The Best Private Schools in Ormond Beach, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ormond Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Barnabas Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida
St. Barnabas Episcopal School is a highly-rated private institution serving families throughout Volusia County, including Ormond Beach. The school combines academic rigor with strong character development in a nurturing Christian environment. Offering Montessori-based early childhood education through middle school, St. Barnabas emphasizes individualized learning, critical thinking, and community service. The campus features well-equipped classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and dedicated art and music facilities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's balanced approach to education, experienced teachers, and strong sense of community.
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Halifax Academy
Independent
Halifax Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving the greater Daytona Beach area, including Ormond Beach families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. With a strong focus on academic excellence, Halifax provides Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive arts education. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's ability to prepare students for college success.
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Warner Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Warner Christian Academy is a well-established private Christian school that serves students from Ormond Beach and surrounding communities. With over five decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 program that integrates faith-based values with strong academic preparation. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, music, and drama. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents appreciate the school's strong community values, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive approach to student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ormond Beach, Florida
What are the primary types of private schools available in Ormond Beach, Florida, and how do they differ?
Ormond Beach offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily centered around religious affiliation and college-preparatory focus. Warner Christian Academy provides a comprehensive, faith-based K-12 education with a strong emphasis on Christian values and athletics. St. Barnabas Episcopal School offers a smaller, nurturing environment from Pre-K through 8th grade with a structured academic program rooted in Episcopal tradition. Halifax Academy is a non-sectarian, college-preparatory school serving grades 6-12, known for its rigorous academics and smaller class sizes. This range allows parents in Ormond Beach to choose based on educational philosophy, religious integration, and the desired school environment for their child.
How does tuition for Ormond Beach private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Ormond Beach's top private schools is generally competitive with or slightly below the Florida private school average, which hovers around $10,000 per year for K-12. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. All major schools in the area, including Halifax Academy, St. Barnabas, and Warner Christian, offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in Florida's state-sponsored scholarship programs. These include the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. It's essential to apply for financial aid directly through the school and the state scholarship funding organizations early in the enrollment process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Ormond Beach private schools offer that leverage the local Florida environment?
Several Ormond Beach private schools integrate Florida's unique coastal and ecological environment into their curricula. For instance, schools may have robust marine science programs, with potential field trips to nearby Tomoka State Park, the Indian River Lagoon, or the Atlantic Ocean for hands-on learning. Warner Christian Academy and others often emphasize environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the proximity to Daytona Beach and its cultural venues allows for enhanced arts and history programs. Many schools also capitalize on Florida's year-round warm weather with strong athletic programs in soccer, volleyball, and baseball, and some may even have surfing or coastal fitness clubs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Ormond Beach, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process for Ormond Beach private schools typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Most schools, like St. Barnabas Episcopal School and Halifax Academy, host open houses from October through January. The application deadline is often in February or March, with admission decisions communicated by April. Due to the smaller size of these institutions, certain grade levels, especially early elementary and popular middle school grades, can have limited space and may develop waitlists. It is highly recommended for parents to begin research and campus visits a full year in advance. The process usually includes an application, student assessment or shadow day, records review, and a family interview.
For families moving to the area, how do the top private schools in Ormond Beach compare to the highly-rated public schools in Volusia County?
The decision often comes down to class size, educational approach, and specific student needs. Ormond Beach is served by well-regarded public schools like Ormond Beach Middle School and Seabreeze High School. The key differentiators for local private schools are significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in public), a more tailored and often accelerated academic pace, and, for some, a faith-based foundation. Private schools like Halifax Academy offer a focused college-prep track that may provide more individualized attention for advanced learners. However, public schools offer a wider array of elective courses, larger-scale athletic programs, and no tuition. Many families in Ormond Beach choose private options for their structured environment and specific values alignment, while others appreciate the diverse programs and community integration of the public system.
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