The Best Private Schools in Hurlburt Field, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hurlburt Field. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rocky Bayou Christian School
Rocky Bayou Christian School
Rocky Bayou Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Hurlburt Field military community and surrounding area. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. RBCS features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong academic standards with Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and a robust STEM program. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletics, fine arts programs, and numerous clubs. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and serves many military families from the Hurlburt Field area.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
St. Mary Catholic School provides exceptional private education to students from Pre-K through 8th grade, serving the Hurlburt Field military community and greater Fort Walton Beach area. The school offers a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values with advanced curriculum in mathematics, language arts, and sciences. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, computer lab, library, and chapel. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers comprehensive arts, music, and athletic programs. St. Mary's has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and serves numerous military families with flexible programs to accommodate military lifestyles.
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St. John Catholic School
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
St. John Catholic School is a premier private educational institution serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, conveniently located to serve Hurlburt Field military families. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum integrated with Catholic faith formation and character education. St. John's features modern educational facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, and extensive library resources. The school provides a strong foundation in core subjects with advanced programs in mathematics and language arts, complemented by comprehensive arts, music, and physical education programs. With its proximity to Hurlburt Field, the school has extensive experience serving military families and offers supportive programs for children of service members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hurlburt Field, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families stationed at or near Hurlburt Field, Florida?
The immediate Hurlburt Field area in the Florida Panhandle offers a few key private school options, though many families look to the surrounding communities of Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview. The schools you listed, such as Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville and St. Mary Catholic School in Fort Walton Beach, are the most prominent. St. John Catholic School is located in Gulf Breeze, which is a longer commute. Due to the military presence, these schools are very familiar with the unique needs of military families, including transfer records and potential deployment support. It's important to note that on-base private schooling is not available, so commuting is a standard consideration for Hurlburt Field families.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Hurlburt Field residents?
Florida's school choice programs can significantly offset private school costs for eligible families in the Hurlburt Field area. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) is a major opportunity, providing state-funded scholarships for tuition and fees at participating private schools, including many religious-affiliated institutions. Both Rocky Bayou Christian School and St. Mary Catholic School typically participate in such programs. Eligibility is based on household income, with priority for lower-income families, but there are also provisions for students with unique abilities. Military families should apply early, as funding is limited, and ensure their chosen school is an approved provider. The Florida Department of Education website is the best resource for current eligibility requirements and application windows.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hurlburt Field offer that cater to a mobile military community?
Private schools in the Hurlburt Field region have developed programs specifically addressing the transient nature of military families. Academically, schools like Rocky Bayou Christian School offer strong college-prep curricula (AP and dual-enrollment with local colleges) and standardized testing preparation to ease transitions to new schools nationwide. Many have dedicated counseling services to help students cope with parental deployments and frequent moves. Extracurricularly, there is a strong emphasis on activities that build community quickly, such as athletics, fine arts, and Christian ministry groups. Notably, some schools have JROTC programs or aviation/science tracks that resonate with children of Air Force personnel, providing continuity with the STEM focus prevalent in the local military culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Hurlburt Field, and how should PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders factor into planning?
Enrollment timelines for top private schools near Hurlburt Field, like Rocky Bayou Christian and St. Mary Catholic, often begin in January/February for the following fall, with re-enrollment for current families closing by March. However, for military families with PCS orders, these schools usually have a more flexible, rolling admissions process. It is critical to contact the school's admissions office as soon as you have orders, even if it's for a mid-year transfer. You will need to provide previous school records, standardized test scores, and possibly have your child undergo a placement assessment. Many schools reserve a number of spots specifically for incoming military families. We recommend initiating contact at least 2-3 months before your anticipated move to Hurlburt Field to secure placement and understand any waitlist procedures.
How do the class sizes and educational environments of private schools near Hurlburt Field compare to the highly-rated public schools in Okaloosa County?
This is a key consideration for Hurlburt Field families. Okaloosa County public schools, particularly in Niceville and Bluewater Bay, are consistently high-performing. The primary distinction lies in environment and scale. Private schools like Rocky Bayou Christian and St. Mary Catholic offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and a values-based education integrating faith. The public schools offer a wider array of elective courses, advanced academies, and larger sports programs due to their size. For military families, the private school environment can provide a tighter-knit, more stable community during transitions, while public schools offer extensive resources and the experience of a larger, more diverse student body. The choice often comes down to prioritizing a specific religious or pedagogical approach versus the broad programs and no-tuition cost of the acclaimed local public system.
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