The Best Private Schools in Fort Pierce, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fort Pierce. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anastasia Catholic School
Diocese of Palm Beach
St. Anastasia Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving Fort Pierce for nearly 70 years. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, and offers diverse extracurricular programs including sports, music, and art. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community values.
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Saint Edward's School
Independent School
Located in nearby Vero Beach, Saint Edward's School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Treasure Coast region including Fort Pierce. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The 30-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and waterfront access for marine science programs. The school is known for its rigorous academics, with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges and universities. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, robotics, drama, and community service programs.
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The Pine School
Independent School
The Pine School is an independent college preparatory school located in Hobe Sound, serving students from throughout the Treasure Coast region including Fort Pierce. Founded in 1970, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong focus on academic excellence and character development. The 100-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and extensive natural areas. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, with advanced course offerings and a robust arts program. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, visual and performing arts, and leadership programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fort Pierce, Florida
What are the primary types of private schools available in Fort Pierce, Florida, and how do they differ?
Fort Pierce offers a few distinct types of private schools. You'll find faith-based institutions like St. Anastasia Catholic School, which provides a traditional education infused with Catholic values. There are also independent college-preparatory schools like Saint Edward's School and The Pine School, which offer rigorous academic curricula, often with smaller class sizes and extensive extracurricular programs, including arts and athletics. These schools differ in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus culture, and cost. Exploring each school's mission statement and visiting campuses is the best way to understand these differences specific to the Fort Pierce area.
How does tuition at Fort Pierce private schools compare to the Florida state average, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition at Fort Pierce's top private schools varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, ranges are approximately $8,000-$12,000 for elementary at St. Anastasia, while Saint Edward's and The Pine School can range from $20,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the average for similar independent schools in South Florida. Critically, Florida offers the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. All major Fort Pierce private schools participate, and each also has its own need-based financial aid programs. It's essential to apply for these programs early, as deadlines often precede the admissions timeline.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Fort Pierce private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Fort Pierce's location on the Treasure Coast allows its private schools to offer distinctive programs. Saint Edward's School, for example, has a renowned Marine Science program that utilizes the nearby Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean for hands-on research. The Pine School emphasizes environmental stewardship and may incorporate local ecosystems into its science curriculum. St. Anastasia Catholic School often integrates community service projects specific to the Fort Pierce area. Additionally, schools may have partnerships with local institutions like the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute or the Manatee Observation and Education Center, providing unique learning opportunities not commonly found inland.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Fort Pierce, and are there key local deadlines?
The enrollment process for Fort Pierce private schools is competitive and typically begins a full year in advance. Most schools, like Saint Edward's and The Pine School, open applications in August or September for the following fall. Key steps include submitting an application by January or February, completing student assessments and interviews, and providing teacher recommendations. Financial aid and Florida scholarship applications often have similar early deadlines. St. Anastasia Catholic School may have a slightly more flexible timeline but still encourages early application. Many schools host open houses in the fall; attending these is crucial for understanding each school's specific requirements and community feel.
For families moving to the area, how do the academic environments of Fort Pierce's private schools compare to the local public school options?
The primary differences lie in class size, curricular flexibility, and resources. Fort Pierce private schools like Saint Edward's and The Pine School boast very low student-to-teacher ratios (often 10:1 or lower), allowing for highly individualized instruction. They are not bound by all state standardized testing mandates, allowing for more innovative and in-depth teaching. Public schools in the St. Lucie County district, while offering various magnet and choice programs, operate with larger class sizes and a state-mandated curriculum. Private schools often have more robust arts, athletics, and college counseling programs funded through tuition and donations. The choice often comes down to a family's priorities for educational approach, community, and budget, within the context of the Fort Pierce and wider Treasure Coast community.
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