The Best Private Schools in Mount Dora, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Dora. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy is a prestigious international boarding and day school located approximately 15 miles from Mount Dora. With over a century of educational excellence, the academy offers a world-class education through its International Baccalaureate program, Advanced Placement courses, and comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The 125-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science and technology centers, performing arts complex, and championship athletic facilities. Known for its diverse student body and global perspective, Montverde provides exceptional academic opportunities with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade and has an outstanding record of college placements at top universities worldwide.
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Mount Dora Christian Academy
Mount Dora Christian Academy
Mount Dora Christian Academy is a premier Christian private school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. With over 60 years of educational excellence, MDCA offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and strong STEM programs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing personalized attention. MDCA has a strong track record of college acceptances and offers diverse extracurricular activities including championship athletics, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities.
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Eustis Preparatory Academy
Eustis Preparatory Academy
Located just minutes from Mount Dora in neighboring Eustis, Eustis Preparatory Academy provides a rigorous classical education model for students in grades K-12. The school focuses on developing critical thinking skills through a traditional liberal arts curriculum that includes Latin, logic, and rhetoric. With small class sizes and highly qualified teachers, EPA emphasizes academic excellence while fostering moral character and civic responsibility. The school offers a strong college preparatory program with advanced coursework and individualized academic planning. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic fields, serving families throughout Lake County including Mount Dora residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Dora, Florida
What are the primary private school options available in Mount Dora, Florida, and what distinguishes them?
Mount Dora offers several notable private schools, each with a distinct focus. **Mount Dora Christian Academy (MDCA)** is a well-established, faith-based K-12 school offering a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with strong arts and athletics. **Montverde Academy**, located just south of Mount Dora, is a prestigious international boarding and day school renowned for its rigorous academics, elite athletic programs, and global student body. **Eustis Preparatory Academy**, in nearby Eustis, provides a classical education model emphasizing critical thinking and leadership. For families in Mount Dora, the choice often comes down to the desired educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and the scale of the campus community.
How does tuition for private schools in the Mount Dora, Florida area typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in the Mount Dora area varies significantly. Mount Dora Christian Academy's tuition is generally aligned with Florida's private school averages for faith-based institutions. In contrast, Montverde Academy's tuition is notably higher, reflecting its national reputation, boarding program, and extensive facilities. Florida offers several financial aid mechanisms that parents in Mount Dora can utilize, most notably the **Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)** and the **Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES)**, which are income-based and can be applied to participating private schools. Additionally, most local private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific partnership with state scholarship programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Mount Dora, FL area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Mount Dora area capitalize on Central Florida's unique setting. Many, like MDCA, incorporate environmental science and biology programs that utilize the local lakes, wetlands, and state parks for hands-on learning. Montverde Academy’s global focus includes study abroad exchanges and international relations curricula that benefit from Florida's position as a gateway to the Americas. Furthermore, schools often integrate local history and culture—such as Mount Dora's rich architectural heritage and vibrant arts scene—into their humanities and arts programs. Athletic programs may also feature water sports or golf, taking advantage of the region's climate and facilities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Mount Dora, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process in Mount Dora typically begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year, with application deadlines often between January and March. **Montverde Academy**, due to its competitive and international draw, has an early application process and can have significant waitlists, especially for boarding and upper grades. **Mount Dora Christian Academy** usually follows a more traditional local school timeline but encourages early application as popular grades fill up. The process universally includes an application, student records review, standardized testing, family interview, and often a student visitation day. We highly recommend contacting schools by early fall to attend open houses and understand their specific deadlines and availability.
For families considering a move to Mount Dora, how do the local private schools compare to the highly-rated Lake County public schools?
Mount Dora is served by the Lake County School District, which has some well-regarded public schools. The choice often hinges on priorities. Private schools like MDCA and Montverde offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (faith-based or classical), and often more extensive college counseling and extracurricular opportunities per capita. They provide a consistent educational environment from K-12, whereas public school zoning may change. Public schools offer a no-tuition option with diverse programs, but may have larger class sizes. For many Mount Dora families, the decision involves weighing the investment in private tuition against the desire for a specific educational approach, community, and the potential use of Florida state scholarships to offset costs.