The Best Private Schools in Dunnellon, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dunnellon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cornerstone School
Independent Private School
The Cornerstone School is an acclaimed private institution serving Dunnellon and Ocala families with a rigorous academic program focused on developing critical thinking and leadership skills. The school features a challenging curriculum with advanced academics, comprehensive enrichment programs, and competitive sports teams. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for its strong community atmosphere and high parent satisfaction, the school maintains small class sizes and personalized learning approaches.
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Meadowbrook Academy
Independent Christian School
Meadowbrook Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Dunnellon and greater Marion County area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM education, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to strong academic outcomes and character development programs.
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Blessed Trinity Catholic School
Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools
Blessed Trinity Catholic School provides exceptional private education to Dunnellon and surrounding communities through its comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program. The school offers a faith-based education integrated with strong academics, including an innovative STEAM program and Spanish language instruction from early grades. The campus features modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for arts and physical education. Parent reviews consistently praise the nurturing environment, academic excellence, and strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dunnellon, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Dunnellon, Florida, and what are their educational philosophies?
Dunnellon, FL, offers a few key private school options, each with a distinct approach. **Meadowbrook Academy** is a Christian school serving grades K-12 with a college-preparatory focus. **The Cornerstone School**, located in nearby Ocala but serving many Dunnellon families, is a non-denominational Christian school known for its classical education model. **Blessed Trinity Catholic School** in Ocala provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic traditions for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Due to Dunnellon's smaller size, some families also consider private schools in larger neighboring areas like Ocala or Citrus County. It's important to visit each to understand their specific community and teaching philosophy.
How does tuition at private schools in the Dunnellon, Florida, area compare, and are there Florida-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Dunnellon area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Meadowbrook Academy's tuition ranges approximately from $6,500 for elementary to $8,200 for high school. Schools in Ocala, like Cornerstone and Blessed Trinity, may have slightly higher rates. A key Florida-specific financial consideration is the **Florida Tax Credit Scholarship/Family Empowerment Scholarship** program. These state-sponsored scholarships provide significant financial assistance to eligible families, particularly for lower-income households or students with unique abilities, making private school more accessible. All local private schools typically have information and assistance available for applying for these state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Dunnellon, Florida, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in the Dunnellon area often integrate North Central Florida's natural and cultural resources. **Meadowbrook Academy** emphasizes agricultural science and hands-on learning, which aligns with the region's rural character. Many schools, including those in Ocala, have strong equestrian programs or clubs, capitalizing on Marion County's reputation as the "Horse Capital of the World." Additionally, proximity to the Rainbow River and other springs provides unique opportunities for environmental science studies and field trips. Faith-based schools often incorporate community service projects within Dunnellon and surrounding towns, fostering a strong sense of local connection.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Dunnellon, Florida, and when should parents start applying?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Dunnellon area generally begins in the winter for the following fall semester. Most schools, like Meadowbrook Academy, open applications in January or February, with priority deadlines in March. Because these schools have smaller class sizes, spaces can fill quickly, especially in popular grade levels like kindergarten and 6th grade. The process typically involves a completed application, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and often a student assessment or shadow day. Parents are strongly advised to start researching and contacting schools by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year to attend open houses and secure a spot.
For a family in Dunnellon, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Marion County Public Schools) and a private school option?
Key considerations include class size, curriculum focus, and commute. Dunnellon's public schools, like Dunnellon Elementary and Dunnellon High School, offer no tuition cost and a wide range of programs. Private options offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and a specific values-based or college-prep education. However, most private options require a commute to Ocala (20-30 minutes), whereas public schools are locally zoned. Financially, using Florida scholarship programs can offset private tuition. Academically, parents should compare standardized test scores, graduation rates, and specific program offerings (like Advanced Placement in public vs. specific religious or classical curricula in private) to find the best fit for their child's needs.