The Best Private Schools in Worthington Springs, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Worthington Springs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oak Hall School
Independent
Oak Hall School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving North Central Florida. Founded in 1970, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Oak Hall emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, Advanced Placement courses, and a strong focus on character development. The school has consistently high college acceptance rates and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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The Bolles School
Independent
The Bolles School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school with a national reputation for academic and athletic excellence. While located in Jacksonville, it serves students from throughout North Florida, including the Worthington Springs area. The school offers day and boarding options with a comprehensive curriculum featuring Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and championship-level athletics. Bolles maintains small class sizes, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities across its multiple campuses. The school has a long tradition of preparing students for top-tier colleges and universities with a focus on leadership development and global citizenship.
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St. Francis Catholic Academy
Diocese of St. Augustine
St. Francis Catholic Academy is a diocesan Catholic high school providing comprehensive college preparatory education grounded in Catholic values. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses, complemented by strong athletic and arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a chapel, and extensive athletic facilities. The school community emphasizes faith formation, service learning, and academic achievement, with graduates consistently gaining acceptance to prestigious colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Worthington Springs, Florida
Are there any private schools actually located within Worthington Springs, Florida, or will we need to look at schools in surrounding areas?
Worthington Springs itself is a very small, rural community in Union County with a population under 300, so there are no private school campuses physically located within its town limits. Families in Worthington Springs typically look at highly-regarded private schools in the broader North Central Florida region, primarily in Gainesville (like Oak Hall School and St. Francis Catholic Academy, approximately 45 minutes south) and Jacksonville (like The Bolles School, about an hour northeast). Transportation and commute times are significant, practical considerations for Worthington Springs residents.
What are the typical tuition ranges for the top private schools accessible from Worthington Springs, FL, and are there any Florida-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the leading schools in the region varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $30,000 annually for day students. Florida offers two major state-sponsored financial aid programs that can be used at participating private schools: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES). These need-based or income-based programs can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. It's crucial to check each school's financial aid office and confirm their participation in these state programs, as policies and availability differ.
Given Worthington Springs' rural setting, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do nearby private schools offer that might not be available locally?
The top regional private schools provide specialized programs that are often unavailable in small, rural public school districts. For example, Oak Hall School in Gainesville offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) and honors tracks, along with strong arts and robotics programs. The Bolles School in Jacksonville is nationally recognized for its aquatic center and competitive swimming programs, as well as its college counseling. St. Francis Catholic Academy provides a faith-based education with a focus on service learning. These schools offer a breadth of academic, athletic, and artistic opportunities that directly address a common concern for parents in Worthington Springs seeking expanded options for their children.
How does the enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Worthington Springs, FL, differ from the local public school calendar?
Private schools in Gainesville and Jacksonville operate on a much more competitive and earlier timeline than Union County public schools. While public school registration is often open throughout the summer, top private schools like Oak Hall, Bolles, and St. Francis typically have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with admissions testing, interviews, and shadow days occurring in the winter. Notification of acceptance is usually sent by March or April. For Worthington Springs families, planning must begin at least a full year in advance, and it's highly recommended to attend open houses in the fall.
What are the key factors for a Worthington Springs family to consider when choosing between the local Union County public schools and a private school with a long commute?
This decision hinges on evaluating trade-offs. Union County public schools offer proximity, no tuition, and community integration. The commute to a private school (45-75 minutes each way) represents a major investment of time and logistics, often requiring early mornings and after-school care. Families must weigh this against the perceived benefits: potentially smaller class sizes, specialized academic or athletic programs, different social environments, and, for religious schools, faith-based instruction. Many families use carpools or explore boarding options (available at some schools like Bolles for older students) to mitigate the distance. Visiting both local public schools and the prospective private schools is essential for a direct comparison.
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