The Best Private Schools in Midway, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Midway. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Maclay School
Independent
Maclay School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Tallahassee area, including Midway. Founded in 1968, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from Pre-K through 12th grade. The 100-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Maclay emphasizes academic excellence with a robust Advanced Placement program and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school is known for its strong arts programs, competitive athletics, and commitment to character development.
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Holy Comforter Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Florida
Holy Comforter Episcopal School is a highly-regarded private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just 15 miles from Midway in Tallahassee, the school provides a strong academic foundation within a Christian environment. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM education, character development, and community service. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. HCES is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, music, and drama.
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North Florida Christian School
Independent Christian
North Florida Christian School is a well-established Christian private school serving the greater Leon County area, including Midway families. Offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, NFC provides a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview. The school features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and strong STEM offerings. NFC is particularly recognized for its competitive athletic programs and vibrant student life activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Midway, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families in Midway, Florida, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Midway, Florida, is served by several highly-regarded private schools, most notably Maclay School, Holy Comforter Episcopal School, and North Florida Christian School. Each offers a distinct philosophy: Maclay is a college-preparatory, independent school with a secular focus on a well-rounded liberal arts education. Holy Comforter is an Episcopal school integrating faith, academic excellence, and character development. North Florida Christian provides a biblically-based, Christ-centered education. While located near Tallahassee, these schools serve the Midway and greater Leon County area, offering families a choice between secular rigorous prep, faith-based liberal arts, and evangelical Christian environments.
How does tuition at private schools in the Midway, Florida, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Midway area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000 to over $20,000 annually. North Florida Christian and Holy Comforter often fall in the mid-range, while Maclay, as a premier independent school, is typically at the higher end. Florida-specific financial aid is crucial for many families. All these schools offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, Florida has robust state scholarship programs, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which can be used at participating private schools. It's essential to check each school's participation status and application process for these programs early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Midway, FL, that leverage local resources or partnerships?
Private schools in the Midway/Tallahassee region capitalize on proximity to state government and major universities. Maclay School features advanced STEM labs, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics, with potential for dual enrollment at local colleges. Holy Comforter emphasizes its "Leader in Me" program and has a strong community service focus tied to its Episcopal identity. North Florida Christian offers distinctive programs in biblical studies and ministry alongside standard academics. All benefit from partnerships with Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and state agencies for enrichment, internships, and academic competitions, providing students with unique opportunities not always available in smaller towns.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Midway, Florida, and when should applications be submitted?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools near Midway begins very early. Key deadlines often fall between December and February for the following academic year. The process typically involves: 1) Fall open houses (Sept-Nov), 2) Submission of applications with fees (Jan-Feb), 3) Student testing/assessments and parent interviews (Jan-Mar), and 4) Admission decisions released in March. For schools like Maclay, Holy Comforter, and North Florida Christian, waiting pools can form quickly. Parents in Midway are advised to start research 18 months in advance, attend open houses, and submit applications by the priority deadlines to maximize chances, especially for sought-after kindergarten and middle school entry points.
For a family in Midway considering the choice between local public schools (like Leon County Schools) and private options, what are the key differentiating factors?
The key differentiation for Midway families often centers on class size, curriculum flexibility, and educational environment. Leon County public schools are zoned, while private schools offer a chosen community. Private schools near Midway boast significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public), allowing for more individualized attention. They offer specialized curricula (like International Baccalaureate at Maclay or intensive faith integration at NFC) without being bound by all state standardized testing mandates. The trade-off is cost. Furthermore, private schools provide a consistent educational philosophy from K-12, whereas public school experiences can vary more widely between elementary, middle, and high school zones in the county. Transportation is also a consideration, as private schools typically do not provide district bus service to Midway.