The Best Private Schools in Mid Florida, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mid Florida. 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. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, competitive athletic programs, and comprehensive arts education. Located in Orlando, it serves families throughout Central Florida with a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars. The campus spans 42 acres and includes modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
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The First Academy
First Baptist Church of Orlando
The First Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education from Pre-K through 12th grade, consistently earning high marks for academic excellence and character development. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview, featuring extensive AP courses, competitive athletic teams, and outstanding fine arts programs. Serving Central Florida families, the campus includes modern classrooms, STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The school maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Trinity Preparatory School
Independent
Trinity Preparatory School is an independent college preparatory school serving grades 6-12 in the Winter Park area, drawing students from throughout Central Florida. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive AP and honors courses, strong STEM initiatives, global studies programs, and comprehensive arts education. Known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, Trinity Prep features a 40-acre campus with advanced science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school consistently produces National Merit Scholars and maintains exceptional college acceptance rates to prestigious institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mid Florida, Florida
What are the top private school options in Mid Florida, and how do they differ in educational focus?
Mid Florida, particularly the Orlando metropolitan area, is home to several highly-regarded private schools, each with distinct characteristics. Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando is known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, strong STEM programs, and consistent ranking as one of Florida's top schools. The First Academy, also in Orlando, offers a comprehensive Christian education integrated with a college preparatory model. Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park emphasizes a classical education with robust arts and athletics programs. Additionally, areas like Lakeland and Daytona Beach host other excellent options like All Saints' Academy and Father Lopez Catholic High School. The key differences often lie in religious affiliation, pedagogical approach (classical vs. progressive), and the balance of academic, artistic, and athletic offerings.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition in Mid Florida?
Florida's expansive school choice programs significantly impact private school affordability in Mid Florida. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship provide state-funded scholarships to eligible students, which can be used at participating private schools. Many top Mid Florida schools, including those listed, participate in these programs. The amount awarded varies based on family income and other factors but can cover a substantial portion, if not all, of tuition. It's crucial for parents to apply for these scholarships early, as funding is limited, and to verify directly with each school which specific scholarships they accept. This system makes private education accessible to a broader range of families in the region.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations are available at private schools in Mid Florida?
Mid Florida private schools leverage the region's economy and geography to offer unique specializations. Proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and major aerospace/defense contractors has led to exceptional STEM and engineering programs, like those at Lake Highland Prep. Schools near the tourism hubs often have strong hospitality management and business entrepreneurship tracks. Furthermore, institutions like Trinity Prep and The First Academy have notable fine arts departments, with opportunities in theatre and music enhanced by Orlando's vibrant cultural scene. Many schools also feature competitive sports academies for golf, tennis, and soccer, capitalizing on Florida's year-round climate. These specialized programs provide college and career advantages tied directly to local industries.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Mid Florida?
The enrollment process for top Mid Florida private schools is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools, like Lake Highland Prep and Trinity Prep, have application deadlines in January or February for the following academic year. The process typically includes: 1) Submitting an application with fees, 2) Providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, 3) Student entrance exams (such as the ISEE or SSAT), and 4) A family interview and/or student assessment day. Due to high demand, many schools have rolling waitlists after initial decisions are made in March. It's highly recommended to attend open houses in the fall (September-November) and to initiate applications by early winter. Some schools also have sibling and legacy preferences.
How do private schools in Mid Florida compare to the area's public schools, especially regarding class size and academic performance?
In Mid Florida, private schools typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public schools) and more individualized attention. Academically, private schools in the region consistently post higher average SAT/ACT scores and college matriculation rates. For example, students at the top private schools often have average SAT scores well above the Florida and national public school averages. However, the area also has some highly-rated public school districts and charter/magnet programs with competitive academics. The primary trade-offs are cost and community. Private schools offer a curated environment with specific values (often religious) and community, while public schools provide free education, greater demographic diversity, and, in some cases, specialized magnet programs in areas like medicine or engineering. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for educational philosophy, environment, and budget.