With the new school year underway, it’s time for us to take a look at some of the region’s leading private schools are helping their students excel and progress and young adults. We worked directly with the schools to glean information in key areas like the percentage of students attending four-year colleges, tuition rates, student-to-teacher ratios and more. One set of statistics we have omitted this year are the average SAT scores. With many colleges and universities switching to test-optional policies for applicants due to the pandemic, and many students opting out of taking the test, we have decided it was best to not include those numbers for this year.

Additionally, we asked school officials how they are managing the ongoing pandemic, what prospective parents should consider when looking for the private school for their child and to find out why the private school experience is much more than what takes place in the classroom.

*These courses are offered as part of The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

*Increase for non-Catholic students

Private Discussion

We asked school officials about how they are juggling learning during the pandemic, the best way to cultivate well-rounded students and how they look to break down stereotypes associated with private education.

When parents weigh private education, there are a lot of factors for them consider which institution is best suited for their child. How do you inform prospective parents of all that you have to offer and what is the best way for prospective students to experience the school?

“There are many outstanding private school options in Central Florida. It is one thing to read about opportunities in a brochure, but the best way to experience a private school setting is not done virtually but rather in person. We invite families to attend one of our admissions open houses and to sign up for a private tour, preferably while classes are in session. This way, a prospective family can get a sense of our school community. We tell a family that since there are so many excellent options, the one that perhaps ‘feels right’ probably is the best choice. It is far more difficult to know if something feels right if a personal visit never takes place.” — Dr. David Rath, associated head of school/dean of enrollment, management, Montverde Academy

With the pandemic still lingering, what practices are you implementing for this school year and have there been lessons learned along the way that will allow you to create the best learning environment possible for students?

“During the 2020-21 school year, The First Academy adapted to the pandemic, caring for our students, families, faculty and staff, making for a successful in-person school year. Following similar guidance, we continue to adapt to the current situation while balancing the immediate needs of our campus and community.” — Casey Vaughn, creative marketing manager, The First Academy

“Even though our students remain in masks, there is a palpable joy of being together in the classroom. Our students and staff throughout the pandemic have demonstrated incredible resiliency, and we have learned that when life throws us a curveball, we can all adjust well to it. This year far more so than last year has returned to a truer sense of “normal.” We are not offering virtual instruction and walking the hallways one can see that students are engaged safely in the learning process. We still remain vigilant to try to minimize the impact of COVID-19, and we do so because we see the value of staying face-to-face in the classroom, not wanting to jeopardize a return to virtual learning.” – Dr. David Rath, Montverde Academy

Do you find that parents of private school students become a close-knit community, and how is that partnership beneficial for both parties?

“Absolutely. We have a huge network of Trinity Prep parents that engage with the school on a regular basis, but more importantly, engage with one another building lifelong family friendships. I think it’s that true sense of genuine belonging and relationship building that occurs when you welcome diversity, equity, and inclusion both on and off of the campus.” – Jon-Paul Wimer, marketing and communications manager, Trinity Prep

“We look at the education of each of our 1,600 students as a team effort with the goal of allowing our students to achieve the best version of themselves. In order to reach these goals, students, parents and teachers must all be supporting one another. With small class sizes we have the ability to interact with each student daily on a both a class and individual level. Our established sense of togetherness helps facilitate our student’s individual goals into becoming those of the community around them.” — Marketing, admissions and communications team, Windermere Prep

“We do find that our parents become a close-knit community. The same can be said of our students and faculty as well. A community that feels like family is a source of pride for all Lake Mary Prep Griffins. When all stakeholders are committed to the common mission and vision, our students receive the best we have to offer in education.” — Amy Petrousky, middle school principal, Lake Mary Prep

Aside from academics, how important is it for your students to experience social and community engagement, athletics or other extra-curricular activities to not only challenge them in the classroom, but also engage them outside of the school’s halls?

“Our mission at The First Academy is to develop well-rounded students who seek character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life. The majority of our students participate in athletics, fine arts, student leadership and other extracurricular activities. Athletic competition is offered as early as Kindergarten and culminates with 32 offerings at the Upper School level. Students also excel in the performing arts, competing at the local, regional and state levels in Choir, Theatre and Band. Beyond the field or stage, students often tell us they love electives like media production, performing arts and other student-led interest clubs and organizations.” – Casey Vaughn, The First Academy

“At Lake Highland, we value and seek to develop the whole child. While we are a rigorous academic institution with myriad opportunities for our students to flourish within the classroom, we place just as high a value on the character development and leadership skills that grow through co-curricular activities and community service.” – Jonathan Hiett, dean of students, Lake Highland Prep

“It is extremely important that Lake Mary Prep students are engaged in extracurricular activities, athletics, fine arts and community service. We believe in the development of the whole child as we prepare our students to become global citizens who will thrive as leaders and change agents in the world. Our educators work tirelessly to provide an environment where students can discover their passion and pursue it to their fullest potential.” – Amy Petrousky, Lake Mary Prep

“Men and women are by nature spiritual, intellectual, creative and physical beings, and to be fully human requires that we cultivate the whole person in all of those areas. While academic achievement is a high priority at Geneva, students also have the opportunity to maximize their God-given abilities outside of the classroom through athletics and the fine arts. In addition, service is the incarnation of all that we teach. It is putting into action our faith, our ethics, our virtues, our loves. Whether it expresses itself through class or grade projects, club or school-wide events, or in the community, service to others promotes humility, compassion, kindness and purposeful living.” Kedi Milajecki, advancement coordinator, The Geneva School

“We encourage our students to get involved in any activity in which they are passionate or curious to explore: clubs, athletics, fine arts, forensics, community service, student government, leadership, robotics, etc. Our students graduate with a strong sense of community, lasting relationships and know how to advocate for themselves.” – Jon-Paul Wimer, Trinity Prep

In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about private school education?

“All private school students are asked to fit into a certain mold. We have found quite the opposite, private school enables creativity, self-expression and inward discovery. Our class sizes, amazing teachers and student-focused curriculum allows each of our students to become the best version of themselves. Marketing, admissions and communications team, Windermere Prep

“The biggest misconception is that private school is only for the wealthy. Our state provides many opportunities for families to consider private education. Most private schools also provide financial aid. The support from the state allows these financial aid funds to stretch further and in the case of our school, over 40% of our students receive financial aid.” – Kedi Milajecki, The Geneva School