools serving the Baker area, like Crestview Academy and St. Mary's Catholic School, typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades, which is generally at or slightly below the Florida private school average. A key Florida-specific financial consideration is the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program. This state-funded scholarship provides eligible students (based on income, previous public school enrollment, or other factors) with funds that can be used for private school tuition, fees, and materials. Many private schools in the region are approved scholarship providers, making private education more accessible to Baker families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Baker, Florida, emphasize due to the local community and environment?
Private schools in the Baker and greater North Okaloosa County area often tailor programs to reflect the local military, agricultural, and rural community. Schools like Crestview Academy may emphasize STEM programs that connect to the nearby Eglin Air Force Base and defense contractor presence. St. Mary's Catholic School incorporates community service projects that engage with local needs. Given the region's natural environment, many schools integrate outdoor education and environmental science into their curricula, utilizing the nearby Blackwater River State Forest and other natural resources for hands-on learning, which is a distinctive advantage for students in this area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Crestview Academy that serve Baker, Florida families?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Baker area generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. For example, Crestview Academy typically opens applications in January, with priority deadlines by March. The process often includes a completed application, submission of previous school records, a family interview, and sometimes student assessment/testing. Due to the smaller size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so applying early is strongly advised. Many schools also host open houses in the fall and winter, which are excellent opportunities for Baker parents to visit and learn more before applying.
For a family in Baker, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school (Baker School) and a private school option?
The decision between Baker School (a public K-12 school) and a private school involves several local considerations. Baker School offers the convenience of a community-centered, tuition-free education with programs like its notable agriculture program. Private options, such as those in Crestview, may offer smaller class sizes, specialized college-prep or faith-based curricula, and different extracurricular emphases. Transportation is a practical factor, as Baker School provides busing, while private schools usually require personal transportation. The potential use of Florida's scholarship programs can significantly offset private school costs. Ultimately, the choice depends on a family's priorities for academic environment, values alignment, and specific student needs within the context of this small-town Florida community.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities