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Private Schools in Miami and Orlando, FL

Many of the leading Florida private schools are located in the major cities, including Orlando and Miami. Students attending these schools typically have a very different experience than those that attend a public school. Private schools throughout the State of Florida are independently owned, and many are Bible-based or religious schools that incorporate religious teachings and programs into the curriculum.

Attending Orlando and Miami Private Schools

Orlando and Miami private schools offer a diversified curriculum and give students a chance to undertake countless projects and hands-on activities throughout their educational career. Some schools offer individualized academic programs to ensure that all students reach their full potential.

Some of the key benefits of attending private schools include:

  • Higher education standards than a public school
  • Students are challenged academically, physically and socially to reach their full potential
  • Integration of community service and participation in arts programs
  • Certain extracurricular activities are required for graduation
  • Low student teacher ratio and smaller class sizes
  • Opportunity to work one-on-one with a teacher
  • School has more funds to support student-run clubs and specialized programs that enhance the educational experience
  • Pushes students to pursue a postsecondary education and succeed in college
  • Instilled a strong sense of values so that students develop into mature adults

In 2001, the National Center for Education Statistics showed that, "At private schools, a greater percentage of children had parents who were satisfied with order and discipline than with the school or teachers in 1999."

Accreditation of Florida Private Schools

The Florida Department of Education does not accredit, regulate, approve or license Florida private schools.

Many Florida private schools are accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), a professional education association that establishes the high standards all nonpublic schools must comply with. The organization evaluates and accredits independent schools throughout the state of Florida, and represents over 72,000 students in 153 member schools.

Other accrediting agencies include the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA), and the Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic School (FAANS).

A Florida private school may also be accredited by one of the following organizations:

  • Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
  • Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF)
  • Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS)
  • Florida League of Christian Schools
  • National Independent Private School Association (NIPSA)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
  • Florida Coalition of Christian Private Schools Association (FCCPSA)

Florida Private School Admission Process

Even though every school's admission process is different, there are many similarities between the admission requirements of Florida private schools.

Some of the key requirements for admission include:

  • Age must meet the standards of the Florida Department of Education
  • Parents must submit a Florida Department of Health physical and immunization form
  • Parents must submit a birth certificate and social security number
  • Students' behavior and academic performance must have been satisfactory in the previous school year
  • Students must pass a private school admissions test
  • If admission is granted, the parent or guardian must agree to adhere to all school regulations

Some students who are accepted conditionally will be placed on probation and observed by the Principal or Assistant Principal for a certain period of time. If the student does not meet the school's standards or comply with the school's requirements, they may be dismissed.

Types of Orlando Private Schools

Students who are interested in attending an Orlando private school can choose from several preparatory colleges, Bible-based schools and highly-competitive schools in and around the city. Some of the leading schools include:

  • Pine Castle Christian Academy
  • The First Academy
  • Bishop Moore High School
  • New School Preparatory of Orlando
  • The Christ School
  • Teachers Hand's Academy
  • Trinity Lutheran Church & School

Types of Miami Private Schools

Many Miami private schools are faith-based organizations, and offer day programs with a multitude of extracurricular activities, community service projects and athletics programs. Some of the leading ones include:

  • Miami Christian School
  • Immaculata - La Salle High School
  • Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart
  • Miami Country Day School
  • St. Brendan Catholic High School
  • Brito Miami Private School
  • St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School

 

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