The Best Private Schools in Clermont, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clermont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montverde Academy
Independent School
Montverde Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school serving Clermont and the greater Central Florida area. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive academic program including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and honors courses. The 125-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for its diverse student body and competitive athletics programs, Montverde provides a rigorous academic environment with small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Foundation Academy
Christian School Network
Foundation Academy is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving Clermont and Western Orange County. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and a strong STEM curriculum. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, Foundation Academy provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs and vibrant arts offerings.
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Windermere Preparatory School
Nord Anglia Education
Windermere Preparatory School is an internationally-recognized private school serving Clermont and the Greater Orlando area. As part of the Nord Anglia Education global network, the school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses. The 48-acre campus features cutting-edge facilities including innovation labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes global learning opportunities and personalized education with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Windermere Prep is known for its strong college placement record and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clermont, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Clermont, Florida, and what are their key characteristics?
Clermont, FL, is served by several notable private schools, though many of the top-tier institutions are located in nearby communities, drawing students from the Clermont area. Montverde Academy, located just south of Clermont, is a prestigious, internationally recognized college-preparatory school known for its rigorous academics, elite athletic programs, and boarding options. Foundation Academy, with a campus in Winter Garden, offers a Christian-based education from Pre-K through 12th grade, emphasizing strong academics and character development. Windermere Preparatory School, part of the Nord Anglia network, provides an international baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and a global focus. While Clermont itself has smaller parochial and independent schools, many families consider these larger institutions in the greater southwest Orange and Lake County region as primary options.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Clermont residents?
Florida's robust school choice programs significantly impact affordability for Clermont families. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program provides state-funded scholarships that can be used for private school tuition, fees, and sometimes transportation. Eligibility is based on household income, with priority for lower-income families, though provisions also exist for students with unique abilities. Many private schools in and around Clermont are approved to accept these scholarships. It's crucial for parents to apply for the scholarship through a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization (SFO) well before the school enrollment deadline, as funds are limited. This can make otherwise costly schools like Montverde Academy or Windermere Prep more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are available at private schools in the Clermont, FL, area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools near Clermont leverage Central Florida's unique environment and economy. Several schools have strong STEM and environmental science programs that utilize the local lake chain and natural habitats for fieldwork. Furthermore, proximity to major tourism, hospitality, and sports performance industries influences specialized tracks. For instance, Montverde Academy has world-class sports academies (basketball, soccer, tennis) that attract student-athletes globally. Windermere Prep's IB program often incorporates project-based learning connected to Orlando's tech and entertainment sectors. Some schools also have robust marine biology or agricultural science programs, taking advantage of Florida's ecosystem, and partnerships with local hospitals or tech companies for internships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Clermont area, and when should we start?
For the most sought-after private schools serving Clermont, the process is competitive and should begin at least a year in advance, often in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (typically held September-November), 2) Submitting applications by January or February deadlines, 3) Completing student assessments and interviews (often in winter), and 4) Receiving admission decisions by March or April. Schools like Montverde Academy and Windermere Prep may have waitlists. Rolling admission may exist for other schools, but spaces fill quickly. Given the use of state scholarships, it's imperative to align the private school application timeline with the separate FES scholarship application window, which often opens early in the calendar year.
How do transportation and commute logistics factor into choosing a private school in Clermont, given that many top schools are in adjacent towns?
Transportation is a significant consideration for Clermont families, as most elite private schools are located in Windermere, Winter Garden, or Montverde. Very few offer extensive bus routes into Clermont. Parents should anticipate a daily commute of 20-45 minutes depending on exact location and traffic on State Road 50 and the Florida Turnpike. Some schools may offer limited private bus service for an additional fee, or families coordinate carpools. This commute factor often leads parents to also consider local Clermont-based private or charter schools for convenience. When evaluating schools, it's essential to factor in the daily time commitment and transportation costs alongside tuition, as this impacts family routines and student schedules significantly.