The Best Private Schools in Kathleen, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kathleen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
All Saints Academy
Independent Episcopal School
All Saints Academy is a premier independent Episcopal school serving families from Kathleen and throughout Polk County. Founded in 1972, the school offers a comprehensive PreK through 12th grade program on a beautiful 63-acre campus. The college preparatory curriculum features advanced placement courses, innovative STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts exceptional college acceptance rates. Facilities include modern science and technology labs, athletic complexes, performing arts centers, and outdoor learning spaces. The school's Episcopal identity emphasizes honor, respect, and spiritual growth within an inclusive community environment.
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McKeel Academy of Technology
McKeel Schools
McKeel Academy of Technology is a highly-regarded charter school serving the Kathleen and greater Lakeland area. Founded in 1989, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on technology and STEM education. The campus features state-of-the-art computer labs, science facilities, and career technical education programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, robotics, and fine arts programs. The school consistently earns high academic ratings and maintains strong parent satisfaction through its commitment to individualized student development.
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Santa Fe Catholic High School
Diocese of Orlando
Santa Fe Catholic High School is a diocesan Catholic school serving students from Kathleen and surrounding communities since 1966. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values, featuring advanced placement courses, honors programs, and a dedicated STEM academy. Campus facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong community service requirements and spiritual formation programs. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, competitive clubs, and extensive arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kathleen, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Kathleen, Florida?
Kathleen, Florida, is served by several notable private institutions, though many are located in nearby Lakeland. Top schools that Kathleen families commonly consider include McKeel Academy of Technology (a public charter with a private-school-like model and competitive admissions), Santa Fe Catholic High School (a diocesan college-preparatory school in Lakeland), and All Saints Academy (a prestigious independent PreK-12 school in Winter Haven). While Kathleen itself has a more limited number of standalone private campuses, the broader Polk County area offers robust choices, requiring families to consider a short commute for the widest selection.
How does tuition for private schools in the Kathleen, Florida, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Kathleen/Lakeland area varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, Santa Fe Catholic High School tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000, while All Saints Academy can range from $12,000 to $18,000 depending on grade level. Florida offers unique financial aid opportunities through state-sponsored programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which provide income-based funding for private school tuition. Most private schools in the area actively help families apply for these scholarships, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are highlights of private schools near Kathleen, FL?
Private schools in the Kathleen region often emphasize specialized tracks to stand out. McKeel Academy of Technology is renowned for its rigorous STEM and digital learning curriculum, with strong career academy pathways. Santa Fe Catholic High School offers a distinctive Classical Education model within a faith-based environment and has competitive athletics programs. All Saints Academy provides a comprehensive college-prep program with advanced placement courses, robust fine arts, and a renowned engineering and robotics program. This variety allows parents to choose a school aligning with their child’s specific interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kathleen, Florida families?
Enrollment for private schools in this area is highly time-sensitive and often begins nearly a year in advance. Most schools, like All Saints Academy and Santa Fe Catholic, open applications in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with deadlines typically in January or February. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a family interview or student assessment. Many schools also host open houses in the fall. Due to competitive seats, especially at McKeel Academy (which uses a lottery system), starting early is crucial for Kathleen residents.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Kathleen, FL, differ from the local public school options?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular focus, and community environment. Public schools in Kathleen, such as Kathleen Elementary, Middle, and High School, serve a larger, zoned population. In contrast, private options like Santa Fe Catholic and All Saints Academy offer much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a specific religious or values-based education, and more individualized attention. McKeel Academy, while public charter, mirrors a private school’s selective, technology-focused environment. For parents seeking an alternative to the larger public system, these private and charter options provide structured, mission-driven communities, though often requiring transportation to neighboring cities.
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