The Best Private Schools in Sumatra, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sumatra. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Glades Day School
Independent
Glades Day School is a highly respected independent private school located just minutes from Sumatra in Belle Glade. Serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Known for its strong athletic programs and academic excellence, Glades Day has a long tradition of preparing students for college success while maintaining a close-knit community atmosphere that serves the rural Glades region.
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The King's Academy
The King's Academy Schools
The King's Academy is a premier Christian college preparatory school serving students from across Palm Beach County, including the Sumatra area. With a comprehensive academic program from elementary through high school, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian worldview. The 65-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school offers a robust Advanced Placement program, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities, making it one of the top-rated private schools in the region that attracts families from surrounding rural communities.
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Cardinal Newman High School
Diocese of Palm Beach
Cardinal Newman High School is a distinguished Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from throughout Palm Beach County, including the Glades region and Sumatra area. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Honors and Advanced Placement courses, complemented by a strong emphasis on faith formation and community service. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and technology resources. With a long history of academic excellence and strong college placement records, Cardinal Newman provides comprehensive education while maintaining transportation options that serve students from surrounding rural areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sumatra, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Sumatra, Florida?
While Sumatra itself is a small, unincorporated community, families in the area typically look to private schools in the surrounding Glades and Palm Beach County regions. The most prominent options include Glades Day School in Belle Glade (a K-12 college-preparatory school with a strong focus on community and athletics), The King's Academy in West Palm Beach (a Christian school offering comprehensive K-12 programs), and Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach (a Catholic college-preparatory high school). Due to Sumatra's rural location, transportation or commuting is a significant consideration for accessing these schools.
How does the tuition for private schools near Sumatra, FL, compare, and are there Florida-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Glades Day School's tuition is generally more moderate, reflecting its local community setting, while schools in West Palm Beach like The King's Academy and Cardinal Newman have higher tuition rates aligned with their urban locations and extensive facilities. Florida offers critical financial aid options, most notably the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which are income-based and can make private school much more accessible for eligible families. All mentioned schools have financial aid offices to help parents navigate these state programs and institutional scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Sumatra offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often incorporate unique programs tied to South Florida's ecology and agriculture. Glades Day School, located in the heart of the Everglades agricultural area, may offer relevant agricultural science modules or environmental studies. The King's Academy features a robust STEM program and fine arts, while Cardinal Newman offers a distinctive Corporate Work Study Program where students gain professional experience. For families in Sumatra, these schools provide access to specialized college-prep, arts, and faith-based curricula that are not typically available in the local public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Sumatra area, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like Glades Day, The King's Academy, and Cardinal Newman usually begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application (often online), providing academic records, completing an entrance assessment, and participating in a family interview. Due to their reputations and limited seats, especially in the West Palm Beach schools, waitlists are common for certain grade levels. It is highly advisable for Sumatra families to initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance, as rural location does not typically grant geographic priority in admissions.
For a family in rural Sumatra, what are the main considerations when choosing between local public schools and commuting to a private school in Belle Glade or West Palm Beach?
The decision hinges on several Sumatra-specific factors. The primary public school option is Glades County School District, which offers proximity but may have limited advanced placement or specialized programs. Choosing a private school involves a substantial daily commute (30-90 minutes to West Palm Beach), impacting family logistics and student time. Benefits include smaller class sizes, specific religious or pedagogical approaches, and often stronger college counseling. Families must weigh the value of these academic and community benefits against the financial cost of tuition plus the time and expense of transportation, which is a more significant factor here than in urban areas.
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