The Best Private Schools in Cocoa Beach, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cocoa Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ascension Catholic School
Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools
Ascension Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the entire Space Coast region including Cocoa Beach families. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program that combines rigorous academics with strong moral foundation. The campus features modern STEM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and strong community atmosphere. The school's location in nearby Melbourne makes it easily accessible for Cocoa Beach residents via the Pineda Causeway.
Programs:
Merritt Island Christian School
Independent Christian School
Merritt Island Christian School has been serving Space Coast families for over four decades with a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program. Located just across the bridge from Cocoa Beach, this accredited Christian school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities with Eastern Florida State College. The school features modern science laboratories, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Parents highlight the school's strong academic foundation, dedicated teachers, and safe, family-oriented environment that prepares students for college success.
Programs:
Viera Charter School
Charter Schools USA
Viera Charter School is a highly-rated public charter school serving K-8 students from throughout Brevard County, including many Cocoa Beach families. As part of the Charter Schools USA network, the school offers the prestigious Cambridge Advanced Studies curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking and global perspectives. The campus features state-of-the-art technology integration, modern facilities, and diverse extracurricular programs. While technically a public charter school, it operates with private school-like autonomy and selective enrollment processes. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, innovative teaching methods, and comprehensive student support services.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cocoa Beach, Florida
What are the primary private school options for families living in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and are there any directly within the city limits?
While Cocoa Beach itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families typically look to neighboring communities within Brevard County. Notable options include Ascension Catholic School (in Melbourne), Merritt Island Christian School (on Merritt Island), and Viera Charter School (in Viera). There are no major private K-12 schools physically located within Cocoa Beach city limits, so commuting a short distance over the causeways is standard. This proximity to Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, and Melbourne provides a variety of religious, college-prep, and charter-style private education choices.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Cocoa Beach residents?
Florida's robust school choice programs significantly impact affordability for Cocoa Beach 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 many in the area like Ascension Catholic and Merritt Island Christian. Eligibility is based on income, and these programs can cover a substantial portion of tuition. It's crucial to contact your preferred school's financial office early, as participation and funding levels can vary, and application timelines are strict.
Given Cocoa Beach's proximity to the Space Coast, do any local private schools offer specialized STEM or aerospace-related programs?
Yes, the Space Coast context strongly influences local private school offerings. While not always in Cocoa Beach proper, schools in the region leverage partnerships with organizations like NASA's Kennedy Space Center and SpaceX. For example, Viera Charter School emphasizes a STEM-focused curriculum with project-based learning relevant to the aerospace industry. Merritt Island Christian School integrates technology and science with a Christian worldview, often incorporating local field trips and expert speakers from the aerospace community. This provides unique, hands-on learning opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Cocoa Beach area, and when should I apply?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in Brevard County often begins nearly a year in advance. For a fall start, applications typically open in September or October, with priority deadlines between January and March. The process usually involves an application form, student records review, family interview, and entrance assessment. Due to limited seats and high demand from families across the Space Coast (including Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and Satellite Beach), it is highly recommended to initiate inquiries the fall before your child's intended start date. Many schools also host open houses in the fall.
How do the educational environments of Cocoa Beach's zoned public schools compare to the nearby private school options?
Cocoa Beach is served by Brevard Public Schools, including highly-rated schools like Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High. The choice often comes down to specific needs. Public schools offer a broad, diverse experience with extensive extracurriculars, including renowned surf and aerospace teams. Private options like Merritt Island Christian or Ascension Catholic provide smaller class sizes, a specific religious or moral framework, and often a more structured environment. A key differentiator is curriculum flexibility; private schools can offer specialized tracks (e.g., classical education, intensive STEM) that may not be available in the zoned public school's standard curriculum.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities