The Best Private Schools in Sebastian, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sebastian. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Edward's School
Independent School
Saint Edward's School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Sebastian and Vero Beach area. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from Pre-K through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students benefit from rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The campus features modern academic buildings, science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Master's Academy
Christian School Network
The Master's Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education serving families throughout Indian River County including Sebastian. The school offers programs from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with biblical worldview. Features include advanced STEM curriculum, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, competitive sports programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Holy Cross Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida
Holy Cross Episcopal School serves students from Sebastian and surrounding communities with a comprehensive educational program from early childhood through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic foundation with character development and spiritual growth. Programs include advanced mathematics and science curriculum, comprehensive language arts, technology integration, visual and performing arts, and competitive sports. The campus features dedicated science labs, technology centers, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school is particularly noted for its nurturing environment and strong sense of community, with many families commuting from Sebastian for the quality education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sebastian, Florida
What are the primary private school options available in Sebastian, Florida, and what are their educational philosophies?
Sebastian, Florida, offers a few key private school options, each with distinct approaches. Saint Edward's School is a prominent independent, college-preparatory day school serving grades PK-12, known for its rigorous academics, waterfront campus, and emphasis on character development. The Master's Academy is a Christian school offering a biblical worldview curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, focusing on integrating faith and learning. Holy Cross Episcopal School provides a nurturing environment with a values-based education for students in grades PK-8. While Sebastian itself has a limited number of campuses, many families in the area also consider private schools in nearby Vero Beach, which expands the options significantly.
How does tuition for private schools in Sebastian, FL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Sebastian area is generally in line with or slightly below the Florida private school average, which was approximately $10,000-$12,000 for elementary grades in recent data. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Holy Cross Episcopal School starts in the $8,000-$10,000 range for lower grades, while Saint Edward's School tuition ranges from about $15,000 for lower school to over $20,000 for upper school. Most schools, including those mentioned, offer need-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Florida also has state-sponsored programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship, which can provide significant tuition assistance to eligible families, making private education more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Sebastian-area private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Sebastian capitalize on the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Coast location. Saint Edward's School, with its direct waterfront access, has a renowned Marine Science program and sailing team. Many schools incorporate environmental stewardship and local ecology into their science curricula. The Master's Academy and other faith-based schools often have strong community service programs tied to local churches and organizations. Given the proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and aerospace industries, some schools also emphasize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives with potential for local partnerships and field trips that are unique to Florida's Space Coast region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Sebastian, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process for Sebastian private schools typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Key steps include attending an open house (often held between October and February), submitting an application by January or February for priority consideration, and completing student assessments and family interviews. Schools like Saint Edward's School and Holy Cross Episcopal School can have waitlists, particularly for popular entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. It is highly advisable for parents to initiate the process at least a year in advance. Rolling admissions may be available for later applicants, but space is not guaranteed. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority.
For families moving to Sebastian, what are the key considerations when choosing between the area's public schools and private schools?
The decision often hinges on several Sebastian-specific factors. The public schools in Sebastian are part of the Indian River County School District, which includes Sebastian River High School. Considerations include: private schools typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. public averages of 20-30+), specialized curricula (like college-prep or faith-based), and more consistent extracurricular programming. Public schools offer no tuition cost and may have larger, more diverse sports and arts programs. A significant factor for some families is the zoning; private school choice provides stability regardless of home address within the broader Sebastian/Vero Beach area. Additionally, private schools can offer a more consistent educational approach, which can be appealing in a growing community like Sebastian where public school boundaries and capacities can shift.
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