The Best Private Schools in Lake Como, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake Como. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shorecrest Preparatory School
Independent School
Shorecrest Preparatory School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater St. Petersburg area, including Lake Como. Founded in 1923, this coeducational day school offers rigorous college preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Shorecrest emphasizes personalized learning with small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular programs including robotics, debate, and championship athletics. The school maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Canterbury School of Florida
Independent School
Canterbury School of Florida is an esteemed independent school with two campuses in St. Petersburg, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses, with unique emphasis on marine science and waterfront education through its bayfront campus. Canterbury features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive programs in academics, arts, and athletics. The school's waterfront location provides exceptional opportunities for sailing and marine biology studies, while maintaining strong academic credentials and college placement records for Lake Como area families.
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Keswick Christian School
Independent Christian School
Keswick Christian School has been serving the St. Petersburg and surrounding communities since 1953, providing comprehensive Christian education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers a rigorous academic program integrated with biblical principles, featuring advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Keswick is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially, making it a popular choice for families in the Lake Como area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake Como, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Lake Como, Florida, and what are their educational approaches?
Lake Como, located within the greater St. Petersburg area of Florida, is primarily served by several notable private schools in the surrounding communities. The top options include Shorecrest Preparatory School (PreK-12, nonsectarian, college-prep with a strong focus on innovation and global learning), Keswick Christian School (PreK-12, Christian, offering a biblically-integrated curriculum), and Canterbury School of Florida (PreK-12, nonsectarian, with a waterfront campus emphasizing experiential learning). While Lake Como itself is a small residential community, these schools are a short commute away and represent the core of private education available to local families, ranging from secular college preparatory to faith-based models.
How does tuition at private schools near Lake Como, FL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Lake Como, FL, is generally at or above the Florida state average for private education, reflecting their competitive programs and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools typically ranges from approximately $15,000 to $30,000+ annually, depending on the grade level and institution. All major schools, including Shorecrest, Keswick Christian, and Canterbury, offer need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Florida parents should actively explore the state's scholarship programs, such as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families attending participating private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Lake Como, Florida area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools near Lake Como, FL, capitalize on the region's coastal geography and cultural assets. Canterbury School of Florida utilizes its direct access to Tampa Bay for marine science, sailing, and waterfront environmental studies. Shorecrest Preparatory School emphasizes global citizenship and entrepreneurship, with partnerships in the vibrant St. Petersburg innovation and arts districts. Keswick Christian School often integrates local service opportunities and outdoor education. Furthermore, proximity to downtown St. Petersburg provides all students with unparalleled access to world-class museums like the Dalí, the Pier, and major league sports, which are routinely incorporated into curriculum and field trips.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Lake Como, Florida region?
The enrollment process for top private schools near Lake Como, FL, is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools, like Shorecrest and Canterbury, have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with admissions decisions released in March. The process typically includes a submitted application, student assessments or classroom visits (depending on grade), parent interviews, and records review. Due to limited space and competitive admissions, especially in entry-level grades (PreK, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th), it is strongly advised for Lake Como families to begin research and attend open houses in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
For a family in Lake Como, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options (in Pinellas County) to the nearby private schools?
Lake Como families must weigh several local factors. Pinellas County Schools offer a variety of choice and magnet programs, but assignment is often based on zones and lotteries. The key advantages of nearby private schools include smaller class sizes, specialized curricular approaches (e.g., International Baccalaureate, faith-based, or progressive education), and often more consistent resources. A major practical consideration is commute; while Lake Como is centrally located, private schools require transportation. Financially, the cost of private tuition versus potential savings on supplemental tutoring or seeking specific magnet programs is a calculation. Ultimately, the decision hinges on aligning a child’s needs with a school’s specific mission, community, and the value a family places on a consistent, independent educational pathway from PreK through 12th grade.
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