The Best Private Schools in Hernando, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hernando. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hernando Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Hernando Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Hernando County area with comprehensive K-12 education. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement opportunities, dual enrollment with local colleges, and strong STEM programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
The Academy of Environmental Science
Citrus County School District (Charter)
Located in nearby Crystal River, The Academy of Environmental Science serves students from Hernando and surrounding counties with a specialized environmental science curriculum. This highly selective charter school offers a unique educational experience focused on hands-on environmental studies, marine biology, and conservation science. The school features state-of-the-art laboratories, direct access to natural habitats, and partnerships with local environmental organizations. Academic programs include comprehensive college preparatory courses, advanced placement options, and extensive field research opportunities. The school consistently achieves high graduation rates and college acceptance percentages.
Programs:
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School
Diocese of St. Petersburg
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in Spring Hill serves the broader Hernando County community with a comprehensive PreK-8 education grounded in Catholic values. The school offers a balanced curriculum that includes strong academic foundations, STEM education, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and comprehensive fine arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, a full-sized gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development, community service, and academic excellence. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, academic clubs, and performing arts opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hernando, Florida
What are the primary private school options available in Hernando, Florida, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Hernando, Florida, offers a few established private schools, each with a distinct focus. **Hernando Christian Academy** is a prominent K-12 option providing a college-preparatory education rooted in Christian values. **The Academy of Environmental Science** (located at the adjacent Cedar Key site, serving the region) is a unique public magnet school with a specialized environmental science curriculum, often considered alongside private options for its focused programming. **St. Joan of Arc Catholic School** in nearby Brooksville offers a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade. For families in Hernando, exploring schools in the broader Citrus and Hernando counties is common due to the limited number of strictly local private institutions.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hernando, Florida, area compare to the state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Hernando area is generally moderate compared to larger Florida metropolitan areas. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 annually for day schools. Florida offers significant financial aid opportunities through the **Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program** and the **Family Empowerment Scholarship Program**. These state-funded programs provide income-based scholarships that can be used at participating private schools, including those in and around Hernando. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application process for these scholarships, as they can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving Hernando, FL, students?
Schools serving the Hernando community emphasize programs that leverage Florida's natural environment and community needs. **The Academy of Environmental Science** is renowned for its hands-on, place-based learning in marine and environmental sciences, with students conducting field research in local ecosystems. **Hernando Christian Academy** often features strong athletics, fine arts, and dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges like Pasco-Hernando State College. **St. Joan of Arc** integrates technology and faith-based character education. A unique local consideration is the proximity to nature preserves and the coast, which many schools incorporate into their science and outdoor education curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Hernando, Florida, and are waitlists common?
The enrollment process for Hernando-area private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority given to existing families and siblings. Application steps usually include a campus tour, submission of records, a family interview, and sometimes student assessment. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular early-grade programs at schools like St. Joan of Arc or Hernando Christian Academy, waitlists are common. It is highly advisable for parents to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. Many schools also host open houses in the fall, which is an ideal time to start the process.
For families in Hernando, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with private school options?
Key considerations include class size, curriculum focus, and transportation. Hernando County Public Schools offer a standardized curriculum with diverse extracurriculars, but private options like Hernando Christian Academy often feature smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students) and more individualized attention. Thematic focus is another differentiator; families seeking a rigorous environmental science track might target The Academy of Environmental Science, while those desiring a faith-based environment would look to private religious schools. A practical consideration for Hernando is transportation; the public district provides busing, while private schools usually require parent-provided transportation, which can be a significant factor in this more spread-out, rural-suburban county.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities