High Marks: The 2019 Private High School Report Card : Orlando Family Magazine

High Marks: The 2019 Private High School Report Card

Each year, we take a closer look at some of the area’s top private schools to get a better grasp on how these fine academic institutions are shaping their academic approach to help their students achieve new heights. By using information directly obtained from the schools, we gleaned data in key areas like average SAT scores, the percentage of students attending four-year colleges, tuition rates and much more. We also spoke with several school officials to get their take on the benefits of private education and how it can benefit not only the students, but also their families.

* Increase for grade 12
**Increase for non-Catholic students

A Private Decision
Is private schooling right for your child?

Every parent wants the best for their children and thus a huge importance is placed on education. But while weighing the pros and cons of the public vs. private debate, it’s easy to get overwhelmed in the decision making process. While tuition rates and academic success are paramount, there are many other additional factors to be considered. In an effort to drill down on some of the details, we spoke with leadership at some of the area’s leading private schools to ask them key questions to find out information parents can use to determine how their children will be challenged academically, engaged socially and much more.

In what ways are a private school teacher given more freedom to be creative in the classroom and how does that foster improved academic outcomes?
“Teachers focus on the customized needs of the students. Rather than teaching to an annual state assessment, [they are able to] focus on college preparedness and social, emotional growth. This shift in teacher focus and creativity reaps not only higher academic outcomes—on average, one grade level ahead—but also student well-being. The investment in a private education equates to your child walking into a classroom every day with a teacher prepared and ready to give them an experience based on their individual needs, passions and future.”
— Sarah Donovan, senior director of advancement, The First Academy

Do you find parents become a close-knit community and how is that partnership beneficial for both parties?
“Parenting is hard, and it truly takes a village to raise children in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society. There are many ways to create a supportive village, but one of the most rewarding has been the close-knit relationships that are fostered. We are invested in our boys, but also in the entire school community. It’s comforting to know we are not raising our boys alone and can rely on teachers, administrators, coaches and other parents to model and expect the same core values we are attempting to instill at home.”
— Lara Lee, mother of two students at Lake Highland Prep

In what ways can a private education help a student with not only academics, but also personal growth and development?
“The ability to manage the size and population of students in a private setting allows a private school to develop a consensus culture which gives children the confidence to want to be successful in their school efforts in and out of the classroom, which ultimately yields positive outcomes for personal growth and development.”
— Dr. Kasey Kesselring, headmaster, Montverde Academy

In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about private school education?
“One of the biggest misconceptions about independent schools is related to affordability. For families with demonstrated need, most schools offer need-based tuition assistance and waivers for testing and/or application fees. Students and families who value a holistic education are important to every school community. Access to resources is one of the great things independent schools provide on many levels for students and families.”
— Catherine McWhorter, director of admissions and tuition assistance, Trinity Prep

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s October 2019 issue.