The Best Private Schools in Tangerine, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tangerine. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The First Academy
The First Academy
The First Academy is a highly-acclaimed Christian college preparatory school located in Orlando, serving families throughout Central Florida including Tangerine. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses, complemented by comprehensive fine arts and athletic programs. With a focus on leadership development and character education, TFA provides students with personalized academic guidance and college counseling. The expansive campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong track record of college acceptances to top-tier universities nationwide.
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Mount Dora Christian Academy
Mount Dora Christian Academy
Mount Dora Christian Academy is a highly-regarded Christian private school located just 15 minutes from Tangerine. Serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, MDCA offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and robust STEM programs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes academic excellence while integrating Christian values throughout the educational experience. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, fine arts programs, and various clubs.
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Foundation Academy
Foundation Academy
Foundation Academy is a premier private Christian school serving the greater Lake County area, including Tangerine families. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory tracks, providing rigorous academic challenges for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs, fine arts studios, and extensive athletic complexes. Foundation Academy is known for its strong community atmosphere, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support services. The school maintains a diverse range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tangerine, Florida
What are the primary private school options serving families in Tangerine, Florida, and what are their key characteristics?
While Tangerine itself is a small community, families typically look to nearby schools in Lake and Orange counties. The top options include Mount Dora Christian Academy (MDCA) in Mount Dora, known for its comprehensive K-12 Christian education and strong athletics; Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, which offers a college-prep focus with STEM and fine arts programs; and The First Academy in Orlando, a prominent Christian school with rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. Given Tangerine's location, transportation logistics are a key consideration, as these schools are a 15-30 minute drive away. Many families in the area also consider smaller private academies in Apopka and Clermont.
How does Florida's school choice programs, like the Family Empowerment Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Tangerine residents?
Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program is a significant financial factor for Tangerine families. This state-funded scholarship provides eligible students with funds that can be applied to private school tuition, fees, and materials. Most private schools in the area, including MDCA, Foundation Academy, and The First Academy, accept these scholarships. 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 to apply for the FES through a state-approved scholarship funding organization early, as funds are limited. This can dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket cost of private education in the Tangerine area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Tangerine, FL, that leverage Central Florida's resources?
Private schools in the Greater Orlando area accessible to Tangerine families often have programs that utilize local industries. Foundation Academy has robust digital media and engineering programs that can connect with the tech corridor. The First Academy offers notable performing arts programs with potential links to Orlando's entertainment sector. Mount Dora Christian Academy provides strong agricultural science and FFA programs, relevant to Lake County's rural character. Furthermore, many schools incorporate environmental science studies tied to Florida's ecosystems, with field trips to local springs and parks. Competitive athletics, especially in soccer, basketball, and baseball, are also a major focus, with several schools having state-championship caliber teams.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Tangerine, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in the Tangerine orbit often begins a full year in advance. Most schools, like The First Academy and Foundation Academy, open applications in August or September for the following academic year. The process typically involves an online application, submission of records, standardized testing (like the ISEE or school-specific assessment), family interviews, and student shadow days. Due to high demand, especially in the lower grades, many of these schools have waitlists. Mount Dora Christian Academy may have more flexibility but still encourages early application. Tangerine families should attend fall open houses, often held between October and January, and aim to complete applications by January or February for the best chance of admission.
For a family in Tangerine, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Citrus Ridge Elementary or Windy Hill Middle) and a private school further away?
The decision hinges on several Tangerine-specific factors. The local public schools are part of Lake County Schools and offer proximity, but some families seek alternatives. Choosing a private school like those in Winter Garden or Orlando adds a significant daily commute (20-45 minutes), requiring careful planning for transportation or carpooling. The private options offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious or pedagogical philosophies, and often more extensive college counseling. Financially, you must weigh the cost of tuition (potentially offset by Florida scholarships) against the time and fuel cost of commuting. Additionally, consider the community aspect: your child's friendships and extracurricular involvement will be centered further from home, which can impact local social connections in Tangerine.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Best Private Middle School in Tangerine, Florida: A Parent's Guide
Choosing a private middle school in Tangerine, Florida, is a significant decision that goes beyond academics. It’s about finding a community that nurtures your child during these pivotal years of growth, self-discovery, and increasing independence. For families in our charming citrus-growing community, nestled between the bustling corridors of Orlando and the serene lakes of Mount Dora, this choice is deeply connected to our local values of strong community, safety, and preparing young people for a bright future. The middle school years are a unique bridge, and the right private school environment can make all the difference in building a confident, well-rounded student.
In Tangerine, parents have access to several excellent private middle school options, each with its own distinctive character and strengths. Institutions like Mount Dora Christian Academy, with its expansive campus just a short drive away, offer a comprehensive program where faith-based values are integrated into a rigorous academic and athletic structure. Closer to the Winter Garden area, Foundation Academy provides a dynamic environment known for its strong arts and STEM initiatives, appealing to students with diverse interests. Meanwhile, The First Academy, located in Orlando, draws many Tangerine families seeking a college-preparatory focus with extensive extracurricular opportunities. The key is to look beyond the brochures and consider the daily reality for a student. How does the school handle the social and emotional challenges specific to early adolescence? What support systems are in place for students who might need extra help in math or language arts, or for those who are ready to accelerate?
The local context of Tangerine itself plays a role in this decision. Our semi-rural setting offers a quieter, more close-knit atmosphere than the urban core, which many private schools here reflect in their campus culture and emphasis on outdoor activities and personal attention. However, being part of the greater Orlando metro area means these schools are also gateways to broader regional resources, competitions, and cultural experiences. When visiting campuses, Tangerine parents should consider the commute, especially with after-school activities in mind, and ask about transportation options. It’s also wise to inquire about how the school fosters leadership and responsibility—values that resonate in our community. Does the program include community service projects in Lake or Orange County? Are there outdoor education trips that utilize Florida’s natural environment?
Ultimately, selecting the right private middle school in Tangerine is a personal journey. We recommend scheduling in-person visits, preferably on a regular school day, to feel the atmosphere. Talk to teachers, but also make a point to observe and speak with current middle school students. They will offer the most genuine insight into the student experience. Ask about the transition to high school, as a strong private middle school should seamlessly prepare students for the next academic step, whether within the same institution or elsewhere. By focusing on the fit for your child’s unique personality, learning style, and your family’s values, you can find a private middle school in the Tangerine area that doesn’t just educate, but truly inspires and guides your child through these formative years.
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