The Best Private Schools in Freeport, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Freeport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Niceville
American Montessori Society
Serving families throughout the Freeport and Niceville area for three decades, The Montessori School of Niceville is an AMS-accredited institution offering authentic Montessori education from toddler through middle school programs. The school features individualized learning plans, hands-on Montessori materials, and a strong emphasis on developing independent, critical thinkers. With exceptional teacher retention and beautiful campus facilities, this school consistently receives outstanding parent reviews for its nurturing environment and academic excellence, located approximately 20 miles from Freeport.
Programs:
Emerald Coast Classical Academy
Hillsdale College Barney Charter School Initiative
Emerald Coast Classical Academy is a highly-regarded charter school following the Hillsdale College classical education model, serving students from Freeport and surrounding Walton County communities. The school emphasizes a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with strong focus on Western tradition, civic virtue, and character development. Located approximately 15 miles from Freeport, ECCA offers small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive college preparatory program that has earned exceptional parent satisfaction ratings and academic results.
Programs:
St. Mary School
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
St. Mary School is a long-established Catholic school serving the broader Freeport and Fort Walton Beach region with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school combines strong academic preparation with faith-based character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and extensive athletic programs. Despite being approximately 25 miles from Freeport, many families commute for the school's proven track record, experienced faculty, and well-rounded education that prepares students for competitive high school programs.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Freeport, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Freeport, Florida, and do I need to consider schools in neighboring towns?
Freeport itself has a limited number of private schools, with Emerald Coast Classical Academy being a prominent local K-12 option. Due to this, many Freeport families also consider highly-regarded schools in nearby communities, such as The Montessori School of Niceville (approx. 20 minutes away) and St. Mary School in Fort Walton Beach (approx. 30 minutes away). The search for private education in this part of the Florida Panhandle often involves evaluating a regional cluster of schools, factoring in commute times along Highways 20 and 331. It's common to find a mix of classical, Montessori, and faith-based models within a reasonable driving distance.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, impact tuition affordability for private schools in the Freeport area?
Florida's robust school choice programs significantly affect private school affordability for Freeport residents. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) provide state-funded scholarships that can be used at participating private schools, including Emerald Coast Classical Academy and St. Mary School. Eligibility is often based on income, with the FES also having a "Unique Abilities" option for students with special needs. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application process for these scholarships, as they can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs for qualifying families in Walton and Okaloosa Counties.
Are there private schools in the Freeport, FL, area that offer specialized programs aligned with the local coastal environment and industries?
Yes, the unique coastal and environmental context of Freeport and the Emerald Coast influences some school programs. While not all schools have a formal marine science track, many incorporate local ecology into their science curricula through field trips to coastal habitats, dunes, and state parks. Emerald Coast Classical Academy, with its classical focus, emphasizes the great outdoors and natural philosophy, which can be uniquely applied in this setting. Furthermore, schools often partner with local organizations like the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance or the Gulfarium for educational experiences, providing students with hands-on learning tied to the region's environmental and tourism-based economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Emerald Coast Classical Academy in Freeport, and are there long waitlists?
Enrollment timelines for Freeport-area private schools can vary. For Emerald Coast Classical Academy, as a public charter school with a classical focus (often considered alongside private options), it typically holds an open enrollment period in early spring for the following academic year, with a lottery if applications exceed seats. For traditional private schools like The Montessori School of Niceville or St. Mary School, the process often begins 6-12 months in advance, with applications due in winter for fall admission. Due to the growing population in Walton County and the limited number of seats, some grades, particularly in popular early childhood programs, can have waitlists. It's highly advised to contact schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year.
How do the class sizes and educational approaches of private schools near Freeport, FL, compare to the highly-rated public schools in Walton County?
This is a key consideration. Walton County public schools, like those in the Freeport zone, are generally well-regarded. The primary distinction lies in class size, educational philosophy, and religious affiliation. Private options near Freeport typically offer smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-18 students vs. public school averages of 20-25+), allowing for more individualized attention. Philosophically, you can choose a structured classical curriculum (Emerald Coast Classical), child-led Montessori education (Niceville), or a faith-based Catholic education (St. Mary). Public schools offer a standard state curriculum and broader extracurricular offerings. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a specific pedagogical approach or values-based environment versus the no-tuition cost and comprehensive programs of the public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities