The Best Private Schools in Debary, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Debary. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity Preparatory School
Independent School
Trinity Preparatory School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Orlando metropolitan area, including families from Debary. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, with exceptional college matriculation results. Facilities include advanced science research laboratories, comprehensive arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and offers over 20 AP courses. Trinity Prep is consistently ranked among the top private schools in Florida, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide. The school provides transportation options for students from surrounding areas including Debary.
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The Master's Academy
Christian Schools of Volusia County
The Master's Academy is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the Debary and greater Volusia County area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the school's nurturing environment and strong college acceptance rates.
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St. Barnabas Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida
St. Barnabas Episcopal School provides a classical education model with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development. Located in nearby DeLand, the school serves families throughout Volusia County including Debary. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) integration, foreign language instruction starting in pre-kindergarten, and competitive athletic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art technology labs, dedicated art studios, and modern athletic facilities. The school is known for its tight-knit community and exceptional teacher retention rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Debary, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Debary, Florida, and what are their educational approaches?
Families in Debary, Florida, have several notable private school options, though many are located in nearby communities due to Debary's residential nature. The most prominent local options include The Master's Academy (Oviedo), a Christian school offering a college-preparatory curriculum from a biblical worldview; St. Barnabas Episcopal School (DeLand), which provides a structured, values-based education for preschool through 8th grade; and Trinity Preparatory School (Winter Park), an independent, college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12 known for its rigorous academics. It's important for Debary parents to note that commuting to schools in Seminole, Volusia, and Orange counties is common, and transportation logistics are a key consideration.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, impact tuition affordability for private schools serving Debary families?
Florida's robust school choice programs significantly impact affordability for Debary 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. Many schools in the area, including The Master's Academy and St. Barnabas, accept these scholarships. Eligibility is based on household income, with priority for lower-income families, but the FES also has an "Unique Abilities" option for students with special needs. Parents should contact individual schools to confirm participation and understand any remaining tuition gaps after scholarship application, as total costs often include fees beyond base tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Debary that leverage Central Florida's environment and industries?
Private schools in the Greater Orlando area accessible from Debary often feature programs that capitalize on Central Florida's unique assets. For example, Trinity Preparatory School has strong engineering and science research programs with potential connections to the aerospace and simulation industries. Several schools, including The Master's Academy, have competitive robotics teams that participate in regional and state competitions. Furthermore, schools may offer specialized courses in environmental science that utilize Florida's ecosystems for fieldwork, and arts programs that connect with Orlando's vibrant performance and cultural institutions, providing students with unique internship and enrichment opportunities not typically found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Debary area, and when should parents start planning?
For the top-tier private schools serving Debary, such as Trinity Preparatory School, the enrollment process is highly competitive and begins early. The typical timeline starts in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. The process usually involves: 1) Attending open houses (often in the fall), 2) Submitting an application by January or February deadlines, 3) Completing student assessments and interviews, and 4) Receiving decisions in March. For schools like St. Barnabas with younger grades, waitlists can form quickly. Debary parents are advised to start research and school visits at least 12-18 months in advance, especially for middle and high school entry points.
For a family in Debary, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (like River Springs Middle or University High School) with the surrounding private school options?
Key considerations for Debary families include academic rigor, class size, values alignment, and commute. Volusia County public schools like University High School offer diverse programs (IB, AICE) and extensive extracurriculars with no tuition. However, private options typically offer smaller class sizes (e.g., 15:1 vs. 25:1+), a specific religious or philosophical foundation, and often a more consistent college-prep track. The commute is a major factor—public schools are zoned and nearby, while top private schools require a 25-45 minute drive to Winter Park, Oviedo, or DeLand. Financially, using Florida scholarships can narrow the cost gap, making private school a more viable option for qualifying families seeking a tailored educational environment.
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