The Best Private Schools in Dundee, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dundee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McKeel Academy of Technology
McKeel Schools
McKeel Academy of Technology is a highly-rated charter school that serves students from Dundee and the greater Lakeland area. The school integrates technology throughout its curriculum while maintaining strong academic standards. Programs include comprehensive college preparatory courses, career academies in business and technology, Advanced Placement options, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern technology labs, media centers, and athletic facilities. Known for its innovative approach to education and strong community involvement, McKeel consistently ranks among the top schools in Central Florida for academic performance and student achievement.
Programs:
All Saints' Academy
Independent
All Saints' Academy is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving Central Florida, including Dundee. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Their curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a strong college acceptance record to prestigious universities.
Programs:
Santa Fe Catholic High School
Diocese of Orlando
Santa Fe Catholic High School is a Diocesan Catholic school serving students from Dundee and throughout Polk County. The school provides a faith-based education combined with rigorous academic preparation. Their comprehensive program includes Honors and Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, competitive sports teams, and various extracurricular activities. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and chapel. With a focus on character development and community service, Santa Fe prepares students for college success while maintaining strong Catholic traditions and values.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dundee, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Dundee, Florida, and what grade levels do they serve?
Dundee, FL, is served by several notable private institutions in the greater Polk County area. The most prominent include All Saints' Academy (Pre-K through 12th grade) in Winter Haven, Santa Fe Catholic High School (9-12) in Lakeland, and McKeel Academy of Technology (K-12) in Lakeland, which is a public charter school often considered alongside private options due to its application process. While Dundee itself has a limited number of on-site private schools, families commonly commute to these nearby campuses. It's important to note that McKeel, while requiring an application, is tuition-free, whereas All Saints' and Santa Fe are traditional private, tuition-based schools.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect tuition affordability for private schools near Dundee?
Florida's state-funded scholarship programs significantly impact private school affordability for Dundee residents. Programs like the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) provide eligible families with funds that can be applied to tuition at participating private schools. Most schools in the area, including Santa Fe Catholic High School and All Saints' Academy, accept these scholarships. Eligibility is based on household income, and the application is managed through state-approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs). This makes private education more accessible than the listed tuition rates might initially suggest.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Dundee, FL, area that leverage local industries or community assets?
Private schools near Dundee capitalize on Central Florida's economic landscape. McKeel Academy of Technology strongly emphasizes technology, digital arts, and engineering, aligning with the region's growing tech and manufacturing sectors. All Saints' Academy offers robust STEM programs and a Center for Advanced Studies, while its proximity to Legoland Florida and other tourism hubs can influence business and hospitality-related electives. Santa Fe Catholic offers a distinguished Biomedical Sciences program (Project Lead The Way), which connects well with the healthcare industry presence in Lakeland. Many schools also have strong agricultural science programs, nodding to Florida's citrus and farming heritage.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like All Saints' Academy or McKeel Academy for a family moving to Dundee?
For schools like All Saints' Academy and McKeel Academy, planning is crucial due to competitive admissions and limited seats. The application process typically opens in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or shadow day. McKeel holds a random lottery in the spring for available spots if applications exceed capacity. For Santa Fe Catholic, the process for high school begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Dundee families are advised to contact admissions offices a full year in advance, as waitlists are common, and late applications are considered only if space remains.
For a family in Dundee comparing local public schools with private options, what are the key logistical and community differences to consider?
A Dundee family's choice often hinges on logistics and educational approach. The public school for Dundee is Dundee Elementary, Dundee Ridge Middle, and Haines City High (IB World School), all part of the Polk County Public Schools district, offering proximity and no tuition. Private options require a commute to Winter Haven or Lakeland (15-30 minutes). Academically, private schools like All Saints' offer smaller class sizes, a college-prep focus, and often more consistent academic ratings. McKeel provides a unique, technology-focused curriculum within a public charter framework. The community in smaller private schools can be tight-knit, whereas the public high school (Haines City) offers a larger, more diverse student body and an International Baccalaureate program. Utilizing Florida scholarships can narrow the cost gap, making the decision more about educational philosophy and daily commute.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities