The Best Private Schools in Englewood, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Englewood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Academy
Diocese of Venice
St. Mary Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Englewood and the surrounding communities. The school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, STEM laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and offers extensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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Island Village Montessori School
Independent Montessori
Island Village Montessori School is a premier Montessori institution serving Englewood and the greater Venice area. The school provides authentic Montessori education for students from toddler through middle school levels. The campus features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, science labs, and art studios. The school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and character development. Highly qualified Montessori-trained teachers provide exceptional education with strong parent satisfaction ratings. The school offers before and after-school care and numerous enrichment programs.
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The Out-of-Door Academy
Independent College Preparatory
The Out-of-Door Academy is a prestigious independent college preparatory school with two campuses serving Englewood and the broader Sarasota County region. With nearly a century of educational excellence, ODA offers comprehensive programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology centers, performing arts theaters, athletic complexes, and extensive campus grounds. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, robust arts programs, and community leadership opportunities. Known for exceptional college placement and academic rigor, ODA maintains small class sizes with highly qualified faculty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Englewood, Florida
What are the primary private school options available within Englewood, Florida, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Englewood, FL, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique approach. St. Mary Academy is a private Catholic school offering a faith-based, traditional education for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Island Village Montessori School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a child-centered, hands-on Montessori curriculum. The Out-of-Door Academy, while its lower school campus is located in nearby Lakewood Ranch, is a prominent option for Englewood families seeking a rigorous, college-preparatory independent school experience from Pre-K through 12th grade. Given Englewood's smaller size, some families also consider private schools in neighboring Sarasota or Charlotte counties.
How does the tuition for private schools in Englewood, FL, compare to state averages, and are there any Florida-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in Englewood varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary Academy and Island Village Montessori typically have tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 annually, which is generally at or slightly below the Florida private elementary school average. The Out-of-Door Academy's tuition is higher, aligning with elite college-prep schools. Critically, Florida offers substantial state-funded financial aid programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which many Englewood private schools accept. These programs can make private education more accessible for eligible families based on income or other criteria.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Englewood-area private schools offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Several Englewood private schools integrate the unique Southwest Florida environment into their programs. Island Village Montessori often incorporates outdoor and environmental education into its curriculum, utilizing local ecosystems for science studies. The Out-of-Door Academy, with its two campuses, has a strong emphasis on environmental science and sustainability; its Siesta Key campus provides direct access to marine biology studies. While St. Mary Academy has a traditional core, its location allows for community service projects and field trips focused on local ecology and coastal conservation, offering students a grounded, place-based learning experience distinct from inland schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Englewood, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process in Englewood typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Key steps include attending open houses (often held between October and January), submitting an application by January or February deadlines, and completing student assessments or classroom visits. For schools like Island Village Montessori and St. Mary Academy, spaces can fill quickly, especially in popular early childhood grades, potentially leading to waitlists. The Out-of-Door Academy has a more comprehensive process including standardized testing and interviews. Due to Englewood's desirability as a residential community, it's advisable for parents to initiate inquiries at least a year in advance.
For families moving to Englewood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Englewood Elementary) and the available private options?
The decision hinges on several Englewood-specific factors. Public schools like Englewood Elementary are tuition-free and offer strong community integration. However, private schools in Englewood provide smaller class sizes, specialized teaching philosophies (Montessori, faith-based, or college-prep), and often more consistent academic ratings. A major practical consideration is the lack of a public high school in Englewood proper; students are districted for Lemon Bay High School in nearby Charlotte County. Therefore, a private option like The Out-of-Door Academy can provide a continuous Pre-K-12 pathway without a school transition. Additionally, private schools may offer more flexibility for families who split their time seasonally in Florida.
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