The Best Private Schools in Perry, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Perry. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Maclay School
Independent School
Maclay School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving North Florida, including Perry residents. Established in 1968, Maclay offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a 100-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Maclay's rigorous academic program boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, offering extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Holy Comforter Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Florida
Holy Comforter Episcopal School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from Perry and surrounding communities. Founded in 1959, HCES provides education from pre-K3 through 8th grade with a strong foundation in Christian values and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Their comprehensive curriculum includes advanced coursework, robust fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. HCES is known for its supportive community environment and strong parent involvement, with many graduates transitioning successfully to top high schools in the region.
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North Florida Christian School
Independent Christian School
North Florida Christian School is a well-established Christian private school that serves families throughout North Florida, including Perry. Founded in 1964, NFC offers comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The school features a 50-acre campus with modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. NFC provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum alongside competitive athletic programs and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development, with a strong track record of graduates attending selective colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Perry, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families in Perry, Florida, and what are their key characteristics?
While Perry itself has a limited number of private schools, families in the Perry, FL area often consider institutions in nearby Tallahassee, which are within a reasonable commuting distance. The top-regarded options include Maclay School (a non-sectarian, college-preparatory day school known for its strong academics and arts), Holy Comforter Episcopal School (a Christian school offering a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade), and North Florida Christian School (a Christ-centered school serving K-12 with a focus on spiritual and academic development). Locally within Perry, you may find smaller Christian academies. It's important for Perry parents to factor in commute times of 45-60 minutes to these Tallahassee schools when making a decision.
How does tuition for private schools serving Perry, Florida families compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Florida?
Tuition for the major private schools accessible to Perry residents varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Maclay School's tuition ranges approximately from $15,000 for lower school to over $20,000 for upper school. Holy Comforter and North Florida Christian are generally lower, often in the $8,000-$12,000 range. Beyond school-specific financial aid, Florida offers two vital state-sponsored programs: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship/Family Empowerment Scholarship for educational choice, which can provide substantial tuition assistance for eligible families, and the Hope Scholarship for students who have experienced bullying. Additionally, the unique Florida Personal Learning Scholarship Account (PLSA) is available for students with certain special needs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Perry, Florida region offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region of Florida often incorporate the unique ecological and cultural landscape into their programs. Maclay School, for instance, utilizes its extensive campus for environmental science studies and may offer related clubs. Given North Florida's strong agricultural and forestry presence, some schools integrate project-based learning related to local industries. Furthermore, proximity to the state capital in Tallahassee allows schools like Maclay and North Florida Christian to facilitate government/civics internships and advanced placement courses that leverage that access. Athletic programs often emphasize outdoor sports suited to the climate, and many schools have strong connections to local community service organizations in both Perry and Tallahassee.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Perry, Florida families apply to, and are there key deadlines?
The enrollment process for competitive schools like Maclay, Holy Comforter, and North Florida Christian typically begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include open houses (often September-November), submission of applications by January or February, and student assessments/interviews. Admission decisions are commonly released in March. For Perry families, it is crucial to initiate this process early due to waitlists, especially for entry grades. Many schools also host shadow days, which require planning for the commute to Tallahassee. Rolling admission may be available for local Perry-based academies, but spaces are limited. We strongly recommend contacting admissions offices by October to understand specific requirements.
For a family in Perry, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Taylor County) and a private school in Tallahassee?
The decision hinges on several Perry-specific factors. The Taylor County School District offers the convenience of no commute and a strong community-focused environment. Opting for a private school in Tallahassee involves a significant daily commute (which can impact family logistics and student participation in after-school activities) but may provide access to different academic resources, smaller class sizes, specialized college preparatory tracks, and distinct religious or philosophical educations. Parents should evaluate the investment of time and tuition against their child's specific needs. Many Perry families find a hybrid consideration, starting locally in younger grades and considering a private option for middle or high school, especially if seeking specific advanced programs or a different social environment.