The Best Private Schools in Highland City, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
All Saints' Academy
All Saints' Academy
All Saints' Academy is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the greater Lakeland/Highland City area. Established in 1978, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy features a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The 63-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a strong college acceptance record to top universities nationwide.
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Lakeland Christian School
Lakeland Christian School
Lakeland Christian School is a highly-regarded Christian private school conveniently located near Highland City. Founded in 1952, the school serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive Christ-centered education. The academic program emphasizes college preparation with honors and AP courses, complemented by strong athletic programs and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, fine arts facilities, and athletic complexes. LCS is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and excellent college placement record, making it a popular choice for Highland City families.
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McKeel Academy
McKeel Schools
McKeel Academy is a highly-rated charter school system that serves the Highland City area with a focus on college and career readiness. Established in 1994, the academy offers a comprehensive educational program from elementary through high school with a strong emphasis on technology integration and career preparation. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, career academies in business and health sciences, and extensive extracurricular programs. McKeel is particularly noted for its strong academic performance, innovative teaching methods, and high graduation rates. The school maintains small class sizes and provides personalized attention to students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland City, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland City, Florida, and what are their key characteristics?
While Highland City itself is a smaller community, it is served by several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Lakeland/Polk County area. The top options include All Saints' Academy (PreK-12, Episcopal-affiliated, college-prep with a strong arts program), Lakeland Christian School (PreK-12, Christian, known for robust academics and athletics), and McKeel Academy (a public charter school with a private-school-like model, requiring an application and lottery for grades K-12). For Highland City residents, these schools are a short commute and represent the primary independent and faith-based choices. It's important to note that McKeel, while having a selective admissions process, is tuition-free as a public charter.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect tuition affordability for private schools near Highland City?
Florida's school choice initiatives significantly impact affordability for Highland City families. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program provides state-funded scholarships that can be used at participating private schools, including many in the Lakeland area. Eligibility is based on income, with several priority categories. Schools like Lakeland Christian School and All Saints' Academy typically participate in these programs. The scholarship amount can cover a substantial portion of annual tuition, making private education more accessible. Parents should contact individual schools' financial aid offices to confirm participation and understand the application process, which is separate from school admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Highland City, FL, area that leverage local resources or industries?
Private schools near Highland City often design programs that connect to Central Florida's economic and cultural landscape. For example, All Saints' Academy has a dedicated STEM Institute and entrepreneurship programs that can connect with the logistics, agriculture, and emerging tech sectors in Polk County. Lakeland Christian School integrates environmental stewardship and has outdoor learning labs, relevant to Florida's ecology. Furthermore, several schools have strong performing arts programs that participate in regional competitions and events in Tampa and Orlando. Their proximity to major metropolitan centers also facilitates specialized college-prep courses, advanced placement tracks, and partnerships with local businesses for internships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like All Saints' Academy or Lakeland Christian School for a family living in Highland City?
The enrollment process for these sought-after schools is competitive and begins early. For the following academic year, applications typically open in August or September, with priority deadlines often between January and March. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (for some grades), and a family interview or student assessment day. Due to their reputation, waiting pools are common, especially for entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th. Highland City families are advised to start research and attend open houses (often held in the fall) at least a year in advance. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain, but early application is strongly recommended.
For a family in Highland City, what are the practical considerations when choosing between a local public school, a charter like McKeel, and a traditional private school?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Highland City is zoned for Polk County Public Schools, offering neighborhood convenience. McKeel Academy provides a tuition-free, rigorous academic environment with a focused curriculum but requires an application and is subject to a lottery, with no guarantee of placement. Traditional private schools like All Saints' or Lakeland Christian offer distinct religious philosophies (if desired), often smaller class sizes, and extensive extracurriculars, but with a significant tuition investment (potentially offset by Florida scholarships). The commute is also a key factor; all these options require driving, but traffic patterns to Lakeland are generally manageable from Highland City. Ultimately, the choice depends on educational philosophy, budget, and the value placed on specific programs or faith-based instruction.