The Best Private Schools in Largo, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Largo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Calvary Christian High School
Calvary Christian School
Calvary Christian High School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Largo and greater Clearwater area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Their athletic program competes at the state level with modern facilities including a state-of-the-art gymnasium and athletic complex. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing personalized attention.
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Canterbury School of Florida
Canterbury School of Florida
Canterbury School of Florida is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from Largo and the Tampa Bay region. The school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside advanced college preparatory courses. Their waterfront campus provides unique marine science opportunities, and they maintain strong programs in visual arts, music, and theater. With a focus on global citizenship and experiential learning, Canterbury features small class sizes, extensive athletic facilities, and a diverse student body.
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Shorecrest Preparatory School
Shorecrest Preparatory School
Shorecrest Preparatory School is one of the Tampa Bay area's most established independent schools, serving families from Largo and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement options and innovative programs in entrepreneurship and robotics. Their 28-acre campus features modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Shorecrest emphasizes community engagement and leadership development, with a strong track record of college placements at selective universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Largo, Florida
What are the primary types of private schools available in Largo, Florida, and how do they differ?
Largo, Florida, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily centered in the greater Pinellas County area. The top schools include faith-based institutions like Calvary Christian High School, which integrates a Christian worldview into its college-prep curriculum. Independent college-preparatory schools like Shorecrest Preparatory School and Canterbury School of Florida offer rigorous academic programs with strong arts, athletics, and advanced placement tracks. There are also smaller private academies and Montessori schools serving younger grades. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus size, and programmatic focus, with many Largo-area families choosing schools in neighboring St. Petersburg for additional options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Largo, FL, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Largo/Pinellas County region varies widely but is generally competitive with Florida's private school averages. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at schools like Calvary Christian or Shorecrest can range from approximately $15,000 to $30,000+ annually. Florida offers significant financial mechanisms to assist families. The most notable is the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship programs, which provide state-funded vouchers for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, most Largo-area private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Largo-area private schools specialize in?
Private schools in the Largo/Tampa Bay area leverage their coastal location and community partnerships for unique programs. Shorecrest Preparatory School, for instance, has a renowned Marine Science program utilizing local estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico. Canterbury School of Florida emphasizes global studies and language immersion starting in lower grades. Calvary Christian High School offers strong STEM tracks and competitive athletics programs. Many schools also integrate technology comprehensively, with 1:1 device programs, and have robust arts programs that partner with local cultural institutions in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. This access to specialized resources is a key differentiator for the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Largo, Florida?
The enrollment process for top private schools in the Largo area is highly structured and often begins a full year in advance. For schools like Shorecrest, Canterbury, and Calvary Christian, the main application deadline for the following fall is typically in January or February. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT), a student interview, and a family interview or tour. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Due to competitive spaces, especially in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), it is strongly advised for Largo parents to start research and campus visits in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
For a family living in Largo, what are the key considerations when comparing a high-performing public school (like those in Pinellas County) to a local private school?
Families in Largo must weigh several local factors. Pinellas County Schools offer well-regarded fundamental schools and magnet programs (like the International Baccalaureate at Palm Harbor University High) that require lottery applications. The primary advantages of public schools are no tuition and diverse peer groups. Choosing a Largo-area private school often involves seeking a specific religious environment, smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public), a more consistent college-prep culture across all grades, and often more extensive extracurricular offerings. Transportation is also a key differentiator; while Pinellas County provides busing, private schools may offer limited fee-based shuttle services from central locations. The decision frequently comes down to educational philosophy, community, and investment in a specific school's resources and network.
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