The Best Private Schools in Shalimar, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shalimar. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rocky Bayou Christian School
Rocky Bayou Christian School
Rocky Bayou Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Shalimar and greater Okaloosa County area. Founded in 1973, the school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. RBCS emphasizes academic excellence with advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and a robust STEM program. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong teacher-student relationships. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, competitive fine arts, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
St. Mary Catholic School is a premier private Catholic institution serving Shalimar and the surrounding Emerald Coast region. Established in 1951, the school provides education from Pre-K3 through 8th grade with a focus on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science labs, and technology integration with 1:1 device programs. The campus features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, chapel, and athletic facilities. St. Mary's emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with strong parent involvement and community spirit. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded student development programs.
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St. John Catholic School
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
St. John Catholic School serves Shalimar and the greater Niceville/Valparaiso area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education program. Founded in 1956, the school combines strong Catholic values with academic excellence in a supportive learning environment. The curriculum features advanced academic programs, including accelerated math and reading, comprehensive science education, and Spanish language instruction from early grades. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a library/media center, and athletic facilities. St. John's is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and successful preparation of students for high school and beyond. The school offers diverse extracurricular activities including sports, music, and various academic clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shalimar, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Shalimar, Florida, and what are their core educational approaches?
Shalimar itself is a small town, but it is part of the larger Okaloosa County area, which offers several well-regarded private schools. The top options frequently considered by Shalimar families include Rocky Bayou Christian School (in Niceville, just minutes away), which offers a comprehensive K-12 Christian education with a strong college-prep focus. St. Mary Catholic School (in Fort Walton Beach) provides a faith-based elementary education, and St. John Catholic School (also in Fort Walton Beach) serves students in middle school. These schools are all within a short commute from Shalimar. Their approaches range from Protestant Christian to Catholic, but all emphasize rigorous academics, character development, and small class sizes, leveraging the close-knit community feel of the Emerald Coast.
How does tuition for private schools in the Shalimar, FL area typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Shalimar families is generally in line with or slightly below Florida's private school averages, reflecting the North Florida cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect elementary tuition to range from approximately $7,000 to $10,000 annually, with high school levels higher. All the mentioned schools—Rocky Bayou Christian, St. Mary, and St. John—offer need-based financial aid and/or tuition assistance programs. Additionally, Florida’s state-sponsored scholarship programs, like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), are widely accepted at these schools. These programs can significantly reduce costs for eligible families, making private education more accessible to Shalimar residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Shalimar that take advantage of the local military and coastal environment?
Private schools in the Shalimar area have developed specialized programs that reflect the community's unique character. Given the proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and the beautiful Gulf Coast, schools like Rocky Bayou Christian School offer robust JROTC programs and strong support for military-connected students. Many schools integrate marine science and environmental studies into their curricula, with potential for coastal field trips and projects. Furthermore, the emphasis on leadership, discipline, and service in these schools often aligns with the values of the many military families in Shalimar and the surrounding towns, creating a supportive and understanding peer environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Rocky Bayou Christian or St. Mary Catholic School for a family moving to Shalimar?
The enrollment process for Shalimar-area private schools often begins nearly a year in advance, with priority application windows typically opening in January or February for the following fall. However, due to the transient nature of the military community, these schools are accustomed to mid-year enrollments and often have rolling admissions if spaces are available. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Catholic schools, proof of baptism and parish affiliation may be required. It is highly recommended to contact the admissions office directly as soon as you know you are relocating to Shalimar, as some grades (particularly kindergarten and middle school transition years) may have waitlists.
For a family in Shalimar deciding between the local public schools (like Shalimar Elementary) and private options, what are the key differentiating factors to consider?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Okaloosa County public schools, including Shalimar Elementary, are generally well-rated. The key differentiators for private schools in the area are: 1) **Religious Integration:** Daily faith-based instruction and values are central to the curriculum at Rocky Bayou, St. Mary, and St. John. 2) **Smaller Class Sizes:** Private schools typically offer lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. 3) **Continuity:** A private school like Rocky Bayou offers a single-campus K-12 experience, whereas public school students in Shalimar will transition between different schools for elementary, middle, and high school. 4) **Specialized Focus:** Private schools may offer more consistent advanced placement, fine arts, or athletic programs without being subject to district-wide budget reallocations. The commute is also a factor, as the preferred private option may require a short drive to Niceville or Fort Walton Beach.
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