The Best Private Schools in Georgetown, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Georgetown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Bolles School
The Bolles School
The Bolles School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving Northeast Florida, including the Georgetown area. With a rich 89-year history, Bolles offers rigorous academic programs with 24 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Bolles consistently achieves high college placement rates and is known for its strong community values and character education programs.
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Providence School
Providence School
Providence School is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the greater Jacksonville area, including Georgetown families. Founded in 1978, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong academic programs including 18 AP courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Providence emphasizes spiritual development alongside academic excellence, with a focus on preparing students for college and life beyond.
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Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Episcopal School of Jacksonville is a distinguished independent school serving students from Georgetown and throughout Northeast Florida. Established in 1966, the school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing diverse academic pathways for college-bound students. The 88-acre campus features extensive facilities including science and technology centers, athletic complexes, and arts facilities. Episcopal emphasizes holistic education with strong community service programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education, consistently ranking among the top private schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Georgetown, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Georgetown, FL, and are they located within the community itself?
Georgetown is a suburban neighborhood within Jacksonville. While there are no major private school campuses physically located within Georgetown's immediate boundaries, families typically access top-rated private schools in the broader Jacksonville area. The most prominent options include The Bolles School (with campuses in San Jose and Ponte Vedra), Providence School (in the Bartram Park area), and the Episcopal School of Jacksonville (ESJ) (in the St. Nicholas area). These schools are a manageable commute from Georgetown and represent the primary independent and faith-based institutions considered by local families. Transportation services or carpool networks are common considerations.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship or Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Georgetown residents?
Florida's robust school choice programs significantly impact affordability for Georgetown families. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) and related programs provide state-funded scholarships that can be used at participating private schools, including many in Jacksonville. Eligibility is based on household income, with priority for lower-income families. Most top schools like Providence and ESJ accept these scholarships. The Bolles School also accepts them for eligible families. It's crucial to apply for these scholarships early (typically in the spring) through state-approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs), as funds are limited. This can reduce the annual tuition, which often ranges from $15,000 to $30,000+, by a substantial amount.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Jacksonville-area private schools accessible from Georgetown offer that align with Florida's coastal and economic environment?
Private schools in the Jacksonville area leverage Florida's coastal geography and aerospace/ports economy. The Bolles School is nationally renowned for its swimming and diving programs, utilizing its waterfront location. Many schools, including Episcopal, have strong marine science and environmental studies programs, with field studies to local estuaries and the Atlantic. Given Jacksonville's logistics and military presence, schools like Providence offer robust STEM and engineering tracks. Furthermore, language programs often emphasize Spanish due to Florida's cultural ties, and international baccalaureate (IB) programs are available at some institutions, preparing students for a globalized economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Bolles, Providence, or ESJ for a family moving to Georgetown?
The timeline is critical and often begins over a year in advance. For a fall start, the process typically opens in August/September prior. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (held in the fall), 2) Submitting applications by January/February deadlines, 3) Completing student assessments and interviews (often in winter), and 4) Receiving decisions in March. Rolling admissions may continue if space allows. For families moving to Georgetown mid-year, contacting admissions offices immediately is essential, as some schools may have limited spots. Sibling and legacy preferences exist, so applying early is paramount. Most schools require ISEE or SSAT test scores, transcripts, and teacher recommendations.
For a family in Georgetown comparing local public schools (like Greenland Pines or Alimacani Elementary feeders) to private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this area?
The key factors are academic intensity, class size, and specific program offerings. Duval County public schools serving Georgetown are generally well-regarded, but private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 vs. 25+), more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies (e.g., Episcopal's Judeo-Christian values, Bolles' college-prep rigor). Private schools typically have more resources for arts, athletics, and technology. The decision often hinges on: the desire for a religious foundation, the need for a more structured or challenging academic environment, and the value placed on extensive extracurriculars. The commute to a private campus versus a neighborhood public school and the utilization of Florida scholarships to offset tuition costs are also major practical considerations unique to Georgetown families.
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