The Best Private Schools in Middleburg, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Middleburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Johns Country Day School
Independent College Preparatory School
St. Johns Country Day School is a highly acclaimed independent school located just minutes from Middleburg in Orange Park. Founded in 1953, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. The school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and leadership, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular programs span robotics, theater, and competitive sports, with a track record of high college acceptance rates. Parent and student reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, inclusive community, and strong academic outcomes.
Programs:
Providence School
Independent Christian School
Providence School is a top-rated private Christian school serving the Middleburg area from its Jacksonville campus. Established in 1997, it provides a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, with a focus on college readiness through Advanced Placement courses and a robust STEM program. The school boasts modern facilities, including technology-enhanced classrooms, art studios, and athletic fields, and offers a wide range of extracurriculars such as music, drama, and sports teams. Highly satisfied parents highlight the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community values, contributing to its high ratings and reputation for student success.
Programs:
Eagle's View Academy
Private Christian School
Eagle's View Academy is a respected private Christian school that attracts families from Middleburg and the broader Jacksonville region. Founded in 1999, it offers a balanced education from elementary through high school, emphasizing academic achievement, spiritual growth, and character development. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, hands-on learning, and extracurricular activities like sports, fine arts, and community service. With a focus on small class sizes and individualized attention, the school has built a strong record of parent satisfaction, noted for its safe environment, dedicated teachers, and well-rounded student experiences. Reviews often commend its family-like atmosphere and commitment to excellence.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Middleburg, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Middleburg, Florida, and what are their educational philosophies?
Middleburg, FL, is primarily served by a few notable private schools in the immediate and surrounding Clay County area. St. Johns Country Day School in Orange Park is a highly-regarded, independent college-preparatory school offering a rigorous curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade. Providence School, also in Jacksonville, is a Christian, college-preparatory school with a strong emphasis on faith integration. Eagle's View Academy, located in Jacksonville, is a private Christian school offering a curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade with a focus on academic excellence and character development. While not directly within Middleburg's town limits, these are the primary institutions that Middleburg families consider, often involving a commute into Duval or southern Clay County.
How does tuition at private schools near Middleburg, FL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Jacksonville/Middleburg area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like St. Johns Country Day School have tuition ranging from approximately $15,000 for lower school to over $20,000 for upper school. Providence School and Eagle's View Academy often have slightly lower tuition, typically ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 annually. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the average for Florida's top-tier private schools. Importantly, Florida offers the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), a state-funded program that provides substantial tuition assistance to eligible students, which many Middleburg-area private schools accept. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Middleburg residents that leverage the North Florida environment?
Private schools serving Middleburg families often capitalize on North Florida's natural resources. St. Johns Country Day School, for instance, has a renowned athletics program with state championships, benefiting from Florida's climate for year-round outdoor training. Several schools have robust marine biology and environmental science programs, with potential for field studies along the St. Johns River watershed. Agricultural science and equestrian programs are also notable, reflecting Middleburg's semi-rural character, with some schools offering FFA chapters or riding teams. Furthermore, proximity to Jacksonville provides access to unique internships, cultural partnerships, and advanced STEM collaborations not always available in more isolated areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Middleburg, FL, area, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for top private schools near Middleburg is structured and often begins almost a year in advance. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid (like the FES) typically fall between January and March for the following fall semester. The process usually involves an application, student assessments or entrance exams, school records review, family interviews, and teacher recommendations. Admission competitiveness varies: St. Johns Country Day School is highly selective, while Providence and Eagle's View Academy are selective but may have more flexible entry points, especially in the lower grades. Due to limited seats, especially in popular entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, Middleburg parents are advised to start research and tours in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
For a family living in Middleburg, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools in Clay County and a private school option?
Families in Middleburg must weigh several local factors. Clay County District Schools, like Middleburg High School, are generally well-regarded and offer a solid education with no tuition. Choosing a private school often involves a significant financial commitment and a daily commute to Jacksonville or Orange Park. The decision may hinge on specific needs: private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized college-prep curricula, distinct religious education (if desired), and often more extensive arts or athletics facilities. Conversely, Clay County public schools provide proximity, a connection to the local community, and diverse extracurriculars. Many Middleburg families consider private schools for a more tailored educational approach or a specific philosophical alignment, accepting the trade-off of cost and travel time.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities