The Best Private Schools in High Springs, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in High Springs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oak Hall School
Oak Hall School
Oak Hall School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving North Central Florida, including High Springs families. Founded in 1970, the school offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Oak Hall maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school emphasizes academic excellence while offering robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Saint Francis Catholic Academy
Diocese of St. Augustine
Saint Francis Catholic Academy provides a faith-based college preparatory education serving High Springs and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities through Santa Fe College. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and comprehensive college counseling program. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Saint Francis emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with strong community service requirements and spiritual formation programs.
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The Rock School
The Rock Church and Academy
The Rock School offers a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade, serving families throughout North Central Florida including High Springs. Founded in 1984, the school combines academic excellence with spiritual development in a supportive community environment. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including dedicated science labs, performance spaces, and athletic fields. The school maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending universities across the country while emphasizing character development and leadership skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in High Springs, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in High Springs, Florida, and how accessible are they?
While High Springs itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader North Central Florida region. The most prominent options include Oak Hall School (Pre-K-12, nonsectarian) and Saint Francis Catholic Academy (9-12, Catholic) in Gainesville, approximately a 20-25 minute drive south. The Rock School (K-12, Christian) is also in Gainesville. There are limited private elementary options within High Springs' city limits, so commuting to Gainesville is common. Many families in High Springs choose these schools for their rigorous academics, smaller class sizes, and specialized programs not always available in the local public district.
How does tuition for private schools near High Springs, FL, compare, and are there Florida-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Oak Hall School's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower school to over $20,000 for upper school. Saint Francis Catholic Academy and The Rock School generally have lower tuition, often in the $10,000-$15,000 range. A critical financial consideration for Florida residents is the state's scholarship programs. Families may qualify for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) or the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which can provide substantial tuition assistance based on income or other criteria. It's essential to check each school's financial aid office and the Step Up For Students website for eligibility and application details.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the High Springs area offer that differentiate them?
Private schools in the Gainesville area, serving High Springs families, offer distinct specializations. Oak Hall School is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, and notable programs in robotics, journalism, and the arts. Saint Francis Catholic Academy provides a faith-based education with a focus on service and a competitive athletic program in the FHSAA. The Rock School emphasizes a Christian worldview integration across subjects and has strengths in fine arts and music. Proximity to the University of Florida also allows some schools, particularly Oak Hall, to facilitate unique partnerships and enrichment opportunities not typically found in a rural public school setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near High Springs, Florida?
The enrollment process for competitive schools like Oak Hall, Saint Francis, and The Rock often begins a full year in advance. Key dates are usually in the fall (September-December) for open houses and application openings. Deadlines for priority financial aid and scholarship applications (like Step Up For Students) are typically in the spring (February-April). The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (for some grades), and a family interview or student assessment. For High Springs residents, it's crucial to factor in transportation logistics early in the planning process, as waitlists can form for certain grades, especially at the entry-level points (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade).
For a family in High Springs, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Alachua County public schools and a private school in Gainesville?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. High Springs is served by Alachua County Public Schools, including High Springs Community School (K-5) and Santa Fe High School. Key considerations are: **Commute & Community:** Private school involves a daily 25-45 minute commute to Gainesville, which impacts family schedules and extracurricular participation. **Cost vs. Investment:** Public schools are tuition-free. Private school requires a significant financial commitment, offset potentially by scholarships. **Educational Approach:** Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specific religious or pedagogical philosophies (e.g., college-prep, faith-based). **Program Offerings:** If a child needs a highly specialized academic, artistic, or athletic program not robustly available at Santa Fe High, a private option may be preferable. Many families blend these factors, sometimes starting in public elementary and transitioning to private for middle or high school.
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