As a parent, making sure your children receive a good education is probably one of your biggest priorities, especially if you are getting ready to move to a new city or neighborhood. There are a handful of good private schools in Gainesville, but the public school system may not be the best environment to help your children thrive, or you may not have good schools in your area.
A Gainesville private school ensures your child receives individual attention with smaller classrooms plus greater access to extracurriculars. Many private schools have increased parental involvement, a more rigorous curriculum, and a learning style and environment that aligns with your personal beliefs, with several secular and nonsecular options to choose from.
Here are the eight best private schools in Gainesville FL, with state-wide and national achievements and unique academic approaches.
Cornerstone Academy – Gainesville Private School Focused on College Prep in Classical Logic & Rhetoric Studies
- Affiliation: non-denominational Christian, no church affiliation
- Grades: PK-12
- Address: 1520 NW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32605
- Phone: (352) 378-9337
Cornerstone Academy offers a full PK to 12 non-denominational Christian education. Students receive a robust academic education with an emphasis on college preparatory studies in the classical schools of Rhetoric and Logic. Elementary students have a traditional 5-day week with the option for a 1- or 2-day home study option using teacher-provided lessons. Middle school Logic and high school Rhetoric students can choose home study one day per week.
In addition to the classical academic curriculum designed to foster virtuous hearts and logical minds, Cornerstone Academy offers a range of extracurricular activities and athletics. The school’s mission is to help students build godly character and become passionate disciples of Christ.
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Cornerstone Academy tuition & financial aid: Tuition for 2022/2023 is $8,400 for grammar school, $8,600 for Logic (6-8), and $8,650 for Rhetoric (9-12). There is a $250 per student enrollment fee ($400 family maximum), and $60 application fee. There are additional fees for sports and after school programs.
Financial aid may be available through FACTS for families in need. Scholarships may also be available through the AAA Scholarship Foundation and Step Up for Students.
PASSAGE Christian Academy – Small Gainesville Christian Private School with Numerous Awards & Programs
- Affiliation: Christian, non-denominational
- Grades: K-12
- Address: 5121 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641
- Phone: (352) 336-8983
PCA was founded in 2010 to reach the underprivileged and educationally underserved in Gainesville. The small Christian school offers a STEAM curriculum and numerous programs for students, including Chess Club, Dance Team, Choir and Praise Team, and Cheerleading. Alumni have earned numerous honors and achievements, including the MLK Commission of Florida Youth Oratory winners, a Northeast Florida Forensics Competition winner, and Rosa Parks Quiet Courage Essay Award winners.
The Rock School – Christian Private School with a Dual Credit Program & International Baccalaureate Candidate Status
- Affiliation: The Rock Church
- Grades: K-12
- Address: 9818 Southwest 24th Avenue b, Gainesville, FL 32607
- Phone: (352) 331-7625
The Rock School is a dual accredited private Christian school founded by The Rock of Gainesville. About 20% of students attend The Rock Church, but the school has a student body from over 55 churches in the area. On Monday mornings, the K-12 student body and staff join in the All-School Chapel for service that includes a short sermon, scripture reading, creedal confession, and singing. Discipleship classrooms help students develop their faith by reflecting on scripture, studying Christian theology, and learning how to apply their faith in daily life.
It isn’t just the strong Christian education that makes The Rock School one of the best Gainesville private schools. Students also benefit from a robust academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and a Dual Credit program with Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. College counseling is provided starting in the 7th grade, with an 87% acceptance rate among students who apply to the University of Florida. The Rock School in Gainesville is also a Candidate School and pursuing authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
The Rock School tuition: You must request an information packet for current tuition rates. However, The Rock School awards over $300,000 in financial aid and assistance every year through school-and state-funded programs.
Oak Hall School – One of the Best Private High Schools in Gainesville FL
- Affiliation: Nonsectarian
- Grades: K-12
- Address: 1700 SW 75th St, Gainesville, FL 32607
- Phone: (352) 332-3609
Oak Hall is frequently ranked as one of the top private schools in Florida and one of the best Florida private schools for athletics, college prep, and STEM. The school offers several signature programs, including the Junior Classical League, Speech and Debate, and Youth in Government, with a national award-winning chess program. Oak Hall is known for its meaningful clubs and extracurricular programs that are locally and nationally recognized and help students rise to new challenges and prepare for college and beyond.
Starting in junior kindergarten, children learn how to play chess. An advisory program starting in 6th grade helps students receive the emotional, social, and academic support they need with a dedicated team of counselors and faculty members. The STEM program is part of the curriculum for all middle school students. By 8th grade, students receive college counseling and later have their own college counselor and faculty advisor who help with college essays, ACT and SAT preparation, and career planning.
