The Best Private Schools in Port Orange, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Port Orange. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Father Lopez Catholic High School
Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools
Father Lopez Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Port Orange and greater Daytona Beach area. Established in 1962, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, serving students in grades 9-12 with a strong track record of college acceptance.
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St. Brendan Catholic School
Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools
St. Brendan Catholic School provides excellent private education for students from pre-K through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Port Orange and Ormond Beach region. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, comprehensive religious education, and diverse extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, and athletic fields. With a focus on developing the whole child academically, spiritually, and socially, St. Brendan maintains high parent satisfaction and prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Halifax Academy
Independent Private School
Halifax Academy is a respected private school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, drawing families from Port Orange and surrounding communities. Founded in 1996, the school offers a challenging academic program with small class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive college preparation. The curriculum includes advanced placement options, dual enrollment with local colleges, and strong arts and athletics programs. The campus features well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, and technology resources. Halifax Academy is known for its supportive learning environment and strong track record of student achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Port Orange, Florida
What are the primary private school options available within Port Orange, Florida, and what are their educational philosophies?
Port Orange offers a few established private schools, each with a distinct focus. Father Lopez Catholic High School (grades 9-12) provides a college-preparatory education rooted in Catholic values. St. Brendan Catholic School serves students from Pre-K3 through 8th grade with a faith-based curriculum. Halifax Academy is a non-denominational, co-educational school offering programs from Pre-K through 12th grade, known for its structured environment and emphasis on core academics. For a wider selection, many Port Orange families also consider private institutions in neighboring Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and New Smyrna Beach.
How does tuition for private schools in Port Orange, FL, typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in Port Orange is generally competitive with regional averages. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000-$12,000 for elementary grades and $12,000-$16,000 for high school at local institutions. Florida offers significant financial support through state programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which are widely accepted by participating private schools in Port Orange. These programs provide need-based or eligibility-based funding, making private education more accessible. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Port Orange private schools offer that leverage the local Florida environment?
Schools in Port Orange integrate Florida's unique coastal and ecological setting into their programs. Many emphasize marine science and environmental studies, with potential for field trips to nearby ecosystems like the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Spruce Creek Preserve. Father Lopez Catholic High School, for instance, may incorporate service projects benefiting the local coastal community. Halifax Academy’s curriculum can include Florida history and science standards with local context. Extracurriculars often feature competitive sports leagues within the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and may include sailing or fishing clubs capitalizing on the waterfront location.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Port Orange, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Port Orange private schools often begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority given to existing families and siblings. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or assessment. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular early-grade programs at schools like St. Brendan, waitlists are common. It is highly advisable for parents to attend open houses (typically held in the fall) and apply early. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain, but securing a spot by spring is the standard practice.
For families moving to Port Orange, what are the key considerations when choosing between a private school and the highly-rated public schools in the area?
The decision often hinges on educational approach, class size, and specific student needs. Port Orange is served by the Volusia County School District, which includes high-performing public schools like Spruce Creek High School. Private schools in Port Orange offer significantly smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and often a more structured or traditional academic environment. The private option may be preferable for seeking a specific moral framework or if a child would benefit from a more personalized setting. Conversely, public schools offer a broader range of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) programs, and extensive extracurricular activities at no direct tuition cost. Evaluating your child's learning style and visiting both types of schools is crucial.
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