The Best Private Schools in Plant City, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plant City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Berkeley Preparatory School
Independent
Berkeley Preparatory School is a premier independent college preparatory school that serves students from Plant City and throughout the Tampa Bay region. Founded in 1960, this nationally recognized school offers a rigorous academic program for grades Pre-K through 12, with exceptional college placement results. The 86-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Berkeley emphasizes global education, character development, and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletics, comprehensive arts programs, and community service initiatives.
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St. Clement Catholic School
Diocese of St. Petersburg
St. Clement Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Plant City and greater Tampa area. Established in 1956, this accredited institution offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Santa Fe Catholic High School
Diocese of Orlando
Santa Fe Catholic High School is a respected Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Plant City and the greater Polk County area. Established in 1961, this coeducational institution provides a comprehensive education for grades 9-12 with a strong focus on academic achievement and spiritual growth. The school offers advanced STEM programs, honors and AP courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Known for its family-like atmosphere and dedicated faculty, Santa Fe prepares students for college success while emphasizing service, leadership, and moral development. The school's location in Lakeland makes it easily accessible for Plant City families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plant City, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Plant City, Florida, and what grade levels do they serve?
Plant City, FL, offers a few key private school options, though many families also consider schools in the broader Tampa Bay area. Within the immediate area, St. Clement Catholic School is a prominent Pre-K through 8th-grade institution. For high school, many Plant City students attend Santa Fe Catholic High School in nearby Lakeland, which serves grades 9-12. Additionally, highly regarded schools like Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa (Pre-K-12) are within commuting distance and attract families from Plant City. The local options are primarily faith-based, so families seeking secular private education often look to schools in Tampa or Lakeland.
How does tuition for private schools in and around Plant City, Florida, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Plant City area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Clement Catholic School's tuition is approximately $7,000-$9,000 annually, while Santa Fe Catholic High School is roughly $11,000-$13,000. Berkeley Preparatory School, as a top-tier independent school, has tuition exceeding $30,000. Florida offers several financial aid options that apply to these schools. The most significant is the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship/Family Empowerment Scholarship program, which provides state-funded scholarships to eligible students, greatly reducing out-of-pocket costs for many families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Plant City students that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools serving Plant City often integrate the area's agricultural heritage and community focus into their programs. St. Clement Catholic School emphasizes service learning, with projects tied to local events like the Florida Strawberry Festival. Santa Fe Catholic High School offers a robust STEM program and agriculture-related science courses that connect to the region's farming industry. Schools like Berkeley Preparatory School, while further away, offer extensive college-prep programs, global studies, and competitive athletics that draw from the Tampa Bay region's resources. The smaller class sizes in these schools allow for personalized attention, a noted contrast to some larger public schools in the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Clement or Santa Fe Catholic for a family moving to Plant City?
The enrollment process for Plant City-area private schools often begins nearly a year in advance. Priority application deadlines for the following academic year are typically in January or February, with decisions released by March. For St. Clement Catholic School, priority is given to active parishioners and siblings of current students. Santa Fe Catholic High School requires an application, transcripts, standardized test scores, and a student interview. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain, but waiting lists are common. It's highly recommended to contact the school's admissions office directly, attend an open house (often held in the fall), and apply early, especially if seeking financial scholarships.
For a family considering private versus public school in Plant City, Florida, what are the key local factors to weigh in the decision?
In Plant City, key factors include curriculum focus, class size, and community environment. Plant City's public schools, like Plant City High School, are large and offer diverse programs, including prestigious career academies in agriculture and engineering. Private options like St. Clement and Santa Fe provide a faith-based education with consistent values throughout the curriculum and typically smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public). Transportation is a major consideration; Hillsborough County Public Schools provide busing, while private schools usually require carpooling or private transportation. Cost is paramount, but Florida's scholarship programs can make private school financially accessible for qualifying families. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes a specific religious foundation and intimate setting over the no-cost, comprehensive offerings of the public system.