Oak Hall School tuition: 2022/2023 tuition at Oak Hall is $15,560 for kindergarten, $16,380 for grades 1-5, $18,520 for grades 6-8, and $19,110 for grades 9-12. Preschool and junior kindergarten tuition ranges from $7,830 to $13,500.
Oak Hall offers financial assistance based on need using funds from the budget and private donors. The school also participates in the Florida School Choice K-12 Scholarship Program. The average award is $7,555, with 22% of students receiving some type of financial assistance.
St. Patrick Interparish School – Highly Rated Catholic Private School in Gainesville FL Fostering Religion, Respect & Responsibility
- Affiliation: Catholic
- Grades: PK-8
- Address: 550 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
- Phone: (352) 376-9878
St. Patrick Interparish School began in 1959 as part of the St. Augustine Church when the Catholic tradition called for each parish to offer a parochial education. The formation of the St. Augustine and the Holy Faith parishes led to the “interparish” school, as all three were encouraged to send their children to the same school without an outside parish fee.
Today, St. Patrick Interparish School is one of the largest Catholic private schools in Gainesville, with over 400 students enrolled through the 8th grade. Students can participate in a range of athletic programs with JV and Varsity teams, a traditional music program, Spanish language instruction for grades 3-8, and a Learning Lab to help students overcome learning challenges.
St. Patrick Interparish School tuition: The Catholic tuition rate is $5,400 and $7,200 for non-fully participating Catholic families. The Morning Star tuition is $9,500. Additional fees include a registration fee ($300), student fee ($520), and 8th grade graduation fee ($250). The school accepts scholarships through Step Up for Families.
Gainesville Country Day School – One of the Only Non-Religious Private Schools in Gainesville FL
- Affiliation: Nonsectarian
- Grades: PK-5
- Address: 6801 SW 24th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
- Phone: (352) 332-7783
GCDS is one of the only nonsectarian private schools in Gainesville FL for parents who want to give their children a quality private education without a religious curriculum or affiliation. This independent, nonsectarian, and coeducational school provides early education to children as young as 6 weeks through elementary school on two campuses.
The school’s curriculum emphasizes active learning instead of passive learning with activities that foster creativity and independence. Students benefit from a low student-to-teacher ratio for individual attention and flexible experiences to meet the unique experiences and abilities of all students.
Gainesville Country Day School tuition: Elementary tuition is $10,560 for 2022/2023 with a $150 registration fee. GCDS accepts scholarships from Step Up for Students, including Gardiner, McKay, Family Empowerment, and Florida Tax Credit scholarships.
Queen of Peace Catholic Academy – Robust Academic Curriculum Combined with Catholic Teachings & Traditions
- Affiliation: Roman Catholic
- Grades: PK-8
- Address: 10900 SW 24th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
- Phone: (352) 332-8808
QPCA was founded by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 2000 to inspire, teach, and nurture students to become prolific community members. The faith formation program has students fully participate in daily prayers, Wednesday Mass, monthly prayer service, and Holy Day celebrations.
The curriculum includes STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art & Music), Chinese, Spanish, Media Research, and Physical Education to strengthen core subjects. The school also allows students to participate in the National Junior Honor Society and the Duke University Youth Program to serve as role models and challenge them to further develop their strengths.
Queen of Peace Catholic Academy tuition: Tuition is $7,300 for fully participating Catholics and $9,750 for all others. There are additional fees, including a $250 enrollment fee, $50 application fee, and a $550 instructional fee which covers instructional materials, lab fees, supplies, and more. Scholarships are available through the AAA Scholarship Foundation.
Countryside Christian School – Accredited Christian Private School in Gainesville with ABEKA & Accelerated Christian Education
- Affiliation: Baptist
- Grades: PK-12
- Address: 10926 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606
- Phone: (352) 332-1493
Countryside Christian School offers a Biblically-based ABEKA and Accelerated Christian Education curriculum designed to foster strong moral character and independence. Students benefit from an individualized curriculum, individual attention, and goal setting. The school also offers leadership and athletics programs for middle school and high school students.
Countryside Christian School tuition: Basic tuition is $6,500 plus a $300 registration fee and $25 application fee. Technology and supply fees are $200, and estimated additional costs include uniforms ($500), student convention ($250), and graduation ($200). There are additional fees for after school and sports programs.
Scholarships may be available through the Florida AAA Scholarship Foundation, the Florida Department of Education, McKay, and Corporate Tax Credit Scholarships.
Map of Private Schools in Gainesville FL
Have you found the right private school in Gainesville FL for your family? If you’re relocating within the city or Gainesville area, 2 College Brothers is here to help. Give us a call for a free moving estimate, and we’ll make moving day a breeze so you can settle in and enjoy the benefits of your new neighborhood in no time.
