The Best Private Schools in Howey In The Hills, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Howey In The Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy is a prestigious private college preparatory school located just minutes from Howey In The Hills. This internationally recognized institution serves day students from the local area and boarding students from around the world. The academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum including International Baccalaureate programs, extensive Advanced Placement courses, and specialized academies in STEM, arts, and athletics. The 125-acre campus features world-class facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts theaters, and Olympic-quality athletic venues. With a strong emphasis on character development and global citizenship, Montverde Academy consistently graduates students who attend top-tier universities worldwide.
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The Villages Charter School
The Villages Charter Schools
The Villages Charter School is a highly-rated K-12 charter school serving the broader Lake County area, including Howey In The Hills. With an A-rating from the Florida Department of Education, the school offers comprehensive college preparatory programs alongside robust career and technical education pathways. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes personalized learning with small class sizes and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, award-winning arts programs, and extensive club offerings.
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Real Life Christian Academy
Real Life Christian Church
Real Life Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school serving families throughout Lake County, including Howey In The Hills. The school provides a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus integrated with biblical principles. Academic programs include honors courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and specialized tracks in STEM and fine arts. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for worship and performing arts. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. RLCA is accredited by the Florida Coalition of Christian Private Schools Accreditation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Howey In The Hills, Florida
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Howey In The Hills, Florida, and are there any located directly within the town?
While Howey In The Hills itself is a small, incorporated town, it is part of a region with several highly-regarded private institutions. There are no major private schools physically located within the town limits of Howey In The Hills. Families typically look to nearby communities. Top options include Montverde Academy (in Montverde, about 15 minutes away), renowned for its college-prep and elite sports programs; The Villages Charter School (in The Villages, about 20 minutes north), which offers a unique K-12 charter model with a private school feel; and Real Life Christian Academy (in Clermont, about 15 minutes south), which provides a faith-based education. Transportation or carpooling is a common consideration for Howey In The Hills residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Howey In The Hills, FL, compare, and are there Florida-specific financial aid options available?
Tuition in the Lake County area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Montverde Academy's day student tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+, reflecting its premium college preparatory and boarding program. Real Life Christian Academy's tuition is generally lower, often in the $8,000-$12,000 range. The Villages Charter School, as a public charter, does not charge tuition. Florida-specific financial aid is crucial for families. All private schools offer need-based aid, but importantly, Florida has robust state scholarship programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which can cover a significant portion of private school tuition for eligible families. Consulting with each school's financial aid office is essential.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Howey In The Hills region that leverage the local Central Florida environment?
Schools in this region capitalize on Central Florida's unique assets. Montverde Academy is internationally known for its Academy of Sports Science and its elite athletic programs (soccer, basketball) that attract students globally. The Villages Charter School benefits from its connection to The Villages community, offering specialized pathways in areas like healthcare (leveraging local medical facilities) and advanced STEM programs. Real Life Christian Academy and other faith-based schools often integrate outdoor education and environmental science that make use of Florida's natural landscape, including lake and conservation areas near Howey In The Hills. Many schools also facilitate educational partnerships and internships with Central Florida's tourism, aviation, and agricultural industries.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Howey In The Hills, such as Montverde Academy?
For the most competitive schools like Montverde Academy, planning well over a year in advance is advisable. The process typically begins in the early fall (September-October) for admission the following academic year. It involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the SSAT or ISEE), and often a student interview and campus visit. Key deadlines for financial aid applications (like the SSS profile) usually align with admission deadlines in January or February. For The Villages Charter School and Real Life Christian Academy, timelines may be more flexible but still have priority deadlines, often in the spring. Given the limited seats and high demand in this region, initiating contact with admissions offices by the start of your child's prior school year is strongly recommended.
For a family moving to Howey In The Hills, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Lake County Schools) to the surrounding private school options?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, class size, program specialization, and cost. The public school for Howey In The Hills is part of the Lake County School District, which may involve busing to schools in neighboring towns. Private options offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious or pedagogical approaches (e.g., Montverde's rigorous global curriculum, Real Life's Christian foundation), and specialized programs not always available in public schools. However, they come with significant tuition costs. The Villages Charter School presents a hybrid option—a public charter with a focused curriculum and often more structured environment than a traditional public school, but without tuition. Transportation is a major practical factor, as all private and charter options require personal transportation from Howey In The Hills, whereas public school may provide district busing.