The Best Private Schools in Davenport, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Davenport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lakeland Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lakeland Christian School is a premier independent Christian school that serves families throughout Central Florida, including Davenport. Founded in 1954, LCS offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade on a beautiful 67-acre campus. The school features exceptional facilities including STEM labs, fine arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The academic program includes Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and a robust STEM curriculum integrated with biblical worldview. Parents consistently rate the school highly for academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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All Saints Academy
Independent Private School
All Saints Academy is a highly-regarded independent private school serving the greater Polk County area, including Davenport. Founded in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and a strong STEM curriculum. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, fine arts, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
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Santa Fe Catholic High School
Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools
Santa Fe Catholic High School is a Diocesan Catholic school serving students from Davenport and throughout Polk County. Established in 1961, the school provides a faith-based college preparatory education for grades 9-12. The curriculum includes honors and AP courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, and athletic facilities. Santa Fe emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with a strong focus on community service and spiritual growth. The school maintains high college acceptance rates and receives positive feedback from parents for its nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Davenport, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Davenport, Florida, and what are their key characteristics?
Davenport itself is a growing residential community, so many families look to nearby Polk County institutions. The top options include All Saints Academy (Winter Haven), a PreK-12 Episcopal school known for strong academics and character education; Santa Fe Catholic High School (Lakeland), a diocesan Catholic school offering a college-prep curriculum; and Lakeland Christian School (Lakeland), a PreK-12 interdenominational Christian school with robust arts and athletics. While not in Davenport proper, these schools actively enroll Davenport residents, with commute times typically 15-25 minutes. Davenport's expansion has also led to new micro-schools and hybrid programs emerging locally.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Davenport residents?
Florida's state-funded scholarship programs significantly impact affordability for Davenport families. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) for Educational Choice and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) provide income-based funding that can be used at participating private schools, including most in the area like All Saints Academy and Lakeland Christian School. Eligibility is broad, with many middle-income families qualifying. It's crucial to apply early (application window typically opens in February) and check each school's specific scholarship acceptance policy. These programs can reduce out-of-pocket tuition by thousands of dollars annually, making private education more accessible in the Davenport area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Davenport that leverage Central Florida's local resources?
Schools in this region often create programs tied to Central Florida's economy and environment. For example, several schools have robust STEM partnerships with local industries, including aviation from nearby Lakeland Linder International Airport and agriculture from Polk County's citrus sector. Santa Fe Catholic High School emphasizes biomedical sciences, leveraging proximity to medical centers. Furthermore, schools like All Saints Academy incorporate environmental science studies focused on Florida's ecosystems, using local parks and lakes for fieldwork. The proximity to major cultural and tourist venues in Orlando also facilitates unique internship and educational trip opportunities not found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Davenport, FL area, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for sought-after schools like Lakeland Christian School or All Saints Academy often begins a full year in advance. Priority re-enrollment for current families typically occurs in January, with open applications for new families due by February or March for the following August. The process usually includes a campus tour, application submission, student assessment/interview, and records review. Due to high demand and Davenport's population growth, waitlists are common, especially for entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. It's highly advisable for Davenport parents to initiate inquiries in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
For families moving to master-planned communities in Davenport, how do the local private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in Polk County?
Davenport is within Polk County Public Schools, which includes some high-performing charter and choice options. The decision often hinges on educational philosophy and specific needs. Private schools near Davenport typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. public averages of 25+), a defined religious or values-based education, and often more consistent college preparatory tracking starting in middle school. Public schools may offer more diverse elective pathways and larger-scale athletic programs. For families in Davenport's new developments, private schools provide a consistent community that can be more stable than public school zoning, which may change due to rapid growth and overcrowding in the area.
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