The Best Private Schools in Orlando, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Orlando. 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 the top private schools in Florida, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers an exceptional college preparatory curriculum with extensive AP course offerings and innovative STEM programs. Facilities include modern science laboratories, athletic centers, and performing arts spaces. Notable for its strong academic performance, championship athletic teams, and comprehensive arts programs, Lake Highland maintains a reputation for excellence in both academics and character development.
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The First Academy
First Baptist Church of Orlando
The First Academy is a premier Christian college preparatory school serving Central Florida with a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Academically rigorous programs include Advanced Placement and honors courses, complemented by championship athletic teams and extensive fine arts offerings. The school emphasizes character development and spiritual growth within a supportive Christian community.
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Trinity Preparatory School
Independent
Located in nearby Winter Park and serving the greater Orlando area, Trinity Preparatory School offers a rigorous college preparatory education for grades 6-12. The school provides both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, along with comprehensive STEM initiatives and competitive athletic teams. Known for its beautiful campus and strong sense of community, Trinity Prep emphasizes academic excellence, ethical leadership, and global citizenship. The school features modern facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Orlando, Florida
What are the main types of private schools available in Orlando, Florida, and how do they differ?
Orlando offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent college-preparatory schools, faith-based institutions, and specialized academies. Top-tier college-prep schools like Lake Highland Preparatory School and Trinity Preparatory School emphasize rigorous academics, extensive AP/IB offerings, and strong athletic and arts programs. Faith-based schools, such as The First Academy (Christian), integrate religious curriculum with college-prep academics. Orlando also has Montessori, classical, and performing arts-focused schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus culture, and extracurricular emphasis, allowing parents to find a school aligning closely with their values and their child's needs.
How does tuition for Orlando private schools compare to the Florida state average, and what financial aid options are available locally?
Tuition at Orlando's leading private schools is generally at or above the Florida state average for similar institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition for schools like Lake Highland Prep or Trinity Prep can range from approximately $25,000 to $35,000 for upper grades. Florida offers two significant financial aid mechanisms: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options. These state-funded programs, administered by organizations like Step Up For Students, provide income-based scholarships that can be used at participating private schools. Additionally, most Orlando private schools have their own need-based financial aid programs, and some, like The First Academy, offer multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by Orlando private schools that leverage the city's local industries and environment?
Orlando private schools uniquely integrate programs connected to the city's major economic sectors. Several schools, including Lake Highland Prep, have robust STEM and engineering programs with partnerships or project-based learning tied to the aerospace (via nearby SpaceX, NASA, and Lockheed Martin), simulation, and theme park engineering industries. Schools near the Lake Nona Medical City often have advanced biomedical tracks. Furthermore, performing arts programs frequently benefit from proximity to Disney and Universal, offering masterclasses and performance opportunities. Environmental science programs may utilize Central Florida's diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and springs, for hands-on study.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Orlando, Florida?
The enrollment process for Orlando's most sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins early. Key steps include: 1) **Research & Tours (Spring/Summer before desired year)**: Most schools host open houses starting a year in advance. 2) **Application Submission (Fall)**: Deadlines for the following academic year are often between December and February. 3) **Standardized Testing & Assessments (Winter)**: Most require the ISEE or SSAT, plus school-specific assessments for younger grades. 4) **Interviews (Winter)**: Student and parent interviews are common. 5) **Admission Decisions (March)**: Notifications are typically sent in mid-March. 6) **Enrollment Contracts & Deposits (Spring)**: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a spot. Due to high demand, especially for entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), starting the process 12-18 months ahead is strongly advised.
For families moving to Orlando, how do the top private schools compare to the highly-rated public school options in terms of academic focus and community?
Orlando has several highly-rated public school districts and magnet programs (e.g., in Seminole County and Orange County's West Orange area). However, top private schools like those in Orlando offer distinct advantages: smaller class sizes (often 15-20 vs. 25-30+ in public), a more consistent academic environment across all grades without rezoning concerns, and a mission-driven community. Private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum, allowing for deeper dives into subjects and innovative teaching methods. They also typically require significant family involvement and tuition investment, which can foster a tight-knit community. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for a specific educational philosophy, religious component, or specialized program not available in their zoned public school, balanced against the significant financial commitment.
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