The Best Private Schools in Flagler Beach, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Flagler Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School
Diocese of St. Augustine
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School is a highly-regarded IB World School serving the Flagler County area. The school offers a comprehensive education from Pre-K3 through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme provides an inquiry-based curriculum that develops critical thinking skills. The campus features modern STEM labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's ability to prepare students for high school success.
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The Academy at Palm Coast
Independent Private School
The Academy at Palm Coast is a premier college preparatory school serving students from Flagler Beach and surrounding communities. Serving grades 6-12, the school offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention, with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. The campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and has an excellent track record of college acceptances to prestigious universities.
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St. Barnabas Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida
St. Barnabas Episcopal School is a highly respected independent school that serves families from Flagler Beach and surrounding regions. The school offers programs from early childhood through 8th grade with a focus on holistic education. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning and STEAM integration, supported by dedicated faculty and small class sizes. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school community is known for its inclusive environment and strong parent involvement, with many families commuting from Flagler County for the school's excellent academic reputation and character development programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Flagler Beach, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Flagler Beach, FL, and what are their educational approaches?
Flagler Beach itself is a small coastal community, so most private schools are located in the broader Flagler County area, with many families commuting to neighboring Palm Coast. The top options include Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School (PreK-8) in Palm Coast, offering a faith-based curriculum; The Academy at Palm Coast (K-12), a non-denominational college-prep school; and St. Barnabas Episcopal School (PreK-8) in DeLand, which, while in Volusia County, is a consideration for some Flagler Beach families seeking an Episcopal education. These schools represent the core private choices, with Seton providing Catholic education, The Academy offering a secular, rigorous academic track, and St. Barnabas featuring a character-based program.
How does Florida's school choice scholarship programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, impact tuition affordability for private schools near Flagler Beach?
Florida's expansive school choice programs significantly affect affordability. Most private schools in the Flagler/Palm Coast area participate in state scholarship programs. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) provide substantial tuition assistance to eligible families based on income, with some programs now offering universal eligibility. For example, a family at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School or The Academy at Palm Coast may have a significant portion of tuition covered. It's crucial to contact each school's financial aid office directly to understand their specific participation, application process, and how these Florida-specific funds can reduce your net cost.
Given Flagler Beach's coastal environment, do any local private schools offer specialized programs in marine science or environmental studies?
While not all private schools have dedicated marine science programs, the local environment influences curricula. The Academy at Palm Coast, for instance, leverages its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway through field trips and project-based learning in science classes. They may incorporate local ecosystems into their biology and environmental science courses. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton also emphasizes stewardship of creation as part of its Catholic identity, which can include local environmental projects. For a more focused track, some families may also consider connections with the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet for extracurricular enrichment, though a dedicated K-12 marine science program is not a hallmark of the immediate area's private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Flagler Beach/Palm Coast area, and are waitlists common?
The enrollment process for schools like Seton, The Academy, and St. Barnabas typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to current families and siblings. Applications usually require records, teacher recommendations, and a student assessment or shadow day. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades, waitlists are common at these schools. For Flagler Beach families, it's advisable to initiate inquiries by the fall prior to desired enrollment. Some schools may have rolling admission if space allows, but early application is strongly recommended to secure a spot in this competitive market.
How do private schools in the Flagler County area accommodate the needs of families who are new to Florida or who have relocated to Flagler Beach?
Private schools in this region are accustomed to serving a population that includes many transplants. Schools like The Academy at Palm Coast and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton have structured onboarding processes to help students from different curricular backgrounds integrate smoothly. They often provide academic placement evaluations to ensure proper grade-level alignment. Additionally, these schools actively foster community through new family orientations, buddy systems for students, and parent associations that help newcomers connect. Their experience with Florida's state testing and graduation requirements (for high school) also helps guide families through any academic transitions specific to the state.
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