The Best Private Schools in Havana, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Havana. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Community Leadership Academy
Independent
Community Leadership Academy is a highly-rated private school serving students from Havana and the greater Tallahassee region. Founded in 2008, the school focuses on developing leadership skills alongside academic excellence through a challenging college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, allowing for individualized instruction. Programs include advanced STEM courses, character education, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus includes modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent college preparation, with many graduates attending top universities.
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Maclay School
Independent
Maclay School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Tallahassee area, including Havana. Founded in 1968, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-K through 12th grade. The 100-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Maclay emphasizes academic excellence with a 100% college acceptance rate, offering 20+ AP courses and maintaining small class sizes. The school's robust extracurricular program includes championship athletic teams, extensive arts programs, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families from Havana commuting for the school's strong academic reputation and personalized attention.
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New Classical Academy
Independent
New Classical Academy offers a distinctive classical education model that attracts families from Havana seeking rigorous academic training grounded in the Western tradition. Founded in 2010, the school employs the Socratic method and emphasizes critical thinking through the study of great books, Latin language instruction, and classical rhetoric. The curriculum spans from elementary through high school, preparing students for competitive colleges while developing strong moral character. The school maintains small class sizes and features a dedicated faculty with advanced degrees. Parent reviews highlight the exceptional academic preparation, strong sense of community, and the school's success in developing articulate, well-rounded graduates prepared for leadership roles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Havana, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Havana, Florida?
While Havana itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate area and nearby Tallahassee. The top local options include the New Classical Academy, which offers a classical Christian education in Havana. A short drive away, you'll find the prestigious Maclay School in Tallahassee, known for its rigorous college preparatory program and extensive facilities. Additionally, Community Leadership Academy, also in the greater Tallahassee area, focuses on character development and leadership. Many Havana families consider this regional cluster of schools, factoring in commute times to Tallahassee (approximately 20-25 minutes) as a key part of their decision.
How does tuition for private schools in the Havana, Florida area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Havana area varies significantly based on the school and grade level. Local options like New Classical Academy may have a different tuition structure than larger institutions like Maclay School. As a benchmark, private school tuition in the Tallahassee region can range from approximately $8,000 to over $20,000 annually. Florida offers several unique financial aid options that Havana residents can utilize. Most notably, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship programs provide state-funded scholarships to eligible students, which can be applied to tuition at participating private schools. It's essential to check each school's financial aid office and their participation in these state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Havana residents?
Private schools serving Havana families provide distinct programs that leverage both local character and regional resources. Maclay School is renowned for its comprehensive arts, athletics, and advanced STEM programs, including extensive college-level AP and honors courses. Community Leadership Academy integrates leadership training and community service into its core curriculum. The New Classical Academy offers a unique trivium-based classical education model with a strong emphasis on Western tradition, literature, and Socratic discussion. Given Havana's rural setting, some schools may also incorporate environmental science or agricultural studies that connect with the local landscape, though specific offerings should be verified directly with each institution.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Havana, Florida region?
The enrollment process for Havana-area private schools generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. For highly sought-after schools like Maclay, application deadlines can be as early as January or February, with admissions decisions released in the spring. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and often a student interview or assessment day. Due to limited seats, especially in younger grades, early application is strongly advised. It's highly recommended for Havana parents to attend open houses or schedule campus tours—often held in the fall—to understand the commute and community feel before applying.
For a family living in Havana, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in the area?
The decision hinges on several Havana-specific factors. The local public schools are part of the Gadsden County School District, which has a different profile and resource allocation than larger urban districts. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer specific pedagogies (e.g., classical, college-prep, leadership-focused) that may not be available publicly. **Class Size:** Private schools typically have significantly smaller class sizes than Gadsden County public schools. **Commute:** Opting for a top private school like Maclay requires a daily commute to Tallahassee, which impacts family logistics. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free, while private schools require financial investment, potentially offset by Florida scholarship programs. **Extracurriculars:** Larger private schools may offer more specialized arts, sports, and club options than the local public system. Visiting both types of schools is crucial to gauge the right fit for your child.