The Best Private Schools in Saint Johns, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Johns. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Johns Country Day School
Independent
St. Johns Country Day School is a highly respected independent college preparatory school serving the greater Saint Johns area. Established in 1953, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, with 100% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Providence School of Jacksonville
Christian Independent
Providence School is a premier Christian college preparatory school serving families throughout the Saint Johns and Jacksonville areas. Founded in 1978, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. The school features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, fine arts studios, and extensive athletic complexes. Providence offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school is particularly known for its strong athletic programs and comprehensive fine arts offerings.
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Bolles School
Independent
The Bolles School is one of Florida's most prestigious independent college preparatory schools, serving students from Saint Johns and throughout Northeast Florida. Founded in 1933, Bolles offers day and boarding programs for grades pre-K through 12 across four campuses. The school is renowned for its academic rigor, offering both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Bolles maintains exceptional athletic facilities and has produced numerous collegiate and professional athletes. The school's college counseling program is highly regarded, with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier universities nationwide. Facilities include state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Johns, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Saint Johns, Florida, and what are their educational philosophies?
Saint Johns, FL, is primarily served by several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding area. The most prominent include St. Johns Country Day School (located in Orange Park, serving the region), which offers a progressive, college-preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on character and community. Providence School of Jacksonville, a Christian college-prep school, offers a biblically-integrated curriculum. The Bolles School, with campuses in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra, is a renowned college-preparatory school known for rigorous academics, exceptional arts, and athletics. While not all are physically within Saint Johns city limits, they are core options for families in this community, each offering distinct philosophical approaches to education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Saint Johns, FL, area compare, and are there Florida-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Saint Johns area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $30,000 annually. St. Johns Country Day School and Providence School typically fall in the mid-range, while The Bolles School is at the higher end. Importantly, Florida offers several state-funded scholarship programs that can greatly assist families. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship/Family Empowerment Scholarship, managed by organizations like Step Up For Students, provides needs-based funding for private school tuition. Additionally, the Hope Scholarship helps students who have experienced bullying. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funding is limited, and all mentioned schools accept eligible scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Saint Johns, Florida, region that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Saint Johns area offer distinctive programs that capitalize on Florida's unique ecology and coastal location. St. Johns Country Day School, for instance, has a renowned science program with direct access to environmental studies in the nearby wetlands and St. Johns River watershed. The Bolles School leverages its multiple campuses to offer exceptional aquatic programs, including championship-level swimming and sailing, benefiting from Florida's climate and waterways. Several schools also integrate marine biology and environmental science into their curricula through local field studies. Furthermore, the proximity to Jacksonville provides partnerships with cultural institutions, tech companies, and healthcare facilities for robust internship and arts programs not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Saint Johns, Florida, and when should parents start?
The enrollment process for top private schools in the Saint Johns area is highly structured and competitive. Parents should begin researching schools at least 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/interviews. For schools like Bolles and St. Johns Country Day School, waiting pools are common, especially for entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. Financial aid and Florida scholarship applications also have early deadlines, often concurrent with admission applications. It's highly advisable to apply to more than one school to increase options.
For families moving to Saint Johns, Florida, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools and the private school options?
Saint Johns County is known for having some of the highest-ranked public schools in Florida, which is a major draw for families. The decision often hinges on specific needs. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. public school averages of 25+), specialized curricula (like International Baccalaureate at some privates vs. Advanced Placement in public), and distinct religious or philosophical foundations. Private schools may also have more flexibility in teaching methods and fewer standardized testing mandates. However, the award-winning public schools (like Bartram Trail and Creekside High) are tuition-free. Many families consider the investment in private school for a tailored educational approach, particular athletic or arts programs, or a specific community environment, while others find the exceptional public system fully meets their needs.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near Saint Johns, FL: A Parent's Guide to Finding the Best Fit
As a parent in Saint Johns, Florida, the search for the right educational environment for your child is both exciting and deeply important. When you type "prep schools near me" into a search engine, you're looking for more than just a list; you're seeking a community that will prepare your child academically, socially, and ethically for the future. In our growing area of Northeast Florida, this search is uniquely framed by our blend of suburban community values, proximity to Jacksonville's resources, and a strong emphasis on family life. Understanding the local landscape of preparatory education is the first step in making a confident decision.
The term "prep school" often signifies a college-preparatory environment with a rigorous academic curriculum, and Saint Johns is fortunate to have several esteemed institutions within a reasonable commute. St. Johns Country Day School, located right in our community, offers a quintessential preparatory experience from pre-K through 12th grade, known for its strong STEM programs and intimate campus setting. For families looking slightly further, the Providence School of Jacksonville and The Bolles School represent premier options. Providence, with its Christian foundation, and Bolles, with its renowned academic and athletic reputation, are both established pillars in the region. Each of these schools offers a distinct culture and approach to preparatory education, meaning your search for "prep schools near me" is really about finding the best philosophical fit for your family.
When evaluating these options from Saint Johns, practical logistics become a key consideration. Traffic patterns on I-295 or State Road 13 can significantly impact daily commutes to Jacksonville campuses. Many local families form carpools, and understanding a school's start times and after-care offerings is crucial. Furthermore, the social fabric of Saint Johns means your child’s classmates may not just be schoolmates but also neighbors and sports teammates, reinforcing a consistent community network. This local interconnectedness is a valuable asset to consider alongside a school’s national reputation.
Your research should extend beyond websites and rankings. The most insightful step is to visit. Schedule a tour, observe classes in session, and speak directly with teachers and current parents. Ask specific questions about how the school supports students through the college counseling process, what their community service requirements entail, and how they foster student leadership. Notice if the campus atmosphere feels like an extension of the values you cherish at home in Saint Johns. The right preparatory school will feel like a partnership, aligning with your goals to nurture a well-rounded, resilient, and curious learner. Ultimately, your search for "prep schools near me" is a proactive investment in your child’s journey, and the vibrant educational landscape surrounding Saint Johns provides excellent avenues to explore.
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