The Best Private Schools in Glenwood, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glenwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Casements School
Independent Private School
The Casements School, located in nearby Ormond Beach, has served the Glenwood region since 1974 with a reputation for academic excellence and innovative programs. It offers a Montessori-inspired education for Pre-K through 8th grade, emphasizing hands-on learning, environmental science, and personalized academic paths. The campus features spacious classrooms, science labs, gardens, and athletic facilities. Enrichment programs include foreign languages, music, robotics, and outdoor education. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its dedicated teachers, strong community feel, and focus on fostering independence and critical thinking skills, making it a premier option for families in the area.
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DeLand Country Day School
Independent Private School
DeLand Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent private school serving the Glenwood area and greater Volusia County since 1973. It offers a comprehensive academic program from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a balanced curriculum that includes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), literacy, and arts. The school features modern facilities, including science labs, technology centers, and outdoor learning spaces. Extracurricular activities encompass sports, music, drama, and community service programs. Parent satisfaction is high due to its nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and focus on character development, making it a top choice for families seeking academic excellence and holistic education.
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St. Barnabas Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida
St. Barnabas Episcopal School has been a cornerstone of private education in the Glenwood and DeLand area since 1979, providing a faith-based learning environment rooted in Episcopal traditions. The school serves students from Pre-K to 8th grade with a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates technology, fine arts, and character education. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a chapel, art studios, and playgrounds. Extracurricular offerings include choir, sports, and community outreach programs. With a dedicated faculty and strong parent involvement, the school is praised for its supportive community, high academic standards, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glenwood, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Glenwood, Florida, and are they located directly in the city?
Glenwood itself is a small, unincorporated community, so families typically look to excellent private schools in the surrounding Volusia County area. The most prominent options include DeLand Country Day School (a secular, independent school in DeLand), St. Barnabas Episcopal School (a faith-based school in DeLand), and The Casements School (a private school in Ormond Beach). While not within Glenwood's immediate borders, these schools are within a reasonable commuting distance and represent the top-tier private education choices for Glenwood residents, offering distinct educational philosophies from progressive to classical to faith-based.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect tuition affordability for Glenwood families considering private schools?
Florida's robust school choice programs significantly impact affordability for Glenwood families. 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 many in the DeLand and Ormond Beach area. Eligibility is often based on income, but the FES also includes an "Unique Abilities" option for students with special needs. It's crucial to check with schools like DeLand Country Day or St. Barnabas to confirm their participation and application process for these scholarships, as they can dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket tuition cost for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools near Glenwood, FL, that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region of Florida often incorporate the unique coastal and ecological environment into their programs. For example, DeLand Country Day School emphasizes environmental science and outdoor education, potentially utilizing nearby springs and conservation areas. The Casements School, located on the Halifax River, may integrate marine science and local history into its curriculum. St. Barnabas Episcopal School, while having a strong faith foundation, also participates in regional academic competitions and arts programs specific to Volusia County. These local connections provide enriched, hands-on learning opportunities not always found in a standard curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the leading private schools near Glenwood, such as DeLand Country Day or St. Barnabas?
The enrollment timeline for these sought-after schools typically begins almost a year in advance. Open houses and tours often occur in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. Application deadlines are usually in January or February, with admission decisions and re-enrollment for current families finalized by March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in lower grades, Glenwood families are strongly advised to begin research and campus visits in the early fall. Each school has its own process, which may include student assessments, parent interviews, and submission of records from previous schools.
For a family in Glenwood, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Volusia County Schools) to the private school options in DeLand and Ormond Beach?
The key considerations include class size, curriculum flexibility, and community environment. Volusia County public schools offer a standardized curriculum and diverse programs but often have larger class sizes. Private schools like those near Glenwood boast much smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for individualized attention. They also have the autonomy to offer specialized curricula (like Montessori, classical, or faith-based). Transportation is a major factor, as private schools do not provide district busing, so commuting from Glenwood is the family's responsibility. Finally, cost is paramount; while public school is free, private tuition is substantial, though offsettable by Florida scholarships. The decision often hinges on the value placed on a specific educational philosophy and community.
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