The Best Private Schools in Hilliard, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hilliard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence School
Independent Christian School
Providence School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving Northeast Florida, including the Hilliard area. Founded in 1982, it offers comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, Providence emphasizes individualized attention and character development. The campus includes modern facilities, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and has earned recognition for academic excellence in the region.
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St. Patrick Catholic School
Diocese of St. Augustine
St. Patrick Catholic School is a well-established private Catholic school serving families throughout Northeast Florida, including Hilliard residents. Founded in 1959, the school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs, supplemented by Spanish instruction, STEM initiatives, and robust arts education. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, chapel facilities, and athletic programs. St. Patrick maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong community involvement and parent satisfaction.
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Fernandina Beach Middle School (Private Division)
Independent School Network
Serving the broader regional area including Hilliard, Fernandina Beach Middle School's private division provides quality education for middle school students. Established in 1996, the school offers a challenging academic program with emphasis on critical thinking and preparation for high school. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive science programs, language arts, and social studies, complemented by elective options in technology, arts, and foreign languages. The school features modern facilities, sports programs, and extracurricular activities. With a focus on character development and academic achievement, this institution has built a strong reputation among families in Nassau County and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hilliard, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Hilliard, Florida?
Hilliard, FL, is a smaller community, so families often look at schools in the surrounding Nassau County area. The most prominent local options include Providence School (a Christian K-12 school in nearby Jacksonville), St. Patrick Catholic School (a Pre-K through 8th grade school in Jacksonville), and Fernandina Beach Middle School (Private Division). Due to Hilliard's rural nature, many families commute to these schools or consider homeschooling co-ops. It's important to factor in commute times of 30-45 minutes to Jacksonville or Fernandina Beach when evaluating these options.
How does tuition at private schools serving Hilliard, FL, compare to the Florida state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for schools like Providence School or St. Patrick Catholic School typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 annually, which is generally at or slightly below the Florida private school average. Florida offers significant financial aid options that Hilliard families can utilize, most notably the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship. These state-funded programs provide income-based scholarships for private school tuition, making private education more accessible for eligible families in Nassau County.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Hilliard area offer that cater to a more rural community's interests?
Private schools accessible to Hilliard students often incorporate programs that resonate with the local environment and community values. For example, you may find robust agricultural science clubs, environmental stewardship programs focused on the local watersheds and forests, and strong emphasis on community service within Nassau County. Schools like Providence School offer college-prep academics alongside character-based education, which appeals to many families in the area seeking a structured, values-oriented environment that complements the community's character.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Providence or St. Patrick that serve Hilliard residents?
The enrollment process for these popular schools often begins nearly a year in advance. Open houses and application periods typically start in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, providing academic records from your child's current school (which for Hilliard families may be a Nassau County public school or a homeschool portfolio), attending a family interview, and often undergoing academic assessment. Due to limited seats and demand from a broad geographic area, applying early is strongly recommended for Hilliard-based families.
For a family in Hilliard, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local Nassau County public schools and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Hilliard-specific factors. The local Nassau County public schools offer proximity and no tuition. Opting for a private school involves weighing the daily commute (and associated time and cost) against perceived benefits like smaller class sizes, specific religious or pedagogical approaches, and specialized academic programs. Many Hilliard families choose private options for consistent academic rigor from K-12, as the local public system involves transitioning between different schools at grade breaks. The availability of Florida scholarship funds can significantly offset the tuition cost, making the commute the primary logistical hurdle to evaluate.
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