The Best Private Schools in Boca Raton, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Boca Raton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Andrew's School
Independent School
Saint Andrew's School is a premier independent, co-educational day and boarding school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. As one of only two schools in Florida authorized to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, Saint Andrew's provides a rigorous academic program complemented by outstanding arts and athletic facilities. The 81-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and a diverse student body representing over 40 countries, the school emphasizes global citizenship and character development alongside academic excellence.
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Pine Crest School
Independent School
Pine Crest School, with campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade and attracts families from throughout South Florida, including Boca Raton. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options and signature programs in entrepreneurship, engineering, and the arts. Pine Crest's Boca Raton campus serves lower and middle school students, while the Fort Lauderdale campus serves all grade levels. The school features exceptional facilities including science and innovation labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts centers, with a strong tradition of academic excellence and college placement.
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Grandview Preparatory School
Independent School
Grandview Preparatory School is an independent, co-educational day school serving students from age 2 through 12th grade. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum for middle and high school students. Known for its personalized approach to education, Grandview emphasizes project-based learning, entrepreneurship, and arts integration across all grade levels. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities, with a strong focus on developing critical thinking skills and global perspectives in a supportive, inclusive community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Boca Raton, Florida
What are the main types of private schools available in Boca Raton, Florida, and how do they differ?
Boca Raton offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories. First, elite college-preparatory day and boarding schools like Saint Andrew's School, which offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a robust residential program. Second, preparatory schools with a strong focus on individualized learning and college placement, such as Grandview Preparatory School, known for its small class sizes and innovative "Grandview Model." Third, branches of established South Florida networks like Pine Crest School, which provides a rigorous, traditional curriculum with extensive arts and athletics. Additionally, Boca Raton has many faith-based (particularly Catholic and Jewish) and Montessori institutions. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, curriculum (AP vs. IB), campus size, and the balance between academic rigor and holistic development.
How does the tuition for top private schools in Boca Raton, FL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Boca Raton's top-tier private schools is generally higher than the Florida state average for private education, reflecting the area's affluent demographics and the schools' extensive resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Saint Andrew's and Pine Crest can range from approximately $35,000 to $45,000 for upper grades. Florida offers two significant financial aid mechanisms that Boca Raton families utilize: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options. These state-sponsored programs provide income-based funding for private school tuition. Additionally, most Boca Raton private schools have their own substantial need-based financial aid programs, and some offer merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school and the state programs simultaneously, as deadlines are often early in the calendar year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Boca Raton's leading private schools?
Boca Raton private schools distinguish themselves with several signature programs. Saint Andrew's School is one of the few in the region to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, alongside a renowned global boarding program and a top-ranked robotics team. Pine Crest School emphasizes a strong writing-across-the-curriculum approach and boasts exceptional forensic science and entrepreneurship institutes. Grandview Preparatory School is noted for its "Inside-Out" campus, utilizing Boca Raton's community resources, and its "Bridge" program for personalized academic pacing. Many schools also leverage South Florida's environment with specialized marine biology courses, while others have strong ties to local arts organizations like the Boca Raton Museum of Art for advanced studio programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Boca Raton, and how can parents prepare?
The enrollment process for Boca Raton's most sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Key steps include: 1) **Research & Tours (Spring/Summer before desired entry):** Attend open houses and schedule private tours. 2) **Application Submission (Fall):** Most deadlines are between December and February for the following academic year. Applications require essays, teacher recommendations, and school records. 3) **Student Assessment (Winter):** This often includes the ISEE or SSAT standardized test and a student interview or visit day. 4) **Admissions Decisions (March):** Notifications are typically released in mid-March. 5) **Enrollment Contracts & Deposits (Spring):** A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a spot. Given the competitiveness, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, parents are advised to start early, ensure their child is academically prepared, and apply to more than one school.
For families moving to Boca Raton, how do the top private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in the area, like Boca Raton Community High School?
This is a central consideration for Boca Raton families. The area's public schools, such as Boca Raton Community High School (an "A" rated school), are excellent, offering advanced academic tracks like the International Baccalaureate and AICE programs. Choosing a private school often comes down to specific priorities. Private schools like Saint Andrew's or Pine Crest typically offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), more individualized attention, more extensive extracurricular offerings, and often newer facilities. They may also have more flexibility in curriculum design and a distinct community culture. The trade-off is, of course, significant cost. The decision frequently hinges on whether a family values the tailored environment and specific mission of a private institution enough to invest in tuition, when a strong, tuition-free public option is available.
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