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Planning a move to Central Florida often means researching schools alongside homes. A school’s curriculum, campus location, and daily schedule can all shape your search.
There are many private schools in Central Florida, from programs serving young children through graduation to schools focused on the middle and high school years. This guide highlights nine options across the Orlando area, including Winter Garden, Windermere, Apopka, Montverde, Winter Park, and Lake Mary.
Use it as a starting point for campus visits and conversations with admissions teams. The schools appear in no ranked order: the right choice depends on your child’s needs, interests, and the learning environment your family is seeking.
1. Central Florida Preparatory School
Location: Apopka
Grades: Pre-K through grade 12
Central Florida Preparatory School combines an early-childhood Montessori program with elementary, middle, and high school education. Its published approach emphasizes hands-on learning, STEM, experiential activities, and whole-child development.
Families can ask how classroom structure changes after Montessori and how the school supports students as they move between divisions. During a tour, explore how its STEM labs and other learning spaces are used in your child’s grade.
Explore Central Florida Preparatory School
2. Montverde Academy
Location: Montverde
Grades: Pre-K3 through grade 12; postgraduate options also available
Montverde Academy is an independent college-preparatory school with both day and boarding programs. Boarding serves grades 7–12, and the school describes an international community alongside its academic and athletic offerings.
Families researching homes in Montverde, Clermont, Oakland, or Winter Garden can include it in their school visits while checking the actual drive from each property. Ask about the ordinary academic day as well as any specialized program that interests your child.
3. Foundation Academy
Location: Winter Garden and Orlando campuses
Grades: Pre-K through grade 12 across its campuses
Foundation Academy offers a Christian education across its Plant Street, Tilden, and Lakeside campuses. Its program combines academics with a Christ-centered mission, and its upper grades include honors and Advanced Placement coursework.
Because children in different grades may attend different campuses, confirm the current campus assignment before evaluating a commute. Families with siblings should map both drop-off and pickup routines rather than assuming one school means one location.
Explore Foundation Academy’s campuses
4. Lake Highland Preparatory School
Location: Orlando
Grades: Pre-K through grade 12
Lake Highland Preparatory School offers education from early childhood through high school, with academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities. Its range of divisions allows families to explore both their child’s immediate needs and the path into later grades.
Ask which campus serves your child’s division and how transitions work between school levels. Review the programs available at the age your child is entering, rather than choosing solely from high school offerings.
Explore Lake Highland Preparatory School
5. Trinity Preparatory School
Location: Winter Park
Grades: 6–12
Trinity Preparatory School focuses on middle and upper school education. Its published offerings include STEM experiences, an advisory program, community service, arts, athletics, and college counseling.
Since Trinity begins in sixth grade, it is an option to explore for a middle school transition or later move. Ask about placement, the daily workload, and how advisors help students settle into a new school community.
Explore Trinity Preparatory School
6. Windermere Preparatory School
Location: Windermere
Grades: Pre-K3 through grade 12
Windermere Preparatory School is part of Nord Anglia Education and offers day and boarding options. Its International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme serves grades 11–12. The school also describes STEAM learning and performing arts collaborations.
For younger children, ask which curriculum and IB programs are currently authorized for their division; candidacy and authorization are different stages. Families considering Windermere or nearby communities should also test the school-day drive from individual homes.
Explore Windermere Preparatory School
7. The First Academy
Location: Orlando
Grades: Preschool through grade 12
The First Academy offers a Christ-centered college-preparatory education. Alongside its traditional school divisions, it describes Hybrid Home+School and Distinct Abilities Learning programs.
These are separate educational options, so ask admissions which program fits the schedule and services you are seeking. Families can also discuss faith expectations, academic placement, extracurricular activities, and the requirements for the specific division they are considering.
8. Lake Mary Preparatory School
Location: Lake Mary
Grades: Pre-K through grade 12
Lake Mary Preparatory School offers lower, middle, and upper school divisions. Its academic overview includes honors-level middle school subjects, upper school AP Capstone, and college guidance.
This adds a north-Orlando-area option to the list. Families comparing it with schools farther west or south should look carefully at the commute and after-school schedule. Ask how academic placement and elective choices work for incoming students.
Explore Lake Mary Preparatory School
9. Bishop Moore Catholic High School
Location: Orlando
School level: High school
Bishop Moore Catholic provides a Catholic high school setting with academic programs, college counseling, campus ministry, arts, and athletics. Its published resources also include academic support and a writing center.
Families seeking a faith-based high school can ask about religious coursework, service expectations, placement, and transfer requirements. Review the current curriculum and support services directly with the school before deciding whether the program meets your teenager’s needs.
Explore Bishop Moore Catholic High School
What to ask when comparing private schools
A campus visit is most useful when you bring questions specific to your child. Start with these:
- Is there space in the grade and program we need?
- What are the application deadlines, assessments, and transfer requirements?
- What is the full annual cost, including fees, meals, uniforms, activities, and transportation?
- What financial aid or scholarship options apply to our situation?
- What learning support is available, who provides it, and does it cost extra?
- How do teachers communicate with parents and help new students adjust?
- What are the arrival, dismissal, and after-school schedules?
If your child uses accommodations or receives learning support, discuss the details directly with the school before enrolling. Ask what it can provide in practice, and request clear written information about the proposed services.
Plan the school search and home search together
Private school admission is separate from buying a nearby home. Before making plans around a campus, confirm the admissions timeline and availability.
Then test the route during school travel hours. Consider activities, siblings at different campuses, and how pickup fits your workday. A home that looks convenient on a map may feel different during the daily routine.
Whether you are considering Winter Garden, Windermere, Oakland, or another Central Florida community, I can help you compare homes around your preferred locations, budget, and commute. Contact Emily Porto to discuss your relocation and home search.
School information checked October 16, 2026 using the official websites linked above. Programs, grade configurations, costs, and admissions availability may change. This guide is a selected overview, not an exhaustive list or ranking. Confirm current details with each school.
