The Best Private Schools in Cantonment, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cantonment. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pensacola Catholic High School
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Pensacola Catholic High School is a premier college-preparatory institution serving the greater Pensacola area including Cantonment. With a 70-year legacy, the school offers a rigorous academic program featuring 20+ AP courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Pensacola Junior Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Pensacola Junior Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education serving families throughout Escambia County including Cantonment. The school emphasizes academic excellence combined with character development and spiritual growth. Features include small class sizes, technology-integrated classrooms, music and arts programs, and outdoor learning environments. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates transitioning to top regional high schools.
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St. Paul Catholic School
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
St. Paul Catholic School offers a comprehensive educational experience for students from Pre-K through 8th grade, serving the Cantonment and greater Pensacola community. The school provides a balanced curriculum emphasizing academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, STEM laboratory, library media center, and athletic fields. The school maintains strong academic outcomes with graduates consistently performing above national averages and transitioning successfully to competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cantonment, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Cantonment, Florida?
Cantonment itself is a suburb of Pensacola, so most private schools serving Cantonment families are located in the greater Pensacola area. The notable institutions include Pensacola Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Pensacola Junior Academy (K-10, expanding), and St. Paul Catholic School (Pre-K3 through 8th grade). While these schools are not within Cantonment's immediate city limits, they are the primary private options for Cantonment residents, with many families commuting a short distance. It's also worth exploring other faith-based and independent schools in Pensacola and Ensley that actively enroll students from the Cantonment area.
How does the Step Up For Students scholarship program impact tuition affordability for Cantonment, Florida families?
Florida's state-sponsored scholarship programs, particularly Step Up For Students (which administers the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options), are a significant financial consideration for Cantonment families. Most private schools in the area, including Pensacola Catholic High and St. Paul Catholic School, accept these scholarships. These programs provide tuition assistance based on financial need or other eligibility criteria, making private education more accessible. Parents should apply directly through the Step Up For Students website as early as possible, as funding is limited, and then work with their chosen school's financial office to apply the scholarship to tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Cantonment, FL community?
Private schools in the Pensacola/Cantonment area offer distinct programs to attract families. Pensacola Catholic High School is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, and notable athletics programs. St. Paul Catholic School provides a continuous Catholic education from early childhood through middle school, with a focus on STEM initiatives and character formation. Pensacola Junior Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist school, emphasizes a holistic education with integrated technology and a strong music program. A unique local consideration is proximity to military bases; several schools have programs and support systems tailored for military-connected families from NAS Pensacola.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Pensacola Catholic High that serve Cantonment students?
The enrollment process for top private schools in this region is competitive and begins early. For schools like Pensacola Catholic High and St. Paul Catholic School, the priority application period for the next academic year often opens in January or February, with deadlines in early spring. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and attending a family interview or student assessment. Many schools also host open houses in the fall. Cantonment families are advised to start research and campus visits a full year in advance, especially for high school placement, as some grades have waiting lists.
How do the educational environments of local private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Cantonment, Florida area?
Cantonment is zoned for Escambia County School District, which includes well-regarded public schools like Jim C. Bailey Middle and Tate High School. The key differences lie in specialization and environment. Private options offer smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and often a more structured disciplinary environment. Public schools provide a broader, tuition-free curriculum with extensive extracurricular and athletic offerings. For Cantonment families, the decision often hinges on seeking a specific faith-based foundation, a particular learning approach, or a smaller community, versus utilizing the robust, no-cost public system. The commute to a private school in Pensacola is also a practical consideration compared to local public school transportation.