The Best Private Schools in Killarney, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Killarney. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Highland Preparatory School
Independent
Lake Highland Preparatory School is consistently ranked among Florida's top private schools, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Killarney, this prestigious institution offers rigorous academic programs with 28 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM facilities including dedicated science and engineering labs, and comprehensive arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including multiple gymnasiums, playing fields, and an aquatic center. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, the school emphasizes individualized attention and college preparation, with graduates regularly attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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The First Academy
First Baptist Church of Orlando
The First Academy provides a comprehensive Christian college preparatory education serving families throughout Central Florida, including the Killarney area. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with biblical worldview training across all grade levels (Pre-K through 12th). Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a strong emphasis on character development and leadership training, with numerous extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports teams, fine arts programs, and community service initiatives. College counseling begins in middle school, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education.
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Windermere Preparatory School
Nord Anglia Education
Windermere Preparatory School, located approximately 12 miles from Killarney, offers a globally-focused education through the International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. As part of the Nord Anglia Education network, the school provides unique global learning opportunities and collaborations with institutions like MIT and The Juilliard School. The 48-acre campus features advanced STEAM labs, performing arts theaters, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and extensive athletic facilities. The school serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade with a diverse international community and emphasizes developing globally-minded leaders through challenging academics and extensive extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Killarney, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Killarney, Florida?
While Killarney itself is a small, unincorporated community, families here have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Orlando area. The most prominent options include Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, The First Academy in Orlando, and Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere. These schools are all within a reasonable commuting distance. It's important for Killarney parents to note that there are no major private school campuses within the immediate Killarney boundaries, so planning for transportation to these neighboring cities is a key consideration.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, affect tuition for private schools near Killarney?
Florida's robust school choice programs can significantly impact the affordability of private schools for Killarney residents. Many families utilize the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC), which are income-based programs that provide state-funded scholarships for private school tuition. Schools like Lake Highland Preparatory, The First Academy, and Windermere Prep actively participate in these programs. Eligibility and award amounts vary, so parents should apply through state-approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) and check directly with each school's financial aid office to understand how these scholarships can be applied to their specific tuition, which often ranges from $15,000 to $25,000+ annually.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the top private schools accessible from Killarney, FL?
The leading schools in the region offer distinctive programs that attract families from Killarney. Lake Highland Preparatory is renowned for its Upper School Engineering Academy and robust science research programs. The First Academy, with its Christian foundation, integrates faith-based learning with a strong college-prep curriculum and notable fine arts departments. Windermere Preparatory School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum from Primary Years through Diploma Programme, providing a globally-focused education uncommon in the immediate area. For Killarney students interested in specific pathways like IB, STEM academies, or faith-based integration, these specialized offerings are a major draw.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Lake Highland Prep for a family moving to Killarney?
The enrollment process for top Orlando-area private schools is highly competitive and requires early planning, especially for Killarney families who may be new to the area. For schools like Lake Highland Preparatory and The First Academy, the application cycle for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with key deadlines in the winter (January-February). The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and a family/student interview. Many grades, particularly middle and high school entry points, have waiting pools. It is strongly advised for Killarney parents to begin research and campus visits at least 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date.
How do the private school environments near Killarney, FL, compare to the local public school options in Orange County?
For Killarney residents, the decision often involves comparing the assigned Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) with the private institutions to the west and north. The key differences include class size (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. larger public school classes), curricular flexibility (private schools offer specialized tracks like IB or faith-based curricula), and resource allocation. OCPS provides strong magnet and choice programs, but private schools like those mentioned often have newer facilities, more extensive technology integration, and different community values (e.g., religious affiliation or a specific pedagogical approach like IB). The commute is also a major factor, as attending these private schools requires daily travel outside the Killarney community, whereas public school transportation is provided locally.
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