The Best Private Schools in Saint Augustine, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Augustine. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Bolles School
Independent School
The Bolles School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school with a national reputation for academic excellence and athletic achievement. While located in Jacksonville, the school serves students from throughout Northeast Florida including St. Augustine. Bolles offers a comprehensive curriculum with 27 Advanced Placement courses, extensive research opportunities, championship athletic programs, and outstanding arts education. The school's four campuses feature world-class facilities including science research centers, performing arts theaters, and Olympic-quality athletic complexes. With a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, Bolles provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of Ivy League and top-tier college placements.
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St. Johns Country Day School
Independent School
Located just north of St. Augustine in Orange Park, St. Johns Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, with 100% college acceptance rate. The 33-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and innovation labs. The school emphasizes whole-child education with robust arts, athletics, and community service programs, attracting families from throughout Northeast Florida.
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St. Joseph Academy
Diocese of St. Augustine
St. Joseph Academy is a Catholic college preparatory high school serving St. Augustine and surrounding communities with a rich 86-year history. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, competitive athletics across 22 sports teams, and extensive fine arts programs. The 30-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Augustine, Florida
What are the primary types of private schools available in Saint Augustine, Florida, and how do they differ?
Saint Augustine offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as faith-based, independent college-preparatory, and specialized preparatory schools. St. Joseph Academy is a Catholic, co-educational diocesan school offering a faith-based curriculum. St. Johns Country Day School in nearby Orange Park is a secular, independent school with a strong emphasis on college prep and the arts. The Bolles School, with a campus in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach, is a renowned independent school known for rigorous academics and exceptional athletic programs. Within Saint Augustine proper, parents will also find smaller parochial and independent schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, extracurricular focus, and campus culture.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition in Saint Augustine?
Florida's robust school choice programs significantly impact private school affordability in Saint Augustine. Many local private schools participate in the state's Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program, which provides state-funded education savings accounts to eligible students. This can substantially offset tuition costs. The eligibility is based on household income, with priority for lower-income families, but also includes options for students with unique abilities or those from military families. It's crucial for parents to check with individual schools like St. Joseph Academy about their participation status and to apply for the scholarship well in advance of the enrollment process, as funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Given Saint Augustine's rich history and coastal environment, do local private schools offer unique academic or extracurricular programs?
Absolutely. Saint Augustine's unique context is reflected in several school programs. Many schools integrate local history into their curriculum; for example, classes may study the Spanish colonial period or marine biology with field trips to the Castillo de San Marcos or the nearby Atlantic Ocean and estuaries. St. Joseph Academy, as the oldest continuous Catholic school in Florida, often emphasizes this historical legacy. Schools may also offer specialized programs in maritime studies, environmental science, and historic preservation. Furthermore, the coastal location supports strong sailing and swimming teams, with some schools having direct access to aquatic facilities for competition and recreation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Saint Augustine area?
The timeline for top private schools in the Saint Augustine region often begins a full year in advance. For schools like The Bolles School and St. Johns Country Day School, the application process for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process usually involves an application form, standardized testing (like the SSAT or school-specific assessment), school records, teacher recommendations, a student essay, and a family interview. Many schools also require a campus visit or shadow day. It's highly advisable to start researching and visiting schools in the fall, as spaces, especially in specific grades, can be limited. St. Joseph Academy may have a slightly different diocesan timeline, so checking directly is essential.
For a family moving to Saint Augustine, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (St. Johns County) to private options?
This is a critical decision, as St. Johns County School District is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Florida. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Public schools offer a standardized curriculum, while private schools like those in Saint Augustine can offer more specialized, religious, or classical education models. **Class Size:** Private schools generally boast significantly smaller class sizes for more individualized attention. **Cost:** Public schools are free, whereas private school tuition is a major financial commitment, though potentially offset by Florida scholarships. **Extracurriculars:** Large public high schools often have a wider variety of sports and clubs, while private schools may offer more niche or elite programs (e.g., Bolles' swimming). **Transportation:** The public district provides busing; private schools often require carpooling or paid transportation services. Many families in Saint Augustine choose based on values alignment, specific academic needs, or a desire for a particular community environment that a private school provides